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KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

COMMON LAW 



AND 



LEGAL TEXT BOOK 



OF THE OEDEE. 



I*T 07^*7-0 ZF.A.IRI'S. 



BEING AN EXPOSITION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF PYTHIAN LAW, AND A 
UNIVERSAL DIGEST FOB THE ORDER AT LARGE, INCLUDING A COM- 
PLETE DIGEST OF THE LAWS OF THE SUPREME LODGE, AND 
A DIGEST OF THE PRINCIPLES OF PYTHIAN COMMON LAW, 
AS ESTABLISHED BY THE VARIOUS GRAND LODGES. 



Together with an Appendix containing the Constitution of the 

Supreme Lodge in force at the close of the 

Session of April, 1884. 



By J. S. SHEOPSHIEE, P. S. E. 



/ r i 



OMAHA, NEBRASKA : 
Herald Printing and Publishing House, 

1885. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1885, by 

J. S. SHEOP SHIRE, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



Gibson, Miller & Richardson, 

Printers, Electrotypers and Binders, 

Omaha, Neb. 



TO 

JUSTUS H. KATHBONE, 

Founder and P. S. C. 

To whose genius and many self-sacrificing efforts we are indebted 

for the beautiful principles of Pythianism, as exemplified 

in the Eitual and practiced by an army of 

One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Knights, 

This work is respectfully and fraternally 

dedicated. 



PEEFACE. 



In presenting this book to the Order I realize the fact that 
I shall be told of my presumption, and the book itself criticised 
from many anjd diverse standpoints, perhaps condemned, espe- 
cially by those whose anticipations have led them to expect 
something masterly, or at least different, upon the subject of 
our Pythian Jurisprudence. 

It is with diffidence, therefore, that I put it forth, and in 
doing so, ask the membership, ere they pronounce judgment, 
to consider first, these facts : That, so far as I have been able 
to ascertain, this is the first attempt of any secret society to 
digest its principles of " common law." That to make a digest, 
of any kind, if it lays claim, or proffers the least pretence to 
accuracy, involves careful research, patient labor, and an ex- 
ercise of judgment that may very naturally be at fault. It is 
not pretended that this book is absolutely free of defects ; it is 
claimed for it, however, that any want of accuracy, or of com- 
pleteness, which may be discovered in it, does not arise from a 
lack of careful study, or persevering scrutiny, in the selection 
or culling of the principles of our Pythian Law ; rather from 
an exercise of a mistaken judgment, which may be reasonably 
expected in the compilation of a work involving so much, the 
exercise of judgment rather than genius or literary acumen. It 
will, therefore, I trust, commend itself to the minds of those 
who are disposed to be candid and fair in their criticisms. 

A second attempt in this direction, by whomsoever may have 
the hardihood to attempt it, may evidence a marked improve- 
ment in many respects ; a revision of the work even, I am 
induced to admit, will unquestionably add to its advantages, 
but I am satisfied that, in its present shape, with its faults 
and defects, it supplies a want that will be appreciated by all 
who acquaint themselves with its contents. 

As a digest of the legislation of the Supreme Lodge, I have 
every reason to believe it will be found superior, and by far, 
more satisfactory than any of the "official digests" hitherto 
promulgated. This is not in derogation of the value or char- 

(5) 



O PEEFACE. 

acter of the works alluded to, nor of the ability of the eminent 
gentlemen and brothers who have given this subject their 
thought and attention, but rather from the fact that I have 
been able to profit by their experience, and for this reason 
alone, I feel assured of the merits and advantages of the work 
here offered to the membership. 

Much of the matter digested here will be found interesting 
for its historical value, and the whole matter has been so ar- 
ranged and indexed, that there cannot be any difficulty in 
finding any point, or question desired, which may have been a 
subject of legislation by the Supreme Lodge, and which can be 
said to have any force as existing law or precedent. This, 
even, in the face of the great difficulty, in determining what is, 
and what is not, law, as found in the great mass of legislation 
of the Supreme Lodge, especially during the earlier years. 
There can be no doubt that a great deal of the legislation of 
these years, was prompted by policy, and for temporary effect, 
hence it is, that much of it has been rendered entirely nuga- 
tory by subsequent usage and custom which have grown up 
around and about it, and so become founded upon principles 
which now form the basis of our Pythian Jurisprudence. It is 
to be regretted that, legislation, for policy sake, was resorted 
to, to such an extent by the founders of our Order, when by a 
resort to a moment's reflection, they would have realized that 
the foundation they were laying was to support a grand, 
mighty, noble superstructure, which the years and the future 
generations would build to their honor and fame. 

A large amount of the legislation of the Supreme Lodge dur- 
ing the early years of its trials and difficulties, although im- 
portant at the time, is now of little or no value, being local, or 
restricted in its application, while many of the principles 
enunciated and established, will now be found incorporated in 
the constitution and rules, and it has been thought unneces- 
sary to digest any of these provisions. The constitution can 
be read and studied, as it should be, and the digesting of any 
of its provisions has been purposely avoided. The constitution 
of the Supreme Lodge in force at the present time will be 
found in the appendix. 

Another subject of legislation, which previous to 1870 occu- 
pied a large portion of the time of the Supreme Lodge, was 
the making and perfecting of the constitutions for Grand and 



PEEFACE. 7 

Subordinate Lodges. Now that the authority to make these 
instruments has been delegated to the Grand Lodges, the 
great bulk of legislation in this respect has become nugatory, 
and for this reason it is often difficult to determine what 
should, and what should not, be incorporated in this digest. 

It will be borne in mind that the Supreme Lodge, from the 
beginning, arrogated to itself a wide range of powers in the 
management, government and control of the Lodges, Grand 
and Subordinate. Gradually these powers have been curtailed 
and restricted, until now the Grand Lodges are clothed with 
almost plenary powers in dealing with their subordinates. 
Much of the legislation of the Supreme Lodge has been in de- 
termining, denning and limiting the jurisdiction of the Grand 
Lodges. This legislation is generally important, and in the 
preparation of this digest I have bestowed special care upon 
this question. 

"While every subject will be found indexed under its proper 
head, in addition to this, I have thought it advisable to group 
together all the decisions on this subject of "local jurisdiction," 
and index them under the one general head of "Local Legisla- 
tion.'" This will be a matter of convenience to those who desire 
to specially examine this subject, thus enabling them to do so 
with facility, and without the necessity of referring to each 
particular subject, as it may be found under its proper head. 

That portion of the digest devoted to the principles of what 
I am disposed to designate our "Common Law," will be found 
instructive and valuable to every thinking Knight. Here of 
course, will be found decisions and legislation resting upon local 
law ; many also resting upon principle, or the construction of 
law, but I venture to say that all may, and will be cited as au- 
thority in the discussion of questions before the Subordinate 
and Grand Lodges, and even before the Supreme Lodge itself. 

An important feature of the digest, it will be conceded, I 
trust, is that the subjects, so far as it has been possible to make 
them, are full and explicit, rendering a recurrence to the Jour- 
nals for verification unnecessary. The precise words of the 
resolution, ruling or decision, in most cases, have been given, 
but where this has been found impracticable, a concise state- 
ment, sufficiently full to convey a clear understanding of the 
point is set forth instead, in the words, so far as practicable, 
as found in the Journals. 



8 PKEFACE. 

A distinction is made between a "ruling" and a "decision" 
of the Supreme and Grand Chancellors in this : A ruling is 
made upon a point or question raised during the session of 
these respective bodies. A decision is made upon a question 
presented or occurring during the vacation, and where it has 
been possible to do so, the name of the officer making the ruling 
or decision is given, for the weight it may, perchance, carry 
with it. 

The time is coming when authorities will be read from books 
like this, with purpose and effect, and thus, certainly and 
surely is our "Common Law" to be established. 

This, then, is the prime object of the book, to set before the 
fraternity the principles of our law, which ought to be "com- 
mon," and to show how easily they can be made so. 

Legislation should be more nearly uniform. Decisions 
affecting the same rights and privileges should be more in 
harmony throughout the various Jurisdictions. 

This is the first step in a field hitherto untrodden. It is, 
however, the foundation stone upon which will be erected the 
Pythian Jurisprudence of the future, to which the Knight of 
the coming generation will point with pride and satisfaction 
as the distinguishing mark of our Pythian Order. 

I leave it to the candid judgment of my brother Knights, 
without further apology, and asking only a just criticism of its 
merits and pretensions. 

Omaha, Nebraska, 1885. 



INTEODUCTOEY. 



4 
The terms "Pythian Law" and "Pythian Jurisprudence" now 

so commonly used by the writers and thinkers of our Order, 
may, to a mind not familiar with the growth and progress of 
Py thianism, suggest a presumption on the part of those who have 
come to use these terms in connection with the forms, usages 
and principles governing the organization. It may be con- 
ceded that, at first glance, there is the least plausible founda- 
tion for the charge of presumption, in speaking of our "Py- 
thian Jurisprudence" or of our "Common Law" We are just 
entering our twenty-second year, and comparatively speaking, 
our Order is still in its infancy ; still struggling against the 
vicissitude of infanthood. In an organization so young the 
presumption seems the more glaring. But is the charge of 
presumption true in fact? A brief consideration of the re- 
curring question, what might we not have builded up even in 
this short time in the way of "curiae et leges" to warrant the 
use of these terms, may justify the seeming presumption we 
are charged with assuming. 

Notwithstanding its youthfulness, its longevity was promised 
in the beginning, and it cannot be gainsaid that its stability 
has been assured, and its permanency established, in the twenty- 
one years just closed. And, by the men of marked ability by 
whom our Order has been guided through all the years — many 
of them, years of trial and darkness, — principles have been es- 
tablished which must be recognized as constituting the founda- 
tion of our fraternal fabric, and upon which are rapidly build- 
ing the forms, usages and laws of our Pythian Government. 

Certain principles are inherent in every form of proposed or 
organized government, fraternal, social, or political. Princi- 
ples peculiar to that form of government, and from which all 
its laws, customs and usages are evolved, as it were. Princi- 
ples which are inherent, suggest the character and nature of the 
laws, usages and customs, by which the body is governed and 
controlled. 

In secret societies, especially, the principle of brotherhood is 

(9) 



10 INTEODUCTOEY. 

the essential element, and where this principle is to be fos- 
tered, by practical exemplification of its truths, there follows 
naturally every usage, every custom, every positive law, 
as if radiated by the influence of this one grand central prin- 
ciple about which cluster these very elements of perfect, har- 
monious association, Friendship, Charity and Benevolence. 

Thus it is, the very nature of our compact, the very object of 
our fraternization, suggests the nature and current of our laws, 
local or common, and in twenty-one years, a strong and perfect 
foundation may be builded, as experience shows, has been 
done, for our ' 'Pythian Jurisprudence," so,if there was any pre- 
sumption at any time,in so designating it,itis pardonable now, 
as we shall attempt to show in these pages. 

In the attempt to collate and classify the numerous decis- 
ions and enactments which embody the principles of what we 
are inclined to designate our "Common Law ,"one great difficulty 
is encountered at the outset. 

The Supreme Lodge having yielded so much to the Grand 
Lodges in respect to the powers of legislation, that there has 
sprung up a great diversity of laws and decisions, which for 
the most part, have a local or restricted application. Thus it 
is in the exercise, of the right of "Local Legislation" we find 
principles violated, by positive enactment; reason and justice 
outraged, oftentimes, in furtherance of a motive, scarcely defen- 
sible. Laws are construed differently. This is natural ; but 
it gives rise to conflicting decisions, and erroneous legislation, 
which are irreconcilable, and, outside of the particular juris- 
diction, often impracticable. 

This is the result of local legislation, proper enough, in s. 
restricted sense, but in the full extent of the power exercise.} 
by the Grand Lodges, in many instances, the spirit of brother- 
hood has been forgotten, not from a desire to do wrong, rathar 
from a mistaken motive, or an over zealous partisanship, rot 
always commendable. 

There can be no doubt that this right of Local Legislation, 
to the full extent to which it has been granted and recognized 
by the Supreme Lodge, has worked an injurious effect. It has 
resulted in the arrogation of powers, neither granted nor recog- 
nized. The Grand Lodges generally, have not gone to this 
extreme, however. 

An isolated case might be cited of a denial of the authority 



INTEODUCTOEY. 11 

of the Supreme Head of the Order, and where Local Legisla- 
tion has been claimed as an inherent right, and its unrestricted 
exercise insisted upon with a menacing insubordination. This, 
in the history of our Order, has proved an exception however, 
to the otherwise universal acquiesence in the decrees oi* the 
Supreme Lodge. 

The task then, of pointing out those principles and decisions 
which are common to our Order universal, is not an easy one. 
It has been found far more easy — and that has been the gov- 
erning rule in the preparation of this work — to point out those 
principles and laws which might, could> and should be common 
to our Order everywhere. 

Those provisions of the Constitution made obligatory* by the 
Supreme Lodge, as also the enactments of that body affecting 
the various grand and subordinate bodies,upon matters com- 
ing peculiarly within the province of t*he Supreme Lodge, will 
be recognized as a portion of our Common Law. They are 
binding upon us all, alike. But that other, and far greater 
portion of legislation which defines the rights and privileges of 
the members of the various Grand Jurisdictions, in respect to 
the details of Lodge government, and their status under the 
various and varying conditions of membership, is to be found 
in the enactments of the Grand Lodges, and the decisions of 
the Grand Chancellors ; often discordant and inconsistent, we 
have found them, but throughout all, there is much that should 
be rescued and commended, much worthy of emulation. 

It is to this, the subject of these pages is addressed; to see 
what of harmony can be brought out of it. 

The proposition will be conceded that, so far as fundamental 
principles are concerned there should be no discordant legisla- 
lation. That there is, however, is lamentable, and the more 
to be deplored, from the fact that the Supreme Lodge, on nu- 
merous occasions has manifested its proneness in this direc- 
tion as well. 

To discuss some of these fundamental principles, and to 
note the current of legislation under them, in the Supreme, 
and the various Grand Lodges, is the purpose of this Exposi- 
sition, the prime and essential object being to call attention to 
our Pythian Jurisprudence and to open the way for its future 

*Sec. 2, Art. 8, S. L. Const., app. ; also Digest, Sec. 1765. 



12 INTBODUCTOKY. 

development, upon principles of uniform and universal appli- 
cation. 

It has been deemed unnecessary, in view of the purpose, 
and necessarily limited scope of this Exposition, to refer mi- 
nutely, to the legislation had on the various subjects of Py- 
thian Government, so that only such subjects have been se- 
lected for discussion and illustration as, from their importance, 
seem best calculated to serve the purpose sought. No special 
effort has been made at classification or arrangement of the 
topics, there seeming to be no call for that methodical accu- 
racy usually expected in works of pretension or elaboration. 



KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS COMMON LAW, 

AND 

Legal Text Book of the Okder 



PART FIRST —EXPOSITION. 



APPLICATION 

1. For Membership : Summary of the Law Concerning : Notwith- 
standing the Constitutional provisions governing the reception 
and consideration of applications for membership, these 
have been the subjects of some conflicting legislation. It 
would hardly seem possible, but it is nevertheless true, that 
West Virginia was called upon to decide that applications for 
membership must be in writing.* 

Both California and Nevada have been called upon to decide 
that it is not necessary to vote upon the reception of an appli- 
cation.! 

Of course the theory and principle of our laws do not require 
such action. The Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, as it 
stood prior to the amendment of 1874, provided that "no pro- 
position for membership shall be withdrawn after it has been 
referred to a committee, except by unanimous consent, and all 
whose cases are so referred, shall be balloted for upon report 
of the committee, whether it be favorable or unfavorable." 

As amended in 1874 it provided that "no proposition for 
membership shall be withdrawn unless by consent of the Lodge, 
after it has been referred to a committee, and all cases so re- 
ferred shall be balloted for upon report of the committee, 
whether it be favorable or unfavorable."! 

This provision of the Constitution remains as it was left in 
1874, and the 'effect of it is this : before an application has 

*Digest, Sec. 100. tDigest, Sec. 105 and note. jDann's Official Digest, page 118, 
Sec. 556 and Sec. 6 of Note; also Const. App., Sec. 2, Art. 8, Par 13. 

(13) 



14 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

been referred it may be withdrawn, by the member presenting 
it, without leave ; after its reference it can only be withdrawn 
by consent of the Lodge, which may be given, on motion, by a 
majority vote. 

Prior to the amendment of 1874 the application could only 
be withdrawn, after reference, by unanimous consent. In the 
face of this, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania held that an 
application after reference, could not be withdrawn in any 
case."* 

This may have been in accordance with the constitution 
of Pennsylvania, and under the theory maintained by that 
Jurisdiction, of its right to make and promulgate just such a 
Constitution as it may deem proper, the decision is, of course, 
correct. In 1880, however, Pennsylvania wheeled into line, 
and recognized this constitutional* provision by holding that 
an application could be withdrawn after reference and before 
report, but the committee having reported, a ballot must be 
had.t This is an exact and full compliance with the Constitu- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge. 

It does not appear that the Grand Lodges generally, have 
been much troubled with this question. There are exceedingly 
few decisions, and what constructions may have been placed 
upon the Constitution by the Lodges, in respect to the right of 
withdrawing applications, is a matter of conjecture. It is 
known, however, that some Lodges and many individuals have 
held, as Pennsylvania did in 1873, that, applications cannot be 
withdrawn after presentation, but this impression may not be 
very general, and in view of the law, should now be entirely 
dispelled. In respect to granting consent to withdraw, the 
Grand Lodge of Maine, in 1878, (four years after the amend- 
ment to the Constitution) adopted a resolution to the effect that 
it could only be obtained by secret ballot. 1 This is an extra- 
ordinary precaution, and there may be some reason why such 
a rule should be enforced. 

2. Application: For the Ranks: Rules respecting Ballot for : Un- 
der the title Ballot, in this Exposition || will be found a more 
detailed discussion of the law in respect to applications for 
the Banks. There, it will be found that a ballot is necessary 
on application for advancement, and that ballots must be had 

♦Pennsylvania, Jan. 1873, 129. tPennsylvauia 1880, 31, 177. jMaine, 187S, 
351; 1879, 459, ||Sec54. 



COMMON LAW. 15 

separately for each rank. The law respecting the considera- 
tion of these applications is also, fully set forth. It may be re- 
marked in this connection however, that although there are 
some decisions to the contrary, it is now almost the universal 
rule, that these applications must lie over one week to give op- 
portunity for investigation, before a ballot can be had.* It is 
not necessary that these applications be in writing, and so not 
necessary to refer them to a committee. 

3. Application: From non Residents, considered when: The law 
in respect to the consideration of application from non-resi- 
dents, is now very generally understood, and observed. A de- 
cision by the Grand Chancellor of Wisconsin, D. W. Day, suf- 
ficiently illustrates the almost universal practice as enjoined 
by the law. The Grand Chancellor held that "applications for 
membership by initiation coming from non-residents of this 
state must be accompanied by the written permission over the 
seal of the Lodge in that state nearest the residence of the ap- 
plicant, and the same rule applies to membership by card."t 

From the foundation of the Order,Lodges have restricted their 
field of labor to the circumscribed limits of their respective juris- 
dictions. In other words, they have steadily refrained from en- 
croachment upon the legitimate field of their Sister Lodges. 
While this has been enjoined by law, J it has been acted upon per- 
haps as much from a sense of courtesy, as from legal sanction. 
This question will be found to be more fully discussed under the 
title Jurisdiction,!! where the authorities are collated on the 
controverted questions, and the various opinions in respect to 
the jurisdiction of Lodges, and the rights of applicants are 
commented upon and discussed. 

APPLICANTS. 

4. Qualifications of : The necessary qualifications of appli- 
cants are somewhat indefinitely set forth in the Constitution, § 
and the result is, some diversity of opinion has grown out of 
the various constructions placed upon it. These refer, chiefly, 
to the applicant's age, health, residence, his ability to write, 
etc. It is thought, however, that the decisions in respect to 
this question, and its collateral issues, fully illustrate the law 
as it now exists, and these are fully set forth in the Digest-1" 

♦Digest Application Sec.104. Ballot Sec. 326. +Digest Sec. 1511. Wis. 1882, 519, 
585, 587. tConst. S. L., Sec'2, Art. 8, Par. 15 App. ||Expo. Sec. 150. §Const. S. L., 
Sec. 2, Art. 8, Par. 8 App. USee Titles, Applicant, Application, Jurisdiction. 



l6 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

5. Applicants: Admission of, when over-age: Law Concerning: 

The Committee on Law and Supervision of the Supreme 
Lodge, at the session of 1884 submitted this report : 

"Your Committee on Law and Supervision, to whom was referred 
l)oo« 86, respectfully report, that this is a query, as to the right of a man 
over fifty years of age to be initiated without Dispensation. There is 
no law covering the question, but it is the universal usage and has been 
for a long period of time, and seems to be a part of the unwritten law of 
the Order."* 

The meaning of the committee is obviously clear, but the as- 
sertion that there is no law on the question, must, to the ordinary 
member, appear quite singular. We have come to regard the 
"usage" of requiring a dispensation to initiate an applicant of 
over-age as a fundamental principle, and it is indeed so. This 
maximum limit as to age, we have come to regard as a prin- 
ciple interwoven with the very fibres of our organization. 
That to overstep this limit, required, of necessity, the inter- 
position of higher Power ; a dispensation having the effect to 
nullify, in a given instance, a Law, the binding force of which 
was universally conceded. Dispensations to initiate a person 
over fifty years of age, have been asked for in good faith, as is 
evidenced by the fee which usually accompanies the requests, 
and in the same spirit have Supreme Chancellors and Grand 
Chancellors granted these extraordinary favors, holding, that 
the applicant for whose benefit the favor is asked may be re- 
quired to pay the increased fee. The committee, however, 
were technically correct, in announcing the absence of law, on 
this question, but the assertion bearing the impress of a fact, 
so singular on its face, has induced an inquiry into the matter, 
the result of which is conclusive proof, that the Law as to the 
limit of age, and the dispensation in such cases, is not alto- 
gether a "usage" nor does its authority depend entirely upon 
the fact that it has become a "part of the unwritten Law of the 
Order" The Supreme Lodge has always reserved to itself the 
right to enact certain obligatory laws for the government of 
Subordinate Lodges, and in a measure the assumption is de- 
fensible, on politic, as well as constitutional grounds. These 
laws are found now, chiefly, in the Supreme Lodge Constitu- 
tion. This is the result of a more liberal spirit which has 
characterized the legislation of the Supreme Lodge in the later 
years, constituting, — as a glance at the history of the Order will 

*S. L., 1884, 3064. 



COMMON LAW. 17 

show, — an indefinable departure from the exclusive assumption 
of sovereign authority by the supreme head of the Order in 
earlier years. 

The early constitutions of the Order were promulgated by 
the Supreme Lodge, not only its own, but that of the Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges as well. It will be remembered that 
the Supreme Body was organized in August, 1868. At the ses- 
sion held in the following November at Wilmington, Delaware, 
the first General Laws of the Order were adopted, consisting 
of three separate Constitutions, one for the Supreme Lodge, 
one for the Grand Lodges, and one for the Subordinate Lodges. 
These went into effect on the first day of January, 1869. Sec. 
1 of Art. 5 of the Constitution of Subordinate Lodges, con- 
tained the following clause: 

"No person shall be initiated into a Lodge who is under twenty-one 
or over fifty years of age (unless by dispensation),"* etc. 

Thus, it will be seen, the limit of age, both minimum and 
maximum, was fixed by the first Constitution, and hence a 
part of the written law of the Order. 

This Constitution seems to have been generally observed by 
the Jurisdictions, with the bare exception of Pennsylvania. 
This Jurisdiction took so much of it as seemed to meet its 
views, discarding the remainder. ' The provision in respect to 
the limit of age, appears in the Constitution as remodeled by 
Pennsylvania, as follows : 

"The Lod«ge shall not initiate into the mysteries of the Order any per- 
son who is not a white man, under fifty years of age, of good moral 
character,"! etc. 

By this it will be seen that the limit is absolute, the condi- 
tion imperative ; a dispensation could not be granted to initiate 
one without the limit. In 1868 Supreme Chancellor Eead was 
called upon to construe this provision of the Supreme Lodge 
Constitution, when he held, that the proviso, in respect to the 
dispensation, applied only to the maximum age, not to the 
minimum, that under no consideration could a minor be initi- 
ated.! This construction has been adopted by the Order gen- 
erally, and under the Constitution, as it then stood, it was per- 
haps never contended that a minor could be lawfully initiated 
by dispensation or otherwise, while the opinion was perhaps 

*First Edition S. L. Laws; Levy and Voytits, N. Y., 1868. tlst Ed. Pa. Laws, 
adopted Jan. 20, 1869, Art. 6, Sec. 1. J Digest, Sec. 1. 

2 



18 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

just as firmly settled, that a dispensation was absolutely nec- 
essary to initiate an applicant over fifty. 

This then, was the written law, until 1874, at which time, the 
Supreme Lodge having relegated the right of constitution- 
making, to the Grand Lodges, amended its own constitution 
and inserted therein certain obligatory provisions which are 
still retained substantially as adopted.* We now find that 
the limit fixing the maximum age, and the proviso, concerning 
dispensation, were left out, ceasing from this time, to be a 
portion of our supreme written law, and obligatory, legalizing 
in effect, the constitution of Pennsylvania on this question, and 
leaving it optional with the Grand Lodges to legislate as they 
might deem wise or practicable in their respective jurisdiction. 
Many of them have exercised this right by making a dispensa- 
tion necessary to initiate an applicant over fifty years of age.t 

6. Applicant : Status of upon Illegal admission : Instances have 
occurred of the illegal admission of applicants, or rather the 
admission of applicants in violation of the letter of the law. In 
such cases the question has arisen as to the status of such mem- 
bers. In one case calling for affirmative action, the following 
facts were involved. A person made application and was re- 
jected, he subsequently made application to another Lodge 
concealing the fact of his former rejection, and was admitted. 
This was a direct fraud upon the Lodge admitting him and 
would seem to call for summary action. It was held, however, 
that the member was entitled to regular trial. I In another 
case, the applicant had incorrectly answered certain questions. 
He was tried and suspended, but on appeal the sentence was 
reversed, on the ground that there was no criminal intent 
shown on the part of the applicant.!! These decisions establish 
the principle, that in these illegal admissions, the member is 
nevertheless entitled to trial, and the question of criminal in- 
tent is a material ingredient. In cases where the Lodge has 
violated the law, these questions, so far as the applicant is con- 
concerned, cannot arise. It has been expressly held that 
where there is good faith on the part of the applicant his mem- 
bership is not affected by any informality or illegality on the 
part of the Lodge. § 

* Dann's Digest Sec. 551 note p, 117, also S. L. Const. 2 Art. 8 App. tDigest Sec. 
77. {Digest Sec. 234. || Digest Sec. 2403. gDigest Sec. 2790. 



COMMON LAW. 19 

APPEALS. 

7. Legislation Concerning: Constitutional Provisions: The sub- 
ject of appeals has elicited a vast amount of legislation, and, as a 
matter of course, the law in respect thereto has become fairly 
settled. The numerous decisions of the Supreme Lodge and 
of the several Grand Lodges on the various phases of this ques- 
tion, including questions touching the form and the record, have 
so far settled the law as to require but a cursory glance in 
determining its status on almost any given point or question. 
In prosecuting appeals to the Supreme Lodge the modus ope- 
randi is very explicitly set forth in the Constitution* and ought 
to be well understood. 

8. Appeals : Requisite as to Form: Printing of the Record: The 
first, and an essential rule in respect to the form of appeals 
prosecuted to the Supreme Lodge, is the printing of the record A 

While this rule, at first glance, would seem to be arbitrary, 
it is nevertheless necessary, in view of the great number of 
appeals coming up upon every conceivable question, taking up 
the time of the Supreme Lodge, with often little, or no practical 
good resulting therefrom. The fact is, a great number of these 
appeals are inconsiderately prosecuted, and often just as in- 
considerately disposed of by the Supreme Lodge. It would be 
utterly impracticable on the part of the Supreme Lodge to 
attempt to consider all the appeals fully and carefully, even 
under the rule requiring the record to be printed, and without 
that, it would be impossible to give them more than a semblance 
of a hearing, and in many instances scarcely that much con- 
sideration. 

9. Appeals : Requisite as to form : Printing of the Record; the 
hardships of the rule : It will be conceded, however, that this 
rule may work irreparable hardships in many instances. The 
Supreme Lodge has attempted to place within the reach of 
every brother a disinterested tribunal, wherein his rights may 
be adjudicated, his grievances fully and impartially considered. 
It has made it obligatory upon Grand Lodges to allow ap- 
peals, i and a remedy is provided for an abuse of the power of 
the Grand Lodge in this respect. || But notwithstanding this, 
the enforcement of the rule is often an insurmountable barrier 
to many worthy and meritorious appeals, effectually preclud- 

*Art. xix, S. L. Const. App. fSee Digest Sec. 122. S. L. Const., Art. 19, Sec. 2 App. 
^Digest, Sec. 118. UDigest, Sec. 114. 



20 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ing a final determination by the tribunal of highest resort, 
because of the inability of the brother to comply with it. The 
printing of the record is often a burden which even the Grand 
Lodges are loath to assume. 

10. Appeals : Requisite as to form. The Record ; Authentication 
of : Appeals prosecuted to the Supreme Lodge must be authen- 
ticated by the signatures of the Grand Chancellor and G. K. of 
K. and S.* The operation of this rule may have had some 
tendency to lessen the number of promiscuous appeals, but it 
became necessary, at length, to mitigate its harshness in the 
interests of justice. It was found that Grand Chancellors 
might easily, and with impunity subvert the purpose of the 
Supreme Lodge, in securing to each and every brother, the 
right of appeal. Under the rule, a Grand Chancellor might 
arbitrarily refuse to sign the record. A veritable instance of 
this, coming to the knowledge of the Supreme Lodge, it was 
induced to modify the rule so that now the refusal of the Grand 
Chancellor to authenticate the record may be shown, in which 
case, if there was no justifiable reason for the refusal, the case 
may be heard upon its merits notwithstanding. 

11. Appeals: Requisite as to form : Certified Copy of Record Es- 
sential : Another imperative rule is, that all appeals, to be en- 
titled to consideration at the hands of the Supreme Lodge, 
must be prepared in form. This was held in a case from New 
York, where there was no certified copy of the record, in which 
case it was dismissed as not being in proper form.t This was 
in 1876. Six years later, the Supreme Lodge was again called 
upon to make a similar ruling in a case from Pennsylvania. 
Here there was no accompanying record, at all, and nothing to 
show that an appeal had been allowed. J 

These decisions undoubtedly settle the law as to the essen- 
tial requisites in the preparation and presentation of appeals to 
the Supreme Lodge, and in addition to these, is the general 
rule that appeals must be taken as prescribed by the Constitu- 
tion. 1 1 

12. Appeals : The law in respect to : Must be prosecuted by the 
real party in interest : Notwithstanding the provisions of the 
Constitution regulating appeals, and the numerous cases de- 
cided,questions are continually recurring calling for the consid- 
eration of the Supreme Lodge ; for instance, it has been held that 

♦Digest, Sees. 113, 115. tDigest Sec. 111. tDigest Sec. 112. HDigest Sec. 110. 



COMMON LAW. 21 

an appeal must be prosecuted by the real party in interest. 
This was a case where a number of Past Chancellors appealed 
from the action of the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, and it 
was held, that the appeal must be prosecuted by the aggrieved 
party.* 

13. Appeal : Real Party in Interest : The rule in Illinois : The 
Grand Lodge of Illinois has adopted a rule which, at first glance, 
might seem to conflict in principle with the Supreme Lodge 
rule in this respect. It has held that any brother may appeal 
from the action of a Lodge in a case where it is alleged that an 
injustice has been done to a brother.! This gives a brother 
the right to appeal from the action of the Lodge, although he 
may not be the real party in interest. The policy of such a rule 
may be questioned. 

14. Appeals : The Real Party in Interest : Rule in Missouri : In 
some measure the Grand Lodge of Missouri has gone beyond 
the principle laid down by the Supreme Lodge. Here, there is 
a constitutional provision authorizing any five Knights to appeal 
from the action of the Lodge in the trial of an accused brother.! 

The provision here referred to is found in the code, and is 
as follows : 

"An appeal may in all cases be taken to the Grand Lodge, by the ac- 
cused, or any five Knights, from the decision of a Subordinate Lodge." 

From the reading of this there may be some doubt whether 
the Grand Lodge meant to say, that any five Knights might 
appeal from a judgment of guilty, when the accused did not see 
fit to do so. That would be a novel proceeding ; but perhaps 
the Constitution will not bear such a construction.il 

15. Appeals: Real Party in Interest: Application of the Rule: It 
is easy enough to say that the appeal shall be prosecuted by the 
real party interested, but it is often not so easy to determine 
who the real party is, as, in the trial of an accused brother, 
every individual member of the Lodge may be said to be really 
interested in respect to the decision or judgment. 

In matters not arising under the penal provisions of the code, 
there can perhaps be no question as to the right of any brother 
to an appeal, in so far as the action taken affects the interests 
of the Lodge, or may be adverse to his views. In such cases 
he certainly would be interested, and possibly the real party in 
interest. The term, however, has a technical signification, so 

*Digest Sec. 160. fill. Digest Supplement, 1883 Appeals. :Sec. 13 Art. XL, 
Const. Sub. Lodge Mo. See also Mo. Digest Sec, 4. ||Expo. Sec 149. 



22 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

to speak, and its meaning and application are m a great meas- 
ure to be determined by the facts and circumstances of each 
individual case. As a general rule it may be said that the 
right of appeal is not given to one not directly interested in, or 
affected by any judgment or action of his Lodge, But the ap- 
plication of this rule is largely restricted to actions under the 
penal code, and even in such cases there is a diversity of 
opinion. 

Ontario, California, and Pennsylvania, have held that any 
brother may appeal from a finding of "not guilty"* This has 
been held adversely in some jurisdictions, notably in Louisi- 
ana, where it was held, that an accuser did not have the right 
of appeal.! This of course accords with the recognized prin- 
ciple of the civil law, that the State cannot appeal from a 
judgment founded on a verdict or rinding of "not guilty." It 
is, however, a question of policy whether such a rule should 
obtain in our fraternal organization. The difference in prin- 
ciple of the two results, namely : a judgment of guilty, and a 
judgment of not guilty, as affecting the right of a brother to 
an appeal, may be said to lie in this ; a judgment of guilty 
founded upon a trial, is more apt to be the resutfc of a fair and 
impartial hearing of the facts and circumstances. Brothers 
remembering their obligations, and actuated by the principles 
of fraternity, would not brand a brother with the stigma of 
conviction, except upon warrantable facts and conclusive 
proofs, so that, a judgment of guilty thus arrived at, is but a 
vindication of the law, and the only one really interested is the 
accused himself, whose right of appeal of course is not denied. 

On the other hand, the very grounds which furnish the rea- 
sons for restricting the right of appeal in cases of conviction, 
furnish also the reasons for enlarging the right in cases of 
acquittal. A finding of "not guilty" may be, and often is, the 
result of an impartial hearing. This may be so from excusable 
motives, there being no disposition to harm the Lodge, or any 
individual member, but it follows often from an over zealous 
desire to shield an erring brother, thus permitting a really 
guilty one to escape. 

Charity toward a wrong-doer, as a rule, is commendable, but 
care should be taken lest its exercise mar the peace and har- 
mony of the Lodge. 

♦Digest, Sec. 164, et seq. tJour. of La., 1882, 19. 



COMMON LAW. 23 

It would seem to be, from a full view of the question, the 
better, if not the safer rule, to give the right of appeal to any 
member of the Lodge, in cases where a reasonable showing 
can be made that merited punishment has been averted. 

16. Appeals : Will not lie from a judgment by default : It is a 
principle of law, which has become well settled in the jurispru- 
dence of some of the States, that a judgment by default is 
tantamount to a confession, and so, is not appealable. 

This has become a principle of our Pythian Jurisprudence ; 
that is, when the evidence shows that a notice was mailed to 
the accused, and he was given ample time to appear and 
defend, and failing to do so, he has thereby waived his right to 
appeal. 

In this case it was held that a notice mailed to the accused was 
sufficient, unless he could clearly show that he was not guilty 
of negligence in obtaining his mail and of informing himself of 
the action of the Lodge.* 

This is applying the rule to its fullest extent, but it clearly 
shows that at least an appearance must be entered, and a 
show of a defense made, in order to secure the right of an 
appeal. 

17. Appeals: Must be based upon some action of the Grand 
Lodge: It is the right of a Grand Lodge to first hear and 
determine all questions arising within its jurisdiction. It is 
the proper tribunal for the adjustment of difficulties and the 
settlement of controversies between it and its subordinates, or 
membership. For this reason it has been held, that, appeals to 
the Supreme Lodge must be based upon some action of the 
Grand Lodge ; that is, an appeal from a decision, ruling, or 
order of a Gsand Chancellor will not lie.t 

In some Jurisdictions, an appeal is allowed from a decision 
of the Grand Chancellor to the Grand Lodge, i In such a 
case, however, an appeal must be ineffectual, since the decis- 
ion of the Grand Chancellor must stand and be obeyed until 
reversed by the Grand Lodge. 

In Nebraska, and perhaps in a majority of the Jurisdictions, 
an appeal from the Grand Chancellor to the Grand Lodge is 
notpermitted.il This is, perhaps, the better rule, inasmuch 
as the Grand Chancellor is required to report his official con- 
duct to the Grand Lodge, where his decisions are reviewed ; 

*Digest, Sec. 123. +Digest, Sec. 130. :Sec. 17, Art. xi. Const. Sub. Lodge Mo. 
flConst. Sub. Lodge Neb., Sec. 83. 



24 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

until then, he should be entirely untrammeled in the exercise 
of his official functions, and no one should be permitted to 
question his deeision. 

The Supreme Lodge, however, has adhered to the rule in 
two other instances, namely, where it was asked to decide upon 
the legality of some eighty-seven decisions of the Grand Chan- 
cellor and Grand Lodge of Illinois, and to consider a protest 
against an order of Grand Chancellor E. L. Cole, of New York. 
In the former case it was held, that, the appeal was not of a 
nature to be considered by the Supreme Lodge. The applicant 
did not complain of the illegality of the decisions, but simply 
desired to have the question settled, hence it was not a bona 
fide appeal, "That when a party interested is aggrieved by any 
action of his Grand Lodge he may appeal to the Supreme 
Lodge, etc." In the latter, it was held, that, a protest is in the 
nature of an appeal, and so must first be decided by the Grand 
Lodge,* 

18. Appeals : Duty of Grand Lodge to Allow : Notwithstand- 
ing the rules and forms essential in perfecting an appeal, the 
xight is absolute within the prescribed restrictions, and in re- 
spect to appeals from the Grand to the Supreme Lodge, it has 
been in one instance at least expressly guaranteed to the 
aggrieved party.! In view of this,it is made the duty of Grand 
Lodges to allow appeals.! It will be seen that this is also made 
obligatory by the Constitution, and in cases where the Grand 
Lodge, or Grand Chancellor, arbitrarily refuses to allow the 
appeal, the appeal may be taken nevertheless, and the refusal 
shown. || 

19, Appeals : Must be Perfected in Time : That Grand Lodges 
may prescribe the time within which appeals must be perfected 
lias been affirmed by the Supreme Lodge, and an appeal not 
perfected within the time will be dismissed. § 

This rule will hold good in respect to all appeals whether 
from Sub. Lodges or Grand Lodges. It is a reasonable re- 
quirement, and should be enforced generally. In the absence of 
such a rule the determination of important questions might be 
indefinitely delayed, or the action or decision of the Lodge 
challenged at any time, even after rights have become vested. 

It will be seen that in the absence of such a rule, any mem- 
ber might, at any time, create confusion and discord in the 

♦Digest, Sec. 161. tDigest Sec. 155. jDigest Sec. 118. UDigest Sec. 114, also 
ante Expo. Sees. 9, 10. §Digest Sec. 127. 



COMMON LAW. 25 

otherwise harmonious workings of the Lodge, as it might suit 
his caprice or the dictates of a perverse fancy. 

20. Appeals : Notice, Requisites of : Must be given in Time : 
Two other essential rules in respect to perfecting appeals are, 
first: The notice must state the ground of the appeal, and sec- 
ond, it must be given in time. The rule that the notice of an 
appeal must state the grounds, is a reasonable one, inasmuch 
as, it is due to the Appellee that it be apprised of the grounds 
upon which it is sought to reverse the decision. It serves also 
as a guide to the appellate tribunal in determining the matter 
in controversy. The rule as to time in respect to perfecting ap- 
peals, applies with the same force of reason to the giving of 
ihe notice. 

When the law requires such notice to be given within a cer- 
tain time, unless it is so given, an appeal afterward taken will 
be dismissed.* 

21. Appeals : Must be taken before Penalty is paid : It would 
seem scarcely necessary to advert to so plain a proposition, yet, 
it has been found necessary to determine the question. On the 
same principle that, a judgment by default is not appealable, 
the right is waived by a payment of the penalty.! This was 
decided by the Grand Chancellor of Texas,whether incidentally 
or upon an actual question propounded, does not appear, but 
notwithstanding the common sense view one would naturally 
take of such a question, it may be said to be affirmatively, and 
sufficiently settled, and when one suffers or pays the penalty 
of a judgment against him without exception of any kind, he 
cannot afterward appeal from the judgment. 

22. Appeals: Do not lie from Decision of Chancellor Commander 
to Grand Chancellor: It has been shown that an appeal does not 
lie from a decision of the Grand Chancellor direct to the Su- 
preme Lodge. On the same principle, and for the same rea- 
sons, an appeal from a decision of a Chancellor Commander 

cannot be taken direct to the Grand Chancellor, or the Grand 
Lodge. This question arose from a very singular proceeding. 
A Chancellor Commander made a ruling which failed to meet 
the views of a majority of the Lodge, whereupon a resolution 
was passed to the effect that, "the Lodge appeal from the de- 
cision to the Grand Chancellor." In accordance with this 
resolution an appeal went up, but the Grand Chancellor very 

♦Digest Sec, 125. +Digest Sec. 129. 



26 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

properly held, that the matter should have been decided by the 
Lodge.* 

This must now be regarded as a settled principle, and the 
universal rule. It is the right of the Lodge to pass upon the 
decisions or rulings of the Chancellor Commander before an 
appeal can be taken therefrom to the Grand Chancellor, or 
the Grand Lodge. 

23. Appeals: From the Action of a Lodge, Stays Proceedings: 
In this connection it may be unnecessary to remark, that an 
appeal stays all proceedings until the matter is disposed of by 
the appellate tribunal. Like many other self-evident proposi- 
tions, this question has been the subject of legislation and de- 
cision. Two eminent authorities have been called upon to give 
positive expression to the rule, to-wit.: W. A. Cotter, Grand 
Chancellor of Kentucky, and the Committee on Law of the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.! So that, even in Jurisdic- 
tions where there is no express law upon the question, these 
decisions may be regarded as well founded precedents in this 
connection. 

24. Appeals: From Decision of Chancellor Commander: Rule as 
to Requiring a Second: (Jpon this question there is a diversity of 
opinion, and at the same time apparent conflict with parlia- 
mentary law. The rule is stated as follows : " If a member 
objects to the decision (of the presiding officer) he says, 'I ap- 
peal from the decision of the chair.' If the appeal is seconded 
the chairman immediately states the question as follows,"! etc. 
Again, "It is the privilege of any member to appeal from the 
decision. If the appeal is seconded, the chairman states his 
decision, "|| etc. Thus it will be seen that it is in accord with 
parliamentary practice to require a second to an appeal from 
a decision. 

Notwithstanding this, however, the Committee on Law in 
Pennsylvania has held, that an appeal from the decision of a 
Chancellor Commander does not require a second. § It is per- 
haps the practice in some Jurisdictions to adhere to the par- 
liamentary rule, but the practice is not common, nor universal 
by any means ; in fact, the rule as adopted in Pennsylvania 
seems to be more generally practiced, and is altogether a safe 
and reasonable one. 

♦Digest, Sec. 13^. tDigest, Sec. 140, 141. Roberta* Rules of Order, Sec. 14. 
URoberts' Rules cf Order, Sec. Gl («). .^Digest, Sec. 133, 



COMMON LAW. 27 

25. Appeals: From the Decision of the Chair, are Debatable: 

There is also some little conflict of opinion in respect to this 
question. The Grand Chancellor of Georgia held that an ap- 
peal from his ruling was not debatable. This, however, was 
promptly reversed by the Grand Lodge on a vote of eighteen 
to three.* In accord with this action of the Grand Lodge of 
Georgia, are the decision of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, 
and the Grand Chancellor of Nevada. In Kentucky it is held, 
that "unless there is a positive law to the contrary, and Cush- 
ing's Manual being the guide, appeals from the decision of the 
Grand Chancellor, or Chancellor Commander are debatable." 
The Grand Chancellor of Nevada held to the same without 
qualification.! These decisions being in accord with the gen- 
eral rule of parliamentary law, are precedents which may be 
followed in the various Jurisdictions. It may be well enough 
to note the exceptions to the general rule as found in parlia- 
mentary practice. On an appeal from the chair after stating 
the question, 

" The chairman can then, without leaving the chair, state the reason 
for his decision, after which it is open to debate, * * * * excepting 
in the following cases, when it is undebatable: (1) When it relates to the 
transgressions of the rules of speaking, or to some indecorum, or to the 
priority of business, and (2) when the previous question was pending 
at the time the question of order was raised." 

There is nothing in the policy of our Pythian Law, or Lodge 
Government, to warrant a departure from this rule of parlia- 
mentary practice with its exceptions. 

26. Appeals: From the Decision of the Chancellor Commander: 
Right of Chancellor Commander to Vote: While it would scarcely 
be presumed that a Chancellor Commander would attempt to 
exercise such a right, yet it has been affirmatively declared 
that he cannot vote on the question of an appeal from his own 
decision for the purpose of sustaining his view, t 

27. Appeals: Do Not Lie from the Result of a Ballot for Member- 
ship: There are numerous authorities to the effect that a 
ballot for membership, or for advancement, cannot be recon- 
sidered, after it has been once declared. || For these reasons 
it seems plain that an appeal would not lie from the result of 
a ballot for membership, and it has been so determined. § To 
permit an appeal in such cases would, in effect, annul the 
law of non-reconsideration. A proper remedy is provided for 

*G. L. Ga. Jour. 1881, 339-340 ; Jour. 1882, 362. +Digest, Sees. 138-139.. 
{Digest, Sec. 136. || Digest, Sec. 296 et seq. -§Digest, Sec. 328. 



28 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

preventing the admission, or advancement of an objectionable 
candidate, while a rejected applicant may apply again after 
the prescribed time ; so that, in either case, it would certainly 
be unwise and impolitic to allow an appeal in such cases. 

28. Appeal : From the Decision of the Chancellor Commander : 
Question by whom put : Here again a rule of parliamentary law 
comes in for a measure of notice. It is of course understood, 
that in all deliberative bodies, the chairman states the ques- 
tion for the action of the body, and on appeal from his decis- 
ion he states his decision, and, that it has been appealed from, 
and then states the question thus, "shall the decision of the 
chair stand as the judgment of the assembly?"* 

This is the substance of the rule as laid down in perhaps all 
the works on parliamentary law. 

It maybe well enough to remark here, that deliberative bodies 
do not usually have a presiding vice-president or chairman, and 
so it is not laid down in the books what the rule might be in 
such cases. It must be admitted that a chairman finds it a 
more or less delicate task to put a question involving his own 
decision, and to declare the result, especially if it be adverse; 
but of course he has this to do in bodies not provided with a co- 
omcer, sharing the responsibilities, and executive cares, such 
as we have in our Knight of Pythias Lodges. 

Losing sight of this distinctive feature between deliberative 
bodies generally, and Knight of Pythias Lodges, has resulted 
in some diverse legislation in respect to this question. The 
Grand Lodge of Illinois has held that the Vice Chancellor 
should not put the question, that it would be error for him to do 
so,t and Wisconsin was held to the same rule.t California 
has held that the Chancellor Commander must put all ques- 
tions, whether personally interested or not.|| 

The question was raised in the Grand Lodge of Virginia, and 
was determined adversely to the opinions of both the Grand 
Chancellor and the committee on appeals. The Grand Chan- 
cellor made a decision substantially as follows : 

" The Chancellor Commander is in charge of his Lodge, officers, mem- 
bers, and visitors of the same, at all times when present in the chair, 
except pending an appeal from the decision of the chair, when the Vice 
Chancellor is in charge of the question, and all debate relative thereto, 
and should be addressed, obeyed and respected accordingly, until the 
decision is decided." 

♦Roberts' Rules of Order, See. 61 (e). fill. 1879, 390, 448. J Wis. Jour. 1881, 
519, 585. HCal. 1879, 1375, 1390. 



COMMON LAW. 29 

An appeal, it seems, was taken from this decision, leastwise 
the matter came to be reviewed by the committee on appeals, 
and the report recommended the approval of the decision. 
Pending the consideration of the report, the following substi- 
tute was adopted, to wit : 

"Resolved, That the decision of the Grand Chancellor be reversed, 
and the question, 'who shall put appeals?' be left subject to local legis- 
tion."* 

The decisions are presumably in accord with the parliamen- 
tary practice, as above shown, but there is no good reason why 
the rule should obtain in Lodges of Knights of Pythias, which, 
by reason of their peculiar laws, Constitution and Lodge gov- 
ernment, are not deliberative bodies, in the parliamentary 
sense, and this distinction should be observed in construing 
parliamentary law. 

As opposed to these decisions, is the action of the Grand 
Lodge of Georgia. Here the Grand Chancellor held, there was 
no law to prevent him putting the question on an appeal from 
his own decision. Upon objection being raised by the Grand 
Vice Chancellor, a motion was adopted declaring it to be the 
right of the Grand Vice Chancellor to put such questions.! 

The rule of permitting the Vice Chancellor to put the question, 
on an appeal from the chair, seems to be in accord with the 
more general practice of the Lodges, and in view of the deli- 
cacy always attendant upon such questions it is perhaps the 
better rule. 

ADMISSION. 

29. Admission of Applicants : State of the Law concerning : 

The matter concerning the admission of applicants, involving, 
as it does, the right of refusing admission under certain cir- 
cumstances has, in some instances, proved a vexed question, 
resulting in some peculiar legislation. The law, however, 
may be said to be sufficiently explicit, as will appear from a 
glance at the decisions cited in the Digest.! 

In a case reported in Pennsylvania, where the applicant had 
presented himself for admission in an intoxicated condition, 
the question was asked, "What should the Lodge do in the 
matter ?" and it was held, in accordance with the Supreme 
Lodge ruling, "to refund the money and refuse admission, pro- 
vided two-thirds of the members so decided. "|| 

*Va. 1878, 35, 36. tDigest Sec. 137. JSee General titles, Applicant, Applica- 
tion, Admission, fl Pennsylvania Ang. 1879, 570, 698. 



30 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

The only ruling of the Supreme Lodge found upon this ques- 
tion appears to be a decision of Supreme Chancellor Davis, in 
1875, to the effect that Lodges, under the control of the Su- 
preme Lodge, may refuse admission to elected applicants who 
may be found to be unworthy ; that as to other Ledges it is a 
matter for local legislation.* 

It is now a well settled practice, even where the Grand Lodge 
has never legislated upon the subject, for Lodges to refuse 
admission to elected applicants for cause. The manner of 
exercising this right, however, varies in the several Jurisdic- 
tions. Grand Lodges, where the question has been raised, 
have adopted a rule peculiar to themselves, and certain Sub- 
ordinate Lodges, deeming it unnecessary to ask for authori- 
tative guidance, have proceeded upon their own judgment ; the 
result is, that the rules in respect to it are as varying as could 
well be expected. As a strictly legal proposition, one point 
seems now to be settled, that this refusing admission to an 
elected applicant is not accomplished, ordinarily, by recon- 
sidering or rescinding the ballot, although it has been so held 
in some Jurisdictions. t 

The following decision will sufficiently illustrate the rule in 
several of the Jurisdictions. In 1882 Grand Chancellor Hicks, 
of New York, held, according to the rule established by Su- 
preme Chancellor Davis, that the admission of an elected 
applicant could be barred by a majority vote.! 

The committee on foreign correspondence of the Grand 
Lodge of New York, reviewing the Journal of Nebraska for 
1882, object to a decision of Grand Chancellor Downs, of that 
State, on this question. It is quite evident, however, that 
their objection is based on a misapprehension or misconstruc- 
tion of the decision. The committee say : 

"Among the decisions of the Grand Chancellor is one which we do 
not believe to be correct— that when a candidate has received the rank 
of Page, been balloted for and elected to take the rank of Esquire, the 
action of the Lodge cannot be reconsidered, except by preferring 
charges." 

The committee then give it as their opinion that : 

"The Lodge can, we believe, by a majority vote, reconsider any vote 
by which a candidate may be elected, provided it is done before he re- 
ceives the rank for which the vote was cast." 

In support of this they cite the decision of Grand Chancellor 
Hicks, above referred to. We think it is conclusively shown 



*Digest, Sec. 64. +Expo. Ballot, Sec. 56. JNew York, 1S82. 13, 40. 



COMMON LAW. 31 

that a majority of the decisions are opposed to reconsidering a 
ballot for membership or advancement,* and Nebraska has 
expressly declared against it.f 

But the committee misconstrued Grand Chancellor Downs. 
The question asked him was : 

"When a candidate has received the rank of Page, made application 
for the second, accompanied by the prescribed fee been balloted for and 
found worthy to become an Esquire, can the action of the Lodge be re- 
considered, and is the Page entitled to the Esquire's rank? " 

The Grand Chancellor simply answered, "Yes, unless charges 
are preferred." It will be observed that this did not fully 
answer the question. What the Grand Chancellor meant to 
say was, "Yes, the Page is entitled to the Esquire's rank un- 
less charges are preferred." The Committee on Law, reporting 
upon this decision, answered the first part of it in the nega- 
tive, so that this only confirmed the rule previously existing in 
Nebraska, that a ballot cannot be reconsidered, and if the ap- 
plicant has been elected he is entitled to the rank, and his 
admission can only be barred by the preferring of charges.! 
This Grand Lodge even refused to grant permission to a Lodge 
to renew a ballot where the applicant had been rejected 
through misunderstanding, deeming it to be unconstitutional.il 
This rule was firmly settled in Nebraska until the adoption of 
the Constitution of 1884, which provides that a person elected 
to membership may be refused admission by a majority vote 
on information of bad character.§ This, however, may not in- 
terfere with the rule previously established, which, it will be 
noticed, refers to the applications of Pages and Esquires. It 
is to this latter rule that the decisions refer, holding charges 
necessary to bar advancement. These charges may be tried 
in the ordinary way, and determined by majority vote, unless 
a different vote is required by the local law. 

The same rule exists in Missouri, as determined by the de- 
cision of Grand Chancellor Rudolph, who held that the charges 
must be in writing.^" That Pages and Esquires may be charged 
and tried as other members there can be no question.** 

The rule in Massachusetts seems to be that any member in 
good standing may enter a written protest against the admis- 
sion of an applicant for the ranks ; this protest is investigated, 

*Digest. Sec. 296, et seq. {Nebraska 1874, 289 ; 1882, 19, 114. JNebraska, 1882, 
19, 114. |lNeb., 1S70, 43 ; also Expo., Sec. 56. §Const. Sub. Lodges of Neb., Sec. 38. 
TDigest, Sec. 670. **Digest, Sec. 673. 



32 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and if sustained by a two-thirds vote, the applicant is barred, 
and he cannot make another application for six months.* 

The Grand Chancellor of Maine held that two members ab- 
solutely objecting before conferring the ranks, operated to 
reject the applicant. If the objection is not absolute, but 
simply requesting further investigation, further action should 
be suspended and a new investigation and ballot ordered, and 
the result declared.! 

In Kentucky, in 1873, the Grand Chancellor held that a 
ballot electing an applicant to membership may be reconsid- 
ered upon report of the applicant's unworthiness, and a new 
ballot had.t 

In Pennsylvania, in 1870, it was held that a two-thirds vote 
of the members voting may declare a ballot electing an appli- 
cant to membership void, and a new ballot may be taken. || 

In New Jersey, in 1874, District Deputy Grand Chancellor 
J . A. Voorhees held, that upon charges of the unworthiness of 
an elected applicant for the first rank, a new committee may 
be appointed, and an investigation and new ballot had.§ 

These, it will be seen, are some of the earliest, as well as 
some of the latest decisions on the question, and they illustrate 
the variety of opinion in respect to it. The more reasonable 
rule as established by a number of the Jurisdictions, seem to 
hold that the admission of an applicant can be barred by 
charges, or a protest in the nature of charges.^ The vote in 
such cases may be simply a majority vote.** 

For the sake of uniformity Grand Lodges generally, should 
legislate upon this question, but there can be no serious doubt 
that Subordinate Lodges have the right to refuse admission to 
an elected applicant, for cause, even where the Grand Lodge has 
remained silent, or has failed to point out the modus operandi, 

30. Admission: Of Members by Card: The rules in respect 
to affiliations in the various Jurisdictions, do not seem to be 
very dissimilar, leastwise, the decisions on this question are 
not numerous, and they seem to show a uniform practice. 

Nebraska has made it a constitutional provision that an ap- 
plication for admission by card shall be presented, referred to 
a committee, and a ballot had thereon, the same as in cases of 
initiation, ft 

*Mass., 1871, 42. tMaine, 1878, 285, 343. jKy., 1873, 18, 87. 88. ||Pa., Jan. 
1870, 535, 576. §N. J., 1874, 491. ^Digest, Sec. 60 and 670. **Digest, 64, 749. 
ttConst. Sub. LodgeB, 1884, Sec. 44. 



COMMON LAW. 33 

This is the rule of the Supreme Lodge Constitution, and is 
e generally observed throughout the Jurisdictions.* 

31. Admission: Of Members to Lodge Room During Progress of 
Work: That members coming late to the meeting may be re- 
fused admission during the conferring of the ranks, seems now 
to be well settled. It is also held that members should not be 
permitted to interrupt the proceedings by entering during the 
reading of the Journal or calling the roll.f 

It is the law that the ante-room should be cleared during 
the opening ceremonies. I But after these are concluded mem- 
bers cannot be denied admission to the ante-room.!! 

32. Admission: of Members to the Lodge Room: The admis- 
sion of members to the Lodge room, under certain phases and 
conditions of membership, is a question upon which not a lit- 
tle discussion has been had. This involves all those questions, 
affecting the rights of members, growing out of the penalties 
incurred or imposed, for dereliction of duty, violation of law, 
and too often, perhaps, out of the member's own indolence or 
indifference in respect to his rights and duties. 

Where members have lost their right to the Semi-annual 
Pass Word, either from indifference in the matter of paying 
dues, or from any other cause, or while in contempt, or under 
charges, or serving a sentence, are all questions affecting their 
right to sit in the Lodge room, and these have been decided 
variously, and not always consistently. 

A case is reported in Pennsylvania, the decision upon which 
is peculiar to that jurisdiction, inasmuch as it ignores the Su- 
preme Lodge in the premises, and sets at naught its law and 
authority. Perhaps the term "ignores" is not strictly appli- 
cable to this case, since the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania was 
not ignorant of the plain letter of the law. On the other hand, 
its existence was admitted but its authority expressly and ab- 
solutely denied. 

The Constitution for the government of Subordinate Lodges 
in Pennsylvania since 1873, has contained these provisions : 

"ARTICLE XVII. 

GOOD STANDING IN LODGES. 

Every member of the Lodge shall be considered in good standing who 
is not disqualified, debarred or suspended from the privileges and ben- 

*S. L. Const., Sec. 2, Art. 8, Pax. 12, App. +Digest, Sec. 222 et seq. JDigest, Sec. 
168 and 211. llDigest, Sec. 171. 

3 



34 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

efits by reason of non-payment of his dues, fines, funeral tax, or suffer- 
ing from charges under the penal provisions of the law." 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

ARREARS, PENALTIES, ETC. 

Sec. 1. "Every member in arrears to the Lodge to the amcnnt of three 
months' dues, or more, shall not be entitled to vote, be disqualified for 
any office, and stand suspended from all benefits and privileges until 
all arrears are paid in full, and if in arrears to the amount of one year's 
dues, shall be suspended from membership until the payment of such 
sum as the By Laws may prescribe." 

Under the latter provision, a Chancellor Commander refused 
to admit a member to the Lodge room who was three months 
in arrears, holding, as by the Constitution he was suspended 
from all benefits and privileges, he could not of course, sit in 
the Lodge room. The Chancellor Commander was overruled 
by the Lodge, when he took an appeal, and the matter coming 
before the Committee on Law, they submitted a very lengthy 
opinion which we are here disposed to glance at.* 

At the outset the committee dismiss the appeal and sustain 
the Lodge ; then they proceed to say : 

"The Constitution enacted by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for 
the government of its Sub. Lodges, makes a distinction between the pen- 
alty to be imposed upon unsuspended members 'in arrears to the Lodge 
to the amount of. three months 7 dues or more 7 and the penaltv to which 
members 'in arrears to the amount of one year's dues' are 'liable." 

They then cite Section 1, Article xviii. of the Constitution 
above quoted and say: 

"The Grand Lodge which made this Constitution has clearly and em- 
phatically defined its meaning. It has been settled that the terms 'ben- 
efits' and 'privilege' in the section imposing penalties upon unsus- 
pended members in arrears to the amount of three months' dues, or 
more, do not include a deprivation of the right to enter and remain in 
the Lodge without the pass-word. This declaration of the law is not 
only authoritative, but it is imperatively dictated also by justice and 
reason. A contrary interpretation would abolish an important distinc- 
tion between members in arrears who are suspended, and those who are 
not. It would debar a member three months in arrears from the right 
to enter his Lodge for the purpose of paying his dues to avoid sus- 
pension." 

It would be perfectly safe to say that these expressions of the 
committee are absolutely without force or reason, except in so 
far as they accord with the previous legislation of the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania. 

The committee do not refer to article 17 of their Constitu- 

*Pa. 1883,54, 113, 115. 



COMMON LAW. 35 

tion, above quoted, that defines good standing, and in the face 
of this the committee say that a member, under the ban of a 
constitutional provision regulating good standing, may yet 
sit in the Lodge room. They avoid this by insisting that the 
Constitution makes a distinction between suspended and un- 
suspended members, and a contrary interpretation would 
abolish this important distinction. The committee do not 
point out this distinction; but what is the distinction? It 
is, plainly, that a member in arrears may, at any time before 
suspension is declared, pay his dues and regain good standing, 
and he may make this payment by installments. After sus- 
pension has been declared then a formal application is neces- 
sary, with the prescribed fee, a reference to a committee and a 
ballot. This is reinstatement, and it is the only important 
distinction between the two conditions. It will be admitted 
that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has construed the Con- 
stitution as contended by the committee, and that it has held 
that the terms "benefits" and "privileges" in the Constitution 
"do not include a deprivation of the right to enter and remain 
in the Lodge without the password," but this can be nothing 
more nor less than holding that sitting in the Lodge room is 
neither a "benefit" nor a "privilege." They say that he cannot 
be deprived of this "right." Is it in fact a right? How is it, 
it is not a benefit nor a privilege ? To an unprejudiced mind 
these terms, as used in the Constitution, would seem to include 
every right a member might have by reason of his member- 
ship, and if the right to sit in the Lodge room could, by any 
process of reasoning, be construed to be a benefit or privilege, 
then it would include that, as well. The Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania has, from the earliest years, looked upon delin- 
quency as next to a penal offence, and in construing these 
terms in its Constitution — "benefits" and "privileges" — has 
always held that members in arrears are not entitled to the 
pass-word, cannot vote, cannot be installed into office, are 
not entitled to benefits, etc. These are the "benefits" and 
"privileges" contemplated by the Constitution, and they are 
the rights, also, incident to good standing. How is it that all 
these may be wrested from him for the paltry sum of a dollar 
or two, and yet the Lodge remain powerless to take away the 
remaining solitary right of sitting in the Lodge room ? It is 
not a benefit, neither is it a privilege else the terms of the 



36 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Constitution itself, would sweep it away. The committee then 
go on to say : 

"The law of this Grand Jurisdiction, on this subject was carefully 
and deliberately established." 

And then cites the action of the Grand Lodge at the session of 
1881,* overruling the Grand Chancellor on this question, as in 
this instance, it overruled Grand Chancellor Kline. That decis- 
ion was the adoption of a resolution, offered by Eepresentative 
Hawkes, as follows : 

"Resolved, That the decision be, that arrears for dues do not deprive 
a member of the privilege of visiting or remaining in his Lodge, and 
that he has such right until suspended."! 

It is significant, that, in this resolution adopted in 1881, "sit- 
ting in the Lodge room," is denominated both a "privilege" and 
a "right," and cannot be otherwise regarded than in derogation 
of the Constitution, in other words an overriding of the ' Con- 
stitution by a simple resolution. 

The committee then say : 

" Such is the law of the Knights of Pythias in Pennsylvania, as pro- 
nounced by the Grand Lodge at the annual session of 1881, andreiterated 
in the Digest (Pa.) adopted at its last annual session and being founded 
upon the Constitution, which the Grand Lodge has the exclusive right to 
make or alter, so the law must remain unless altered by the Grand 
Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has always rightfully 
claimed and exercised this power." 

This, in so far as it refers to the Constitution for its Subor- 
dinate Lodges, is of course, correct, but Pennsylvania has no 
more right, in law or equity, to override its own Constitution, 
than it has the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, and that 
in this legislation, it has overridden its own Constitution is ap- 
parant at a glance. 

In the discussion of this question the committee set up the 
sovereign acts of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania against the 
ritual and say : 

Certain passages inserted in the New Ritual recently furnished, % bear 
a construction at variance with the Constitution of the Subordinate 
Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction, enacted and defined by the Grand 
Lodge as set forth : * * * * 

By whatsoever canise or direction these passages were inserted in the 
Ritual, so far as they purport to affect the rights of members to enter or 
sit in their Lodges, they are non ritualistic, unlawful and void. \\ 

Here is a denial of the right of the Supreme Lodge to make the 
Eitual. It is scarcely worth while to discuss this phase of the ques- 

*Pennsylvania 1881; 303, 304. 326 +Pa. 1881, 300. JRitual adopted at the 
Detroit session, 1882. ||Pa. Aug., 1883, 54, 113, 115. 



COMMON LAW. 37 

tion. The Grand Lodge adopted this view of the committee and 
in so doing held, that the Supreme Lodge has no right to make 
and adopt its own Constitution, has no right to make a ritual 
as it may seem fit, and above all, has no right to make a law in 
conflict with any law, decision or legislation of the Grand 
Lodge of Pennsylvania. It will be readily seen that this decis- 
ion is not,after all, so firmly entrenched within the Constitution 
of Pennsylvania, as the committee have so boldly asserted, and 
if there had been more of an attempt to make it accord with 
that instrument, and a less labored effort to break down a ben- 
eficient provision of the supreme law, Constitutional and Kit- 
ualistic, the inconsistency of the decision and of the reasoning 
upon which it is founded, would not be so glaringly apparent. 

This is the famous decision of Pennsylvania, of which so 
much was heard just previous to the Supreme Lodge session 
of 1884. It amounts, as will be seen, simply to a recital of the 
arrogated powers of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, as a justi- 
fication. The committee, in formulating their syllogism, take 
for their premise the rebellious history of the Grand Lodge, 
and so erect the only natural conclusion possible by that course 
of reasoning. And to them it is quite plain, that the Grand 
Lodge may, with impunity, continue its rebellious upheavals, 
with such regular or irregular periodicity, as it may choose to 
manifest. 

There is, after all, some force of reasoning in this, for 
the fact is patent that Pennsylvania has ever persistently 
denied to the Supreme Lodge the right to make and adopt a 
constitution for its own government, without submitting it to 
the sanction of the Grand Lodges, and it has just as persist- 
ently claimed the right to legislate, as it might will, regardless 
of any action of the Supreme Lodge to the contrary. 

Having lived all these years in a continual state of fermenta- 
tion, it is but natural that these periodical eruptions should 
occur, and no one doubts the sincerity of the advocates of the 
Pennsylvania "idea." This may account for the indifference 
with which she is regarded by the other states, for, in this posi- 
tion, Pennsylvania stands isolated and alone, and no one now 
presumes to deny its right to do whatever it listeth. 

The Supreme Lodge has not deemed it worth the while — 
since 1873, at least — to inquire into its insubordination. 

Much credit is due to Grand Chancellor H. 0. Kline for his 



38 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

clear and lucid exposition of the law on this question. He dis- 
approved of the opinion of the committee, and gives his views 
as follows on 

THE CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTION: 

" I stand upon the broad ground that the Supreme Lodge is the source 
of all true and legitimate authority in the Order of Knights of Pythias, 
wheresoever established ; and it possesses all power and authority not 
expressly delegated to Grand or Subordinate Lodges by their charters 
or dispensation, or general laws of the Order. It is not in the power of 
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to enact a law that is in violation of 
the laws of the Supreme Lodge. To assume that the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania has not only the right to dictate to her subordinates what 
their constitution and laws must be, but also that she has the privilege 
of accepting or rejecting all, or a part of the laws enacted by the Su- 
preme Lodge for the government of Grand Lodges, is so very unreason- 
able that I can scarcely believe it is > seriously entertained by any 
one. I cannot see th^e force nor the weight of an argument that declares 
that, notwithstanding the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has been and is 
now represented upon the floor of the Supreme Lodge, by brothers who 
have participated in its deliberations, and assisted by their votes, in the 
enactment of laws, (presumably for the government of all Knights of 
Pythias,) that those laws do not apply to Pennsylvania. The Constitu- 
tion and laws of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania should not be in 
conflict with those of the Supreme Lodge; but wherever they may be, 
there is no doubt in my mind that sooner or later they must yield to the 
Supreme authority. 

"The truthfulness of the history of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, 
cited by the committee, I do not deny, but I do deny that those acts 
were subordinate, legal, or constitutional, and, used as a premise are 
false, and the deductions of the committee, from these premises, are 
likewise false and consequently fall." 

On the ritualistic question he says : 

" The Ritual is ritualistic to all, is fundamental and must be obeyed. 
The promulgation of a Ritual by the Supreme Chancellor, makes its 
contents ritualistic to all. 

" The question as to whether any part of the Ritual is ritualistic or 
not, can only be raised in the Supreme Lodge, which is the only body 
competent to determine the matter. I assert without the fear of suc- 
cessful contradiction, that the Ritual is so far fundamental, that there 
can be no law enacted in conflict therewith, by the Supreme Lodge, 
much less by any Grand Lodge. * * * * Wisely or unwisely, the 
Supreme Lodge has always held to the law, that a member not in pos- 
session of the Semi-annual Pass Word, and not entitled thereto under 
the local laws, cannot remain in the Lodge when opening or when in 
session. To assert, and to be able to maintain the position taken by the 
committee is to invite anarchy — Pythian anarchy. There must be gov- 
ernment, and obedience to the laws of that government, if it would exist 
as an Order, and certainly the inferior cannot expect to govern the 
superior. The time must soon come when the Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania must wheel into line alongside of her sister Lodges in obed- 



COMMON LAW. 39 

ience to the laws of the Supreme Lodge, or an unpleasant part of her 
history may be repeated."* 

These are the words of a true Pythian in tone and purport, 
and the principle enunciated is acquiesced in by every loyal 
Knight in or outside of Pennsylvania. 

In this connection it may be well enough to cite the only 
support Pennsylvania may be said to have on this question. 

Grand Chancellor Bass, of Virginia, held, that, a brother, al- 
though not entitled to the Semi-annual Pass Word and so not 
entitled to take part in the proceedings of theLodge,shouldnot 
for that reason be denied admission to the Lodge of which he 
is a member, t Maryland advances a step beyond Virginia 
and holds that a member is entitled to admission to his Lodge 
and to vote until suspended.! In Pennsylvania even the mem- 
ber would not be allowed to vote. 

If there is one principle in Pythian Law more plain and ex- 
plicit than another, it is this one under discussion ; that, since 
the decision of Supreme Chancellor Berry in 1873, || affirmed in 
1877 and reaffirmed by Supreme Chancellor Woodruff in 1880, § 
and incorporated into the Bitual in 1882,it has become the settled 
practice of all the Loyal Jurisdictions to deny the right to sit 
in the Lodge to all members not in possession of the Semi-an- 
nual Pass Word. This does not amount to suspension, as has 
been shown. Neither does it interfere in the least, with the 
right of the member to come up at any time and pay his dues. 

ADVANCEMENT. 

33. Of Officers: The practice in Pennsylvania: The Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania has provided a Constitution for the govern- 
ment of its Subordinate Lodges, and, in addition to this, it has, 
what it terms, the "General Laws." Some of the other Juris- 
dictions have followed this same course. One not familiar 
with this course of practice, is impressed with the idea of over- 
much legislation, and where this is so, it is not remarkable that 
inconsistencies will, here and there, creep in. In this connec- 
tion attention is called to the subject of advancement of officers 
under the Pennsylvania laws. 

In 1880 District Deputy Grand Chancellor Harding, pro- 
pounding some questions to the Grand Chancellor, says : 

"The Constitution provides that 'the vacancy shall be filled in man- 
ner of the original selection.' Our general laws say that the Vice Chan- 

*Pa. Aug., 1683, 19,20. +Va. 1875, 17. :Md Vol. 3 No. 1, 61, Vol. 3 No. 3,478. 
MDigest Sec. 211 andNote. §Digest Seos. 2416, 2417. 



40 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

cellor, Prelate and Master-at-Arms must be advanced, and also author- 
izes the D. D. G. C. to grant dispensations, or withhold them, at his 
pleasure. Now this looks to me like a farce. If you hold an election 
these officers may not be elected or advanced. If they must be advanced, 
an election is useless. If they cannot be advanced without a dispensa- 
tion, that may be refused or granted, and if refused — and the law says 
they must be advanced — what will you do? Common sense would teach 
that no person was entitled to an office until elected by a majority of 
votes." 

The Grand Chancellor dismissed this subject very sum- 
marily. He says : 

"A D. D. G. O. must issue dispensation to advance officers when a 
vacancy has legally occurred, of which he is the judge, subject, of 
course, to an appeal. By a close examination of Article viii, Section 1, 
Subordinate Lodge Constitution, you will find the case mentioned is 
fully covered."* 

The inconsistency of the Pennsylvania law is here concisely 
pointed out, and this is one of the results of "over legislation." 
Article viii., Section 1 of the Constitution, cited by the Grand 
Chancellor says that vacancies, occurring by death, resigna- 
tion, or otherwise, shall be filled, by election, to serve the 
remainder of the term. Law xxii. of the General Laws, provides 
that vacancies caused by resignation or death must be filled 
by advancement of the officers. The Vice Chancellor must be 
advanced to the office of Chancellor Commander, Prelate to 
the office of Vice Chancellor, and the Master-at-Arms to the 
office of Prelate, and a Knight elected to the office of Master- 
at-Arms from the floor. Now, here is a direct conflict between 
the Constitution and the General Laws, and both, in their 
terms, are obligatory. By the General Laws, the officers must 
be advanced, but they cannot be without a dispensation. This 
is inexplicable. The office of a dispensation is to authorize an 
act not expressly warranted by law. But here a dispensation 
is made necessary to carry into effect an express provision of 
the law. A dispensation for permission to do that, which the 
law positively commands, is inconsistent and absurd. In case 
the D. D. G. C. should arbitrarily refuse to grant the dispensa- 
tion, an obligatory provision of the law cannot be legally com- 
plied with. The Grand Chancellor says, however, that the act 
of granting the dispensation to advance the officers, does not 
annul the election laws provided for in the Constitution,! so 
it would seem, that, notwithstanding the law as to advance- 

♦Pennsylvania 1880 ; 30, 177. t Digest, Sec. 1741. 



COMMON* LAW. 41 

ment, and the dispensation permitting it, the officers must be 
elected after all. If this is so, what is the use of this dispen- 
sation, and the law concerning advancements? Officers, in 
the line of advancement, may not be elected, in which case 
they could not be advanced, of course. D. D. G. C. Harding 
has well said, "it looks like a farce." Even if the apparent 
conflict between the Constitution and the General Laws did 
not exist, there could be but little said in favor of this practice 
of advancing officers. This has been a subject of more incon- 
sistent legislation than perhaps, any other subject within the 
scope of our Pythian Jurisprudence. The reason for this prac- 
tice, as given out in the early years, is quite apparent, but it 
may be said to be without much force. There are Jurisdic- 
tions which ignore such a practice, and select their officers from 
the best material in the Lodge. Where this course is pursued, 
experience has shown, that a better and a more qualified offici- 
ary is secured, and d greate- interest manifested in the Lodge 
work,* 

ABSENCE. 

34. Summary of the Law Concerning: On this question there- 
has been not a little legislation, by which some important prin- 
ciples have been determined and established. It may be said. 
to be now a universal rule, the providing of penalties for the; 
absence of officers. The Grand Lodge of Delaware, in 1873, 
legislated upon this question by way of making it obligatory 
upon Subordinate Lodges to declare offices vacant where the 
officer is absent "from roll call for three consecutive regular 
meetings," unless satisfactory excuses are assigned. t A differ- 
ent view is taken of it in Pennsylvania. Here the Constitution 
provides that Subordinate Lodges may remove officers for 
absence.! 

The matter of imposing penalties, either by fine, or removal 
from office, seems to be peculiarly within the province of Sub- 
ordinate Lodges, to be provided for in their By-Laws. The 
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge is to exercise a supervision 
over the legislation of Subordinate Lodges, to restrain and 
correct constitutional infringements. In respect to the ques- 
tion of the absence of Subordinate Lodge officers or members, 
and the effect of such absence upon the Lodge, it would seem 
that the Lodge itself, is the proper tribunal to regulate it, and 

*Expo., Sec. 117 +Del„ 1873, 112. :Sec. 2, Art. 8, Sub. Lodge Const., Pa. 



42 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

to say whether it will or not, in any given case, consider it an 
offense meriting punishment. There are, perhaps, but few 
Jurisdictions following now the early Delaware rule, and it is 
well that Grand Lodges have, of late years, come to realize the 
fact that Subordinate Lodges have certain rights of legislation 
which are to be acknowledged and respected. 

35. Absence: Right of Lodge to Impose Penalties for: There 
can be no question now as to the right of a Subordinate Lodge 
to impose penalties for absence. These, however, must be 
provided for in the By-Laws.* The question of fining officers 
for absence, has raised the point as to whether they can be 
fined when there is no meeting for the want of a quorum. It 
has been held that, where officers remain away for the purpose 
of preventing a quorum, the Lodge may take cognizance of it 
at the next meeting, and construe it into absence, for the pur- 
pose of inflicting the penalty provided by law. It has also 
been held, and this seems to be the better rule, that an officer 
cannot be fined for absence when there is no meeting, and 
this rests upon the fact that in such a case the Lodge has no 
official record of the absence, and so, nothing upon which to 
base the penalty.! 

If a Lodge may inquire into the ulterior motives of an 
officer in remaining away from the meeting, and should dis- 
cover an executed purpose to prevent a meeting of the Lodge, 
it would seem that there ought to be power in the Lodge to 
punish, and it would also seem that the punishment ought to 
be of a character more severe than that incurred by mere ab- 
sence. The various questions arising from the absence of an 
officer or member, including those which affect his rights, 
duties, and liabilities, may be said to be fairly settled. 

36. Absence: Does not Disqualify for Office when: Absence 
at election does not render a member of a Subordinate Lodge 
ineligible to office, t It has been held, however, that where a 
member of the Grand Lodge is absent, and cannot be present 
at the installation, he is not eligible to office. || 

It is made a constitutional provision in Pennsylvania, that a 
duly qualified member cannot be excluded from the list of 
nominees because he is not present. § 

The reason for this distinction is apparent. An officer elect, 
is not in fact, an officer until he is installed. After the Grand 

♦Digest, Sec. 1211. IDigest, Sec. 261. JDigest. Sec. 900. i; Digest, Sec. 271. 
§Const. Sub. Lodges, Art. IV, Sec. 3. 



COMMON LAW. 43 

Lodge meeting, there can be no legal installation until it 
meets again, and the term of the officer might have expired in 
the meantime. An officer of a Subordinate Lodge may be in- 
stalled at any meeting, so that, an interval of one or two weeks, 
without a particular officer, would not necessarily work any 
very serious effects. 

37. Absence: Is no Excuse for Failing to Pay Assessments 
when: As a general rule it is the duty of every member to 
keep himself informed as to his standing, and this is especially 
so when the member removes without the jurisdiction of his 
Lodge. Pursuant to this principle, it has been held that ab- 
sence is no excuse for a failure to pay funeral assessments.* 
And a member cannot claim notice of assessments as a matter 
of right, inasmuch as, they are provided for in the By-Laws, 
and are liable to accrue at any time. He may write his Lodge 
for information, or, upon failure to do so, is at fault. 

38. Absence: At Roll Call: Effect of: Where the law simply 
provides for the imposition of a fine for absence at a regular 
meeting, it is held, that when an officer enters after roll call, 
and before the close of the meeting the penalty is not incurred.! 

39. Absence: From State does not Create Vacancy in Office when: 
This phase of the question has been decided variously, but it 
seems to be settled now, that mere absence from the state or 
jurisdiction of the Lodge, even permanently, does not create a 
vacancy in office, t To remove an officer for absence, there 
must have been some violation of the law, or something equiv- 
alent to that. || Other phases of this question are discussed 
under the title "Eemoval" and under the same title in the D : - 
gest, will be found decisions bearing upon the question. § 

40. Absence: Right of Lodge to grant leave of, to Officer: It 
was held in Pennsylvania, that a Lodge could not grant a leave 
of absence to an elective officer,for a majority of the nights of his 
term, without working a forfeiture of the honors of his term.^ 
The Constitution of Pennsylvania provided, that absence, on 
account of sickness was excusable, and that it did not work a 
forfeiture of honors, and from this it was held, that leave of ab- 
sence could not be granted ; that sickness was the only excuse 
for absence. 

This is not Pythian Law, to-day, and the rule may not be ad- 
hered to even in Pennsylvania now. What is there in our Py- 

*Digest, Sec. 260. tDigest Sec. 263. :Digest Sec. 267. iiDigest Sec. 2120. 
^Digest Sec. 2115, et seq. TPa. Jan., 1871, 181, 261. 



44 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

thian Laws, usages or customs, to prevent a Lodge doing a 
plain act of justice to a worthy member and officer? In the 
early years, the impression prevailed that an officer to be en- 
titled to the honors of an office, must serve therein a majority 
of the nights of the term. This may have been the reason for 
the rule in Pennsylvania, an officer not being actually present 
a majority of the nights, and not being excused on account of 
sickness, he could not of course reap the honors of the office. 
This, however, is no longer the theory nor the practice. The 
right of a Lodge to grant a leave of absence to an officer with- 
out forfeiting the honors of the office held, can no longer be 
questioned. 

AMENDMENTS. 

41. To Laws, and Constitutions: Consideration of: The Law Con- 
cerning: It is an ordinary, and a wise precaution, that of pro- 
viding in By Laws and Constitutions, provisions requiring 
amendments thereto, to lie over, at least one meeting, be- 
fore being considered. When these amendments, after having 
lain over the required time, came to be considered, the ques- 
tion has arisen as to how far they may be changed, altered, or 
amended, without again being required to lie over under thesi 
provisions. 

So far as this refers to amendments offered to By Laws in 
Subordinate Lodges, precedents have been established, by at 
least two Grand Lodges, which seem to be reasonable and con- 
sistent.* In both of these Jurisdictions it is held that amend- 
ments may be amended at the meeting at which they are 
considered, and, without lying over, may be considered and 
adopted. Somewhat akin to this, in principle, was the ruling 
of Supreme Chancellor Linton at the session of 1884. The 
body was considering the report of the special committee on 
the Endowment Bank. The question was upon the adoption 
of Section 1, Article II., General Laws of the Endowment 
Bank, when the Supreme Chancellor ruled that it involved an 
amendment to the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, and 
must therefore, lie over two years. 

The section as reported by the committee., had been amended, 
but this was not the ground of the ruling. The section as- 
sumed the existence of a Supreme Secretary, an officer unknown 
to the Constitution, audit was upon this, the ruling was founded.! 

*Pigest Sees. 494, 498. tJour. 1884, 29(50. 



COMMON LAW. 45 

The Supreme Chancellor was overruled, on appeal, by a vote 
of 24 to 48. 

The Supreme Chancellor took the ground, that the creation of 
a Supreme Secretary, was the creation of a Supreme Lodge 
officer. If this was what was intended, or, if it was what was 
actually done,then the ruling was right, for the Supreme Lodge 
certainly had no constitutional authority to create an office for 
the Supreme Lodge in that way. It is evident, however, that 
the ruling was premature. The section did not pretend to cre- 
ate an office, or create a "Supreme Secretary," it simply as- 
sumed the existence of such an officer by prescribing a portion 
of his duties.* 

In this connection it may be well enough to remark that the 
Supreme Lodge did subsequently, create the office of Supreme 
Secretary, which, undoubtedly it had the right to do, just as 
much as it had to create the office of Medical Examiner in 
Chief, or the President of the Section. These are officers nec- 
essary or convenient for the successful operation of the Endow- 
ment Rank, they are officers of the Endowment Rank, 
and not of the Supreme Lodge. If any one supposes 
that the Supreme Secretary is an officer of the Supreme 
Lodge, he is in error. The Supreme Lodge did not intend to 
clothe him with this dignity, and most certainly the legislation 
had, was not sufficient to that end. The Constitution specific- 
ally defines the officiary of the Supreme Lodge, and that has, 
in no sense, been amended. 

AEEEAES. 

42. State of the Legislation Concerning: The question of 
arrears, or arrearages is so closely allied to those of "good 
standing" and "dues," that but little can be said of it that 
would not be just as applicable to either of the latter two sub- 
jects. For this reason much of the discussion of this subject 
has been reserved to what would seem to be the more appro- 
priate topics. There are, however, certain phases of this ques- 
tion which may b* noted under this head. As applied pecu- 
liarly to this topic of Arrears, the decisions have not been 
numerous, but they have been generally important as affecting 
the rights and duties of members, and, as establishing gov- 
erning principles. The law, as established by the legislation 

*Gen. Laws, E. R„ Sec 1 Art. 2. 



46 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

upon the question, may be said to be in a fairly settled state. 
The principal conflicts and inconsistencies occurred in the 
earlier years, but these have been disentangled and adjusted 
by subsequent legislation, so far as the important questions 
are concerned. 

43. Arrears : The Right of Subordinate Lodges to Regulate : 
Penalties for : It has been held, and it is now an undisputed 
question, that Subordinate Lodges may regulate their dues 
and benefits.* 

This provision has been incorporated into the laws of some of 
the Grand Jurisdictions, and in consequence, has suffered con- 
structions, perhaps, not contemplated, and certainly not war- 
ranted, under the light of subsequent legislation and practice. 
There was a comparatively early construction placed upon this 
question of the right of a Subordinate Lodge to regulate the 
question of Arrears, by the Grand Chancellor of Illinois, which 
will not bear the light of investigation and reason. The ques- 
tion was propounded to him : "When is a member in arrears 
for dues ?" To which he answered ; "This is a matter for the 
legislation of each Lodge, who are permitted (Article xi., Gen- 
eral Laws) to regulate their own dues and Benefits. "t This 
decision was approved by the Grand Lodge, on report of the 
committee, with twenty-one other decisions, and apparently 
without examination or discussion. It will be observed that 
the Grand Chancellor assumed that the authority of a Lodge 
to regulate its dues and benefits, carried with it the authority 
to regulate the question of arrears and its consequent penalties, 
as well. This is erroneous, for two reasons : first, it is not 
supported by a fair or reasonable construction of the law ; and, 
secondly , it is opposed to the direct, as well as the implied, 
legislation had upon the question. The Grand Chancellor of 
Illinois, however, has the support of Virginia on this question, 
in a decision given as late as 1884. The Grand Chancellor of 
Virginia desired the Grand Lodge to pass upon a question 
winch seems to have been a source of some perplexity to him. 
He says : 

"The Constitution provides that a member shall be suspended when 
twelve months in arrears. Now on the last night of grace, some brother 
will pay ten cents, claiming that, that payment would save the brother 
until the end of the quarter; his dues would then be $7.40. I would 
like for this Grand Lodge to decide whether that will save the brother 

♦Digest, Sees. 37G, 430 and 913 et seo- till. Jour. 1874, 223, 224. 



COMMON LAW, 47 

until the end of the quarter, or only until the amount is exhausted in 
dues?" 

The committee reporting thereon helcl,that the payment would 
only save the brother one week, when he must be suspended un- 
less a further payment was made. Pending discussion of this 
report it was amended, declaring the matter to be a subject for 
local legislation, and as amended, the report was adopted.* 

By local legislation, in this connection, it is clearly meant 
that Subordinate Lodges may say when arrears shall work 
suspension. Lodges may regulate their dues as they see fit ; 
that is, they may regulate the amount of dues to be paid,t 
the manner and time of payment, whether they shall be paid 
weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually, t in advance or other- 
wise,!] and such other questions as relate solely to matters of 
Lodge regulation. And to some extent it may regulate Bene- 
fits ; the question of amount particularly. The regulation of 
arrears, however, is a far different matter ; and while it is not 
generally, if to any extent, left to the legislation of Subordinate 
Lodges, it is proper it should not be. The matter of arrears 
affects the good standing, and indirectly, perhaps, affects not 
only the member himself, but the prosperity, life and growth 
of the Order throughout the Jurisdiction. 

If Lodges were permitted to exercise an unrestrained judg- 
ment in this matter, it would result, ere long, in an alarming 
state of affairs. In fixing the time when a member should be 
deemed to be in arrears, one Lodge might fix it at one month, 
another three months, another a year, and in the exercise of 
this judgment there would be nothing to prevent a lodge in de- 
claring a member in arrears, who might owe one week's dues, 
and for this, deprive him of the rights, privileges, and benefits 
of the Order. It will be readily seen, that any law regulating 
the matter of arrears, and arrearages, should be uniform, espe- 
cially within the same jurisdiction, and so, is a proper subject 
for Grand Lodge control. 

44. Arrears : Right of Lodges to Regulate: Legislation Concern- 
ing: This question, very fortunately, has not been left to the 
Subordinate Lodges generally. The Constitutions of Subordi- 
nate Lodges usually control the matter. The time within which 
members shall lose their good standing by reason of arrear- 
ages, is ordinarily prescribed in these instruments. This, 

*Va.J<ror. 1884,21,28-9. tDigest, Sec, 917. iDigest, Sec. 918. HDigest. Sec. 938. 



48 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

perhaps, has become more general in later years, but aside 
from this the weight of the earlier decisions accords with the 
view here given. The Supreme Lodge, in 1875, held that, the 
length of time a member may be in arrears for dues before he 
can be deprived of the Semi- Annual Pass Word, is a question 
for the legislation of the state grand bodies,* At the same 
session it was held, that the right of a Grand Lodge to legis- 
late concerning arrears, was not in conflict with the Supreme 
Law.t In addition to this the Supreme Lodge has on several 
occasions, and the various Grand Lodges have repeatedly 
legislated upon this question, showing conclusively that it is 
not properly within the province of Subordinate Lodges to 
regulate it in any manner whatever. In 1878 the Supreme 
Lodge defined the term thus : 

"When the dues of a member have accrued for the period designated 
by his Grand Jurisdiction as the limit of good standing, and the same 
remain unpaid, he is in arrears. "J 

Where a Lodge sought to charge its dues in advance, 
and to declare members in arrears who refused, or 
neglected to so pay in advance, the Supreme Lodge held 
in 1875, that a member could not be declared in arrears 
who had paid dues to the first of a term.|| The Grand Lodge 
of Maine, in 1877, defined the term "arrears," thus making a 
general and uniform law for its Subordinates^ The Grand 
Lodge of the District of Columbia, approving the decision of 
Grand Chancellor Calvert, held that arrears could not accrue 
while a member was sick ;Tf and West Virginia, in 1878, ruled 
upon the same question,** and upon the general question of 
arrears the Grand Lodges of Ontario legislated upon it in 
1874, Maryland in 1873, Pennsylvania in 1875, Kansas in 
1876, and in later years a majority of the Grand Lodges have 
passed upon the question in some of its various forms, and ex- 
cept in the two instances cited in the preceding section, the 
right of a Grand Lodge to regulate the matter of arrears, and 
penalties incident thereto, has never been questioned. 

This question is further discussed under the title of "dues" 
where the laws in respect to penalties imposed for non-payment 
of dues are cited, and a general rule applicable to such cases 
suggested.lt 

*Digest. Sec. 197. tDigest, Sec. 560. iDigest, Sec. 177. ||Digest,Sec. 93S. |Di- 
gest, Sec. 178. HDigeat, Sec. 187. **Digest, Sec. 442. t+Expo. Sec. 98. 



COMMON LAW. 49 

45. Arrears: The Rights of Members in Respect to Payment: Ef- 
fect of Part Payment: Notwithstanding the general uniformity 
of the laws in respect to arrears the decisions have been di- 
verse and conflicting, both in letter and principle. A few of 
them referring to the payment of arrearages, are here noted. 
It was held in Maine by J. H. Drummond, Grand Chancellor, 
that: 

"When a party is twelve months in arrears, the Master of Fi- 
nance is Dot bound to receive any less than the full amount of dues, on 
the principle that the penalty of suspension has been incurred, and the 
brother can be relieved from it only by paying the full amount of his 
dues.* 

The same question was decided in the same way by the 
Grand Lodge of Delaware in 1880. A Chancellor Commander 
was asked whether a member thirteen weeks in arrears could 
make part payment and thus regain good standing, who held 
that he could, but on appeal the Grand Lodge reversed this 
decision.! Also to the same effect in Indiana a part payment 
was held to be illegal and the Master of Finance not bound to 
receive it,t but this was qualified at the same session. || 

If this was the law, it would be wrong in principle, but it is 
not the law, inasmuch as it is not supported by the weight of 
authority or reason. 

It has become a well settled principle of Pythian Law, that 
before a member can be suspended on account of arrearages, 
there must be a notice and declaration of suspension, and that 
until such notice and declaration, the member may pay his 
dues and the Master of Finance is bound to receive it, notwith- 
standing the member is more than twelve months in arrears § 
and he may pay but a portion of such arrears and regain good 
standing. This latter has been held in Wisconsin.^ It has 
been held that a part payment of arrearages will work good 
standing to the extent of clothing a brother with the right to 
vote who had lost it on account of non-payment.** It has also 
been held that part payment will restore a member's right to ben- 
efits, ft Thus it is, the principle is held, wherever the question 
has been raised. In cases where actual suspension has not been 
declared, there is no reason why the rule should be otherwise. 
A member may pay dues until suspension is actually declared, 1 J 

*Me. 1877, 173, 297. +Del. 1880, 270. JInd. 1880, 231-2. ||Ib. 244. §Digest 
Sec. 2372. UDigest Sec. 2366. **Digest Sec. 185. t+Digest Sec. 186. UDigest 
Sec. 237 let seq. 



50 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

but of course, suspension alters the rule and changes the prin- 
ciple. An application for reinstatement must be accompanied 
by the prescribed fee, and a Lodge is not authorized to, and 
cannot receive any less.* Under the light of all these authori- 
ties, it must be conceded that the reasoning of Grand Chancel- 
lor Drummond is not supported. The mere incurring of the 
penalty does not constitute suspension, and, until the penalty 
is actually imposed, the Master of Finance is bound to receive 
the dues of any member in such sums as he may see fit to pay 
it, and the member's right to immediate credit has been 
shown, t 

46, Arrears: Reference to Other Heads of Discussion: There 
are many other phases of the question involving principles of 
more or less importance, and among them might be noticed 
the rights of members as to voting, holding* office, to benefits, 
the Semi-Annual Pass Word, and to sit in the Lodge room. 
There is a great diversity of rules and precedents in respect to 
these questions, and they will be noticed more properly under 
the various heads here referred to. 

ASSESSMENTS. 

47. Power of Subordinate Lodges to Enforce Collection: Under 
the title Taxation! the various phases of the question of taxa- 
tion are discussed. There can be no question, perhaps, as to 
the right of a Subordinate Lodge to levy assessment, even 
where the power has not been expressly granted, and from this 
there would seem to follow also the concurrent right to enforce 
collection. This latter right, however, has been, until recently, 
obdurately denied by the Supreme Lodge. During all these 
years there has existed in the history of the Order this anoma- 
lous condition of things ; the right to levy fines and assess- 
ments, without the power to enforce their collection. The 
right to levy assessments has not been denied, but the Supreme 
Lodge has refused to permit their election, except in certain 
instances for the payment of sick or funeral benefits. In this 
subversion of a familiar principle of law, the Supreme Lodge 
has gradually yielded, until now the right is clearly and dis- 
tinctly defined. This, however, was not brought about until a 
number of the Grand Lodges had entered upon a course of con- 
flicting legislation, that bid fair to unsettle the very foundation 

*Digest Sec. 2128. tDigeat Sec. 958. lEspo. Sec. 219. 



COMMON LAW. 51 

of our Pythian Law. The decision of Grand Chancellor J. W, 
Carter, of Nebraska, is a fair illustration of this fact.* He 
held, that where a member's indebtedness reaches the amount 
of twelve months' dues, he stands suspended, notwithstanding 
a portion of such indebtedness arises from fines and assess- 
ments. 

Grand Chancellor Woodruff, of Georgia, in 1872, held to the 
same effect, t and Grand Chancellor Ketchum, of Mississippi, 
announced a similar principle, with this qualification : "That 
there should be no abbreviation of the limit which exposes a 
member to suspension for non-payment of dues."! In Ala- 
bama also, it was held " That an assessment could be levied 
by a two-third vote, and the members were bound to pay the 
same," it being the duty of the Master of Finance to charge it 
up, not as dues, but with them.|| There can be no doubt that 
these several actions were in conflict with the legislation of the 
Supreme Lodge as it stood at that time, but it was just such 
pressure as this which finally induced the Supreme Lodge to 
yield the right, as it did in 1884, though in a qualified manner. 

The legislation of the Supreme Lodge in respect to the right 
of Subordinate Lodges to collect fines and assessments has 
been of a yielding nature in favor of funeral assessments, so 
that, up to and including the legislation of 1882, the state of 
the law on this subject might be summed up as follows : 

First: The non-payment of fines and assessments charged 
for any purpose will work a forfeiture of benefits, except the 
minimum amount, in Jurisdictions where the Grand Lodges 
have expressly authorized it. 

Secondly: The non-payment of funeral assessment, fines or 
tax, will work a forfeiture of good standing, membership and 
benefits. 

The noticeable feature of this legislation is, that, for the non- 
payment of an ordinary fine or assessment, a member could 
not be suspended, he lost only the benefits provided by the law 
of the Lodge, in case of sickness. The final yielding of the 
Supreme Lodge in this matter, was at the session of April, 
1884, where the entire question was relegated to the Grand 
Lodges. 

The right now to both levy and collect assessments, can no 
longer be denied, where the Grand Lodges have taken advan- 

*Digest, Sec. 2363. tGa., 1872, 17. JMiss., 1879, 209, 240. || Ala., 1875, 75, 
77, 95. 



52 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

tage of this grant of the Supreme Lodge, and have thus, by 
express enactment, made it legal to enforce the collection by 
attaching the penalty of suspension.* 

48. Assessments: By Subordinate Lodges: Right of Grand Lodge 
to Restrict: As has been shown in the preceding section, the 
legislation of the Supreme Lodge up to 1882, only went so far 
as to authorize Grand Lodges to permit the Subordinates to 
deny benefits to members in arrears for assessments. It will 
be borne in mind, however, that Grand Lodges have, from 
quite an early period, maintained the right to restrict their 
Subordinates in the levying and collecting of assessments, and 
in 1880 the Supreme Lodge recognized this right by refusing to 
hold good an assessment made contrary to the Grand Lodge 
Constitution, t 

In 1872, Pennsylvania held that Subordinate Lodges could 
not collect assessments,! and in 1873 the same Jurisdiction 
held that there was no part of the Constitution which would 
allow a Lodge to make an assessment.il In 1881, the question, 
coming up again in the same Grand Lodge, in the nature of a 
By-Law providing for assessments to replenish the treasury of 
the Lodge, the By-Law was rejected, on the ground that " by 
the Constitution, dues, funeral tax and fines are the only con- 
tribution which a Lodge can require its members to pay."§ 

According to the Pennsylvania Constitution these decisions 
were of course correct, and it w T ill be seen that the Grand Lodge 
through a course of legislation for about ten years, has per- 
sistently refused to grant the right to Subordinate Lodges to 
levy assessments. There can be no doubt that this principle 
is correct. Subordinate Lodges, deriving their power solely by 
charter from the Grand Lodge, have no powers, except such as 
are expressly or impliedly granted by that body.^[ 

Whether or not Lodges possess this inherent right to make 
assessments for legitimate Lodge purposes, in Jurisdictions 
where the Grand Lodge has not expressly prohibited it, is a 
question not entirely clear. Perhaps the earliest decision 
bearing upon this, was made in Maryland in 1869. It was held 
that Lodges should provide in their By-Laws whether assess- 
ments should be classed with dues.** This was not only recog- 
nizing the right of Lodges to make assessments, but to collect 

*Digest, Sec. 111)2. {Digest, Sec. 22. tPa., 1872, 74. ||Pa M 1873, 129. §Pa., 
Aug., 1881, 301, 336. USee Expo., title Taxation— As to the inherent rights of Subor- 
dinate Lodges. **Md., 1869, 82. 



COMMON LAW. 53 

them as well, but this can hardly be regarded as a safe prece- 
dent at this day. There may be certain classes of assessments, 
the right to levy which, carries with it the right to enforce col- 
lection, but it is safer to assume that this right does not exist 
except by authority of the Grand Lodge. 

ATTENDANTS. 

49. Are not Officers of the Lodge: Conflict of Decisions: In 
1879 the Grand Chancellor of Kansas held, "The attendant is 
an officer of the Lodge, and having served one term as such, 
is eligible to the office of Vice Chancellor."* In the following 
year Grand Chancellor Frazer, of the same Jurisdiction, reiter- 
ated this decision.! It is needless to. say that these decisions 
are in direct conflict with the legislation of the Supreme Lodge, 
as also that of Indiana and other Jurisdictions following the 
Supreme Lodge on this question.! It is true the Eitual makes 
provisions for "attendants," they are appointed and have, pre- 
sumably, some duties to perform, but there is no installation 
service provided, hence they are not formally inducted into 
office. It has been expressly declared that they are not eligi- 
ble to the higher offices, in Jurisdictions where rotation in of- 
fices is regulated by law, simply by reason of service as attend- 
ants. SI Some Lodges include them in roll call of officers on 
opening the Lodge, § but this is certainly more a matter of 
form than a legal obligation, inasmuch as they cannot be 
fined for non-attendance as other officers.^" 

There was a proposition before the Grand Lodge of Texas in 
1879 to amend the Constitution declaring attendants to be reg- 
ular officers of the Lodge, this, however, was voted down on 
an unfavorable report of the Committee on Law r who based 
their objections on "Ritualistic grounds, aside from the decision 
of the Supreme Lodge and of the Grand Lodges.** In view of 
the fact that no installation service is provided for inducting 
attendants into office, they cannot, properly, be considered of- 
ficers of the Lodge, and, so not amenable to any of the provis- 
ions of the law for the guidance and control of officers. This 
is the view the Supreme Lodge has steadily taken of this mat- 
ter, and any decision to the contrary is in open conflict there- 
with. 

*J. M. Price, G. C, Kan. Jour. 1879, 7, 34. +Kan, 1880, 7, 21. iDigest Sec. 242. 
IIDigpst Sec. 1136. §An instance of this was noted by the author wheu visiting Ogden 
Lodge, at Ogden, Utah. ^Digest Sec. 243 and Note. **Texas 1879, 120, 125. 



54 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

BALLOT. 

50. As a Method of Voting: Uses of, in the Order: The dis- 
tinction between a vote and a ballot, as used in the Order, is 
set forth in the decision of Grand Chancellor Brown, of New 
York, as follows :* 

"There is but one way of voting in this Order, and that is by the 
proper sign, unless otherwise ordered, and the distinction between a 
vote and ballot, is clear, and maintained all through the Constitution." 

He might have added, that a ballot is always taken by 
written or printed tickets, or by balls. This distinction is 
always to be observed, that, where the law speaks of voting, 
reference is had to the ordinary sign. A ballot is essentially, a 
vote, but the converse is not always true, and so the rules of 
one will not always govern in the other. The ballot, either 
with tickets or balls, is always resorted to where secrecy in vot- 
ing is enjoined, or where it may be advisable to have it so. 

51. Ballot: Lodge May Designate Any Member to Cast, when: 
That the Lodge may by vote, designate any member to cast its 
ballot, in an ordinary election by ballot, is now a settled rule,t 
although in settling it, a principle of parliamentary law was 
ignored. I There is, however, some diversity of opinion as yet 
in respect to it, and at the same time, a misapprehension in 
some quarters, as to the manner in which the ballot should be 
taken when ordered to be cast by a particular officer or mem- 
ber. In the precedent established by the Supreme Lodge, it is 
held, that although any member may be designated to cast the 
ballot of the Supreme Lodge in the election of officers, this did 
not preclude the right of any member objecting, to cast his in- 
dividual vote. 

While the ruling of the Supreme Chancellor in this par- 
ticular was, and is, in consonance with reason, it has, however, 
led to some confusion. It is the form in some of the Lodges, 
when a member is directed to cast the ballot of the Lodge, for 
the member thus designated, to prepare a ballot after counting 
the members present, and then announce that number of votes 
as having been cast, when, if the members objecting, should 
choose to cast their individual votes, it will be seen that 
more votes are cast than there are members in the room. 

Herein lies the misapprehension as to the manner of taking 
the ballot. Of course, in ordering a ballot to be cast, a ma- 

♦Digest, Sec. 340. tDigest, Sec. 28G et seq. ^Robert's Rules of Order, Sec. 38. 



COMMON LAW. 55 

jority vote is sufficient in all cases where a majority ballot will 
elect, or carry the question; a majority in such case, is the 
Lodge, so that, in preparing and announcing the ballot, the 
person designated should declare it to be simply the "vote of 
the Lodge," or, the "majority vote of the Lodge," the mem- 
bers objecting, could then cast their individual votes; true, 
their votes would not affect the result, they would constitute 
the minority only. 

There can be no question that, a Lodge may order its ballot 
to be cast in this way, on all proper occasions, and it would be 
well if the method here pointed "out, of taking such a ballot, 
was more generally understood and observed. 

52. Ballot: For Membership: Manner of Taking: Usage: There 
may not be much of a variety in the manner of taking a ballot 
for membership, or for the ranks, and there is nothing in the 
higher law establishing any precise form. For the sake of 
uniformity, however, it has been thought best to recommend 
the formula given by Grand Chancellor Roper, of Illinois.* 
This seems to be the more common form, while at the same 
time, it ensures greater secrecy than perhaps any other method. 
There can be no question that there is too much looseness in 
many Lodges, in the manner of taking the ballot ; and the in- 
junction, "Guard well your portals," is too often lost sight of.t 

53. Ballot: For Membership: Inspection and Announcement of: 
In 1876 Supreme Chancellor Davis decided that, both the 
Chancellor Commander and Yice Chancellor, should inspect 
the ballot and the Chancellor Commander should announce 
the result. In 1882 Supreme Chancellor Lindsey was called 
upon to decide the same question again, which he did to the 
same effect.! This is generally recognized now as the law. It 
has been found necessary, however, make provision for chal- 
lenging or verifying the announcement of the Chancellor Com- 

*Digest, Sec. 343. 

tThe writer at one time took advantage of an opportunity to visit a Lodge in the 
city of Philadelphia. It seemed to be a thriving, prosperous Lodge, leastwise, there 
were a large number of members present, and the hall was crowded. I saw on that- 
evening thirty-two petitioners elected to membership, and it was really an amusing 
affair to see with what expedition it was conducted. The Chancellor Commander and 
three members, who kindly volunteered to assist, were the only ones taking part in 
the election, the remaining members amused themselves by chatting, conversing and 
passing, to and fro, across the hall. The voice of the Chancellor Commander in an- 
nouncing the result of each ballot, could just be heard by the persistent listener, 
above the din of conversation, the rattling of chairs and the tramp of moving feet. 
Perhaps in something less than fifteen minutes the Chancellor Commander and the 
three members standing at the altar, elected the thirty-two petitioners. A more har- 
monious election I never saw, not a member in the room raised an objection, and 
there was not a desire manifested by any one to know who the petitioners were. 

iDigest Sec. 339. 



56 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

mander, and this matter has been the result of some consid- 
erable legislation. In 1871 Grand Chancellor Berry, of Illi- 
nois, holding to the rule as afterward established by the Su- 
preme Lodge, held further, that if the Chancellor Commander 
commits an error, or wilfully announces the result, the Vice 
Chancellor may challenge it, when the Past Chancellor may 
"vise" it, if the Chancellor Commander refuses to do so.* In 
all such cases this seems to be the better rule. 

54. Ballot: For the Ranks: Practice Concerning: The prac- 
tice in the several Jurisdictions in respect to balloting on ap- 
plications for the Eanks is not uniform, not nearly so much as 
it should be. The Supreme Lodge has made it obligatory,! 
that at least one week shall elapse between the conferring of 
the ranks, and this injunction has been generally observed, but 
some Jurisdictions, or Lodges at least, permit a ballot to be 
taken on an application for advancement on the same evening 
it is presented, but hold that the Bank to which the applicant 
may have been elected, cannot be conferred until the week has 
elapsed. This is a virtual compliance with the law, but is an 
evasion of its very object and purpose. There is no reason or 
justice in compelling an applicant to wait a week for his rank 
after he has been elected, his election is evidence of his worth- 
iness, and he should receive his rank at once. 

In Indiana it was held that, it is no violation of the law for a 
Lodge to ballot for the first and second Banks on the same 
evening, although such a proceeding might be somewhat hur- 
ried, t By this it will be seen that a candidate maybe elected 
to the second Bank before he has received the first. A similar 
practice is observed in New Jersey where it was held that a 
ballot can be had for the Bank of Knight on the same evening 
the applicant takes the Esquire's Bank.|| 

The practice of permitting a ballot for Bank on the same 
evening it is presented, or to elect an applicant to receive a 
particular Bank before he has taken the preceding one, is not 
the best rule, neither is it the practice in the majority of Juris- 
dictions. 

The better rule seems to be, to require such applications to 
lie over at least one week, before action is taken thereon, in 
order that objections may be made to the applicant's advance- 
ment, if there is cause for it, and his progress thus arrested 

*Digest Sec. 338. tConst. S. L., Sec. 2, Art. 8, Par. 11 App. Unci. 1882, 13G-7. 
I|N. J. 1880. 1164. 



COMMON LAW. 57 

before election, and this seems to be the object of the law, in 
requiring a week to intervene. 

The rule is, that where an applicant signifies his desire to* 
advance, he makes an application accompanied by the re- 
quired fee ; the application may be informal, it is not neces- 
sary that it be in writing, may be made personally by the ap- 
plicant, or verbally through a friend. It is then read or a 
statement made of the fact, and without reference to a com- 
mittee it lies over, at least one week, when it may be acted 
upon, and if favorable, the Bank conferred at the same meeting. 

55. Ballot: Can be had at a Special Meeting, when: There has 
been some difference of opinion as to what a Lodge may legally 
do at a special meeting. In this connection it has been held in 
Texas, that a Lodge cannot receive a report from a committee, 
and ballot for an applicant, at a special meeting.* 

This decision is noted in the Digest without comment, for 
the reason that it illustrates the general rule, but it cannot be 
true that a Lodge may not call a special meeting for the trans- 
action of any particular business, the nature of such business 
to be noted in the call. This being so, the Lodge may not only 
receive a report, and ballot, but may confer ranks at a special 
meeting.! 

56. Ballot: For Membership or Advancement: Cannot be Recon- 
sidered: The decisions on this question are, indeed, conflicting. 
It has been held in a number of Jurisdictions, that a ballot for 
membership, or for advancement, can be reconsidered especially 
to correct an error or mistake. In New York it is held that a 
motion to reconsider any act of a Lodge can be entertained 
under the Constitutional restrictions ; 1 and it has been held in 
others, that, while such a ballot cannot be reconsidered, after 
the result has been declared, if elected, the advancement of the 
applicant may be barred. This is the rule in Wisconsin. j| 

Grand Chancellor Day, in giving this opinion, referred care- 
fully to the legislation of the Supreme Lodge, to the effect : 

"That where objection is made to the admission or advancement of a 
candidate after his election, and a majority vote approve the objections, 
the applicant for such advancement, should stand in the same condition 
relative to the Order, as in case of an original applicant for membership 
when such had been rejected." 

The weight of authority seems to lie in this direction ; the 

*Digest Sec. 324. ^Digest Sec. 2463, et seq., also Expo. Sec. Special Meeting. 
JN. Y.. Jan., 1870 251, 287. JlDigest, Sec. 297. 



58 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

idea of reconsideration is clearly negatived, but the applicant 
found unworthy after election may be debarred advancement.* 

It is held in Georgia that a reconsideration of the ballot is 
against all law and usage.! 

In Nebraska it is held, that it cannot be reconsidered after 
the result has been declared. I 

In Oregon it is held, that if the Supreme Lodge Constitution 
has been complied with in taking the ballot, then it cannot be 
reconsidered, nor a new ballot taken ; but if it has not been 
complied with, then the Lodge may correct the error. A 
brother voting a black ball by mistake, is no reason why the 
Lodge should reconsider its action. || 

In Texas it was held, that under no consideration could a 
ballot which rejects an appplicant, be reconsidered. § 

This rule seems to have been forgotten in later legislation, 
for in the same Jurisdiction, in 1879 — Grand Chancellor Auns- 
paugh — held, that a motion to reconsider the election of a Page 
to the Esquire's rank, had at a previous meeting, was proper, 
if made by a member voting with the majority. He says : 

" I did not think Section 3, Article vi, was applicable in this case."^[ 

The section and article of the law referred to by the Grand 
Chancellor is not at hand, it may, however, have some refer- 
ence to the reconsideration of ballots, inasmuch as the Grand 
Chancellor intimates a possible conflict between his decision 
and the law. Be this as it may, the decision is not well 
founded. While there may be means of arresting the progress 
of a Page or Esquire, we do not believe it will depend upon the 
action of one voting with the majority, nor that it requires re- 
consideration at all. 

It seems now well settled that the ballot cannot be reconsid- 
ered even to correct a mistake not amounting to a material 
informality, or violation of law in taking the ballot. Perhaps 
the only exception to this is, where a gross injustice has been 
done, and an applicant has been rejected unintentionally.** 
The law gives ample opportunity for correcting mistakes, and 
ballots may be renewed for this purpose before the result is 
declared. 

Grand Chancellor Rudolph, of Missouri, held, that it could 
be renewed to correct a mistake.lt After the declaration of the 
result, the rule is different, especially if it is unfavorable to the 

*Digest, Sec. 302 et seq. iDigest, fiec. 298. tTMgest. Sec. 3lO. I'Digest, Sec. 299. 
§Tex., 1870, 32. UTexas, 1879, 97, 122. **Pigest, Sjc. 314. t+Mo., is^0, 79, 80, 127. 



COMMON LAW. 59 

applicant. In such case, he must await the statutory time, 
if favorable he is entitled to his Bank, unless reason can be 
shown for arresting his progress, which may be done in the 
manner already pointed out.* 

Informality in taking the ballot, as, for instance, where it is 
taken in the dark, or under a defective light, has been held a 
ground for reconsideration, and of course renewal.! 

57. Ballot:* Cannot be Renewed, when: The distinction will 
be observed, between what is termed reconsidering a ballot, and 
renewing it. From the parliamentary signification of the term, 
and, indeed, from the course of legislation in respect to it, we 
understand that the reconsideration of a ballot is the action 
sometimes resorted to, where, from any cause, a former action 
of the Lodge is sought to be overturned. The reconsideration 
of a ballot, of course, is only necessary after the ballot has be- 
come absolute by the declaration of the result. The passage 
of a motion, in a proper case, to reconsider, has the effect 
virtually of declaring the ballot previously taken, and the result 
of it, null and void. The renewing of a ballot is the retaking of 
it merely, which is done usually before the result is announced. 
There are instances of the retaking of a ballot after the result 
has been announced, even without the formality of reconsider- 
ing former action. As to the renewing of a ballot before the 
result is announced, there seems to be but little restriction 
upon the authority of the Chancellor Commander, as it is a 
matter almost entirely within the exercise of his discretion. 

The decisions which seem to restrict the power, are those 
relating principally, to cases where it was sought to subject the 
applicant to a new ballot, entirely ignoring a former ballot. 
For instance, it was sought in Wisconsin to subject an appli- 
cant to a new ballot who had delayed some months in applying 
for the Ranks after his election, and it was held that a mere 
delay in taking the Ranks was no ground for renewing the 
ballot. 1 

Any immaterial informalities in taking the ballot, are no 
grounds for renewing it, hence it is held, that where the Outer 
Guard was not notified of the progress of the ballot, and so did 
not vote, that this was no ground for renewing the ballot. 

A decision of Grand Chancellor Peabody, of Maine, touches 
a point about which there has been, and is still some misap- 

*Expo., Sec. 29, Digest, Sec. 61 et seq. tDigest, Sec. 316. {Digest, Sec. 291. 



60 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

prehension. It is a question that involves a construction of 
the Supreme Lodge Constitution, and it ought not to present 
any serious difficulty. He held that where the records show 
that but one ballot was had on the petition of an applicant by 
which he was rejected, he might demand a new ballot at the next 
meeting.* This was presumably, on the ground that it is the 
duty of the Chancellor Commander to renew the ballot, if black 
balls are cast on the first ballot, regardless of the number so 
cast. If this is the reason, as is inferred from the record, it is 
certainly error, and in conflict with the decision of Supreme 
Chancellor Berry, f The rule is, as established by this latter 
decision, that if three blackballs appear in the ballot it need not 
be renewed. Chancellor Commanders, undoubtedly,before de- 
claring the result, have the right to order the ballot to be re- 
taken, but if there are three or more black balls, in the ballot, 
he may refuse to do so, and the applicant clearly has no right 
to demand it. There may be some question whether any one 
else would.! 

The principle error in the decision of Grand Chancellor Pea- 
body is, in assuming the absolute right of a candidate to two 
ballots. 

It has been held that where there is but one black ball cast, 
and the Chancellor Commander declares the applicant elected, 
no brother has a right to demand a new ballot. || By the terms 
of the Constitution two black balls will reject, but if tv:o ap- 
pear on the first ballot it must be renewed, and this seems to ■ 
be the extent of the right of any candidate to a new ballot. 
One black ball will not reject, and in such a case the Chancellor 
Commander may exercise his own discretion, by either ordering 
a new ballot, or by declaring the applicant elected, and in 
either case no one can complain. 

There is a proposed amendment to the Constitution, now 
pending in the Supreme Lodge, to authorize the reconsideration 
of the ballot, which, if it prevails, will render obsolete a vast 
amount of legislation^ 

58. Ballot: For Membership by Card: By the law, the same 
ballot is required on admission by card as for initiation. In 
fact the same process, of gaining membership, must be ob- 
served in either case. This refers to the application, reference 
to a committee, report, ballot, etc^f This was the rule in Geor- 

*Me. 1876, 114, 130. +Digest Sec. 312. jDigest Sec. 330. UDigest Sec. 203. 
§S. L. Jour. 1884, 2048. «lDigest Sec. 308 ; Const. S. L. Sec. 2, Art VIII., Pax. 10 App t . 



COMMON LAW. 61 

gia in 1876,* and in New York in 1878. t In Nevada the 
Grand Chancellor held, that two black balls would reject on 
admission by card.! This is a substantial compliance with 
the Law. 

59. Ballot: Secrecy of, Should be Maintained: It is perhaps 
well understood at this clay, that the ballot, for membership, 
or advancement, is a proceeding, the result of which, is to be 
kept inviolably secret, and that no member has any right to 
divulge the character of any ballot cast. The Lodge cannot 
require a member to explain his ballot, or inquire into his 
private reason for casting it, be it what it may.|| Grand 
Chancellor Bartlett, of Kansas, in 1876, rendered a decision on 
this question which cannot command general acquiesence as a 
correct principle of law. He says : 

" There is no written law requiring a brother to give his reasons for 
casting a black ball, but the Lodge may always require its members to 
explain their action in the Lodge room."§ 

This was approved by the Grand Lodge, but inasmuch as it 
is opposed to the weight of authority, and is subversive of the 
very purpose of the ball ballot, it cannot be said to be good 
Pythian Law.T 

The Grand Chancellor has given too much scope to the 
statement of a fact, and the decision is erroneous, simply for 
this reason. As a general rule it may be admitted, that a 
.Lodge may require its members to explain their action in the 
Lodge room, but this power of the Lodge should not, and by 
the law does not, include the action of a brother in casting a 
secret ballot, if it did, the very object of the ballot is frustrated. 

BENEFITS. 

60. Statement of the Law Concerning: There are, compara- 
tively, very few questions growing out of this subject of 
Benefits, which need to be referred to in this connection. The 
large number of 'ecisions noted in the Digest, show clearly the 
current of legislation on this subject, and settles the law in all 
its more important and material features. The regulrtion of 
the subject of Benefits, with the single exception of the com- 
pulsory minimum amount, is clearly a local matter, and for 
this reason the legislation shows a variance in the law and 
the practice, in the several Jurisdictions, respecting the rights 

*Ga. 18^6, 18«. fv. y 1878, 15, 51. IG. C. Mitch-ell, Nev. 1883, 626. UDigest, 
■Sees. 318, 330, 363, 364, 365. §Kan., 1876, 6, 44. fDigest, Sees. 318, 330, 363 



62 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

of members to Benefits under given circumstances, which it is 
proposed to notice briefly. 

As a general rule, a member in good standing, when taken^ 
sick, where the sickness is not the result of his misconduct, is 
entitled to Benefits. In some Jurisdictions the practice has 
been to raise an exception to this rule, which is noted in the 
sequel. 

That a member is not entitled to benefits while holding a 
withdrawal card, nor while under a suspension, seems to be 
well settled.* The matter of the Probationary Period has been 
a subject of varying legislation, so also the question as to the 
right of Pages and Esquires to benefits. 

As to whether, benefits are payable for the fractional part of 
a week, and the length of time, a brother may continue to draw 
benefits, and, as to whether a member under charges is entitled 
to benefits, are questions which have been met and decided, 
some of which, it is proposed to notice here, as tending to es- 
tablish principles, which should or should not be regarded, (as 
the case may be,) as elements of our Pythian Law. 

61. Benefits: Rules and Precedents: The Probationary Period: 
In, perhaps, a large majority of the Jurisdictions, some sort 
of a Probationary Period, in respect to benefits is prescribed. 
This period is made to apply to persons becoming members, 
both by initiation and affiliation ; also to persons, who may 
have renewed their good standing, after suspension, or by pay- 
ment of arrearages, and, perhaps, in some Jurisdictions, its ap- 
plications may extend to other conditions of membership. 
These periods vary in length, from one month to twelve, during 
which period, the member is not entitled to benefits. 

In this respect some of the enactments have ignored the ex- 
pressed will of the Supreme Lodge. One of the fundamental 
principles of the Order, is that,defining its beneficial character, 
and the Supreme Lodge has reserved to itself the right to en- 
force a recognition of this principle. t In this connection it 
has taken notice of the Probationary Period, and has inter- 
posed certain restrictions to the end that, the beneficial charac- 
ter of the Order may be recognized and preserved. 

Under the legislation of the Supreme Lodge, a probationary 
period of one year cannot be applied to a new member. + That 
is, a Lo;lge cannot legally deny benefits to a member — other- 

*Digest Sec. 410, 2772. +Const. S. L. Sec. 2, Art. VIIL Par. 22 App. ^Digest 
Sees. 11(39, 389, 392. 



COMMON LAW. 63 

wise qualified— for the first year of his membership, and those 
which, by any law or act, contravene this inhibition, do so not 
only without authority of law, but in direct violation thereof. 

Grand Lodges may prescribe a period, within which, mem- 
bers may not draw full benefits, but the minimum amount of 
1 'Sick and Funeral Benefits" must in all cases be paid, to 
those otherwise qualified, regardless of any local law respect- 
ing a Probationary Period.* 

The Probationary Period, in some Jurisdictions, is made to 
apply to members who have fallen in arrears for dues. This 
is a sort of penal warning to those who are careless of their 
standing in the Lodge. This, however, is not sanctioned by 
the Law.f 

Ontario repudiates this doctrine, and it is, perhaps, the 
better rule.l Ohio denies benefits to members for six months 
after date of membership by initiation, and for three months 
after date of membership by card. |] A similar rule is observed 
in a number of the other Jurisdictions, and having been ob- 
served from the foundation of the Order, it may be said to be a 
part of our Common Law, ill-advised though it be. 

There are, however, decisions opposed to this practice. § 

There can be no doubt that some of the rules in respect to 
the Probationary Period are harsh, and too frequently work in- 
justice. 

The following question was propounded to Grand Chancellor 
Blackwell, of Kentucky : 

" A member is taken sick who is six months in arrears to his Lodge, 
and during said sickness pays up all arrearages, and recovers suffici- 
ently to leave his room, and again be attacked by another disease before 
the thirty days have expired, as required by the Constitution, would he 
have beeh entitled to sick Benefits when the thirty days had expired? " 

The Grand Chancellor, construing the Constitution of Ken- 
tucky, held: 

" The two attacks of sickness cut no figure in the case ; both having 
occurred within the thirty days, the member would be debarred dur- 
ing the entire sickness."^" 

This is the law of Kentucky, perhaps, but it seems harsh, 
inasmuch as this is a beneficial Order. 

It was also held in Kentucky, by Grand Chancellor A. J. 
Lovely, that, in a case of a member who paid up all arrearages 
on the fourth day of April, and whose death occurred on the 

*Digest See. 386. tDigest Sec. 391. JDigest. Sec. 387 and note. ||Ohio, 1878, 
470, 513. §Digest, Sees. 389, 392. ITKy., 1880, 662, 704. 



64 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

22nd of the same month, the Lodge was not liable for funeral 
benefits, inasmuch as he had not passed the thirty days Pro- 
bationary Period required by law, after payment of arrear- 
ages.* The Grand Chancellor admitted, that equity would 
hold the Lodge liable, but insisted that the law must be com- 
plied with. 

There are some reasons sustaining the theory of the Proba- 
tionary Period, but as a general rule this penalty is a harsh 
one, and ought not to find any countenance, whatever, in our 
Pythian Law. While a member is in arrears, or has lost his 
good standing, it is well enough generally to deny him the 
benefit of the Order, but it is not the manifestation of a true 
fraternal spirit, to continue the force of this penalty after the 
reason for its imposition has ceased to exist. 

62. Benefits: Rules and Precedents: As to the Rights of Pages 
and Esquires: As a general proposition, it may be said that 
Pages and Esquires have no right, or claim, to benefits, by 
reason of any condition of their membership, or any express 
law of the Order. It has been so held in Ohio,! and perhaps 
in every Jurisdiction where the question has been raised. In 
California, while it was held that they are not entitled to Bene- 
fits, the matter is left entirely with the Lodges. I There can 
he no doubt that the Lodge has authority to grant benefits in 
■such cases, especially, where it becomes a matter of charity or 
fraternal duty. This, as a question of fraternal duty, com- 
mends itself with peculiar force in those Jurisdictions where 
these embryo members are required to pay dues.jl 

63. Benefits: Rules and Precedents: Right of Members to Under 
Charges: The first inquiry in respect to a member's right to 
Benefits, is as to his standing. If he is not in good standing 
in his Lodge, presumptively, his claim is barred. A member 
under charges is prima facie not in good standing. 

It has been held, however, in Mississippi that : 

"Unless the charges have a direct bearing on such right, benefits are 
payable. "§ 

This is noted in the Digest, as illustrating a distinction, 
which may have some weight as a principle of law, but there 
can be no doubt that a member under charges, is prima facie in 
bad standing, and so not entitled to benefits, especially, if the 
charges are sustained, and they effect his standing or member- 

*Ky., 1883, 007, 037. +Ohio, 1878, 470, 573. :Digest, Sec. 333. liEspo., Dues, 
Sec. 100; Jour, of Me., 1870, 3S5, 471. gDigest Sec. 382. 



COMMON LAW. ' 65 

ship, and this may be true, notwithstanding, the charges may 
not have a direct bearing on his right to benefits. 

64. Benefits: Payable for Fractional Part of a Week: Unseem- 
ing controversies have arisen over the question, as to whether 
Lodges shall pay a full week's benefits for a fractional part of 
a week's sickness.* In addition to the authorities cited in the 
Digest, a case is here noted from Kentucky. A sick member 
died,andtwo days having run into another week for sickbenefits, 
the Lodge decided that a full week's benefits were payable for 
the two days. Upon appeal to the Grand Lodge, this action 
was upheld, t It seems now to be the better rule that a Lodge 
should not divide a week's benefits, for the purpose of paying 
a sick brother for such fractional part of the week as he may 
have been considered unable to follow his business. The 
Grand Chancellor of Michigan, however, held that the Lodge 
was only liable for one-seventh of a week where a member was 
sick one day 4 

65. Benefits: Right of Member to, in Arrears, but Having Claim 
Against the Lodge: Ordinarily, a member, who is in arrears for 
dues, to an extent affecting his standing, is not entitled to 
benefits, and this is a reasonable rule, for, one expecting 
benefits should contribute his full share to the funds of the 
Lodge, that it may be enabled to discharge its obligations to 
the sick or disabled. An exception, however, may be noted to 
this general rule, arising in cases where the member in arrears 
may hold a valid unpaid claim against the Lodge. True, it 
has been held, that a member in arrears is not entitled to 
benefits, although the Lodge may be indebted to him, in an 
amount sufficient to cancel his dues. A case is cited from 
Kentucky, which seems to carry this rule beyond the limits of 
fair dealing, if not of reason and good judgment. The Master 
of Finance of the Lodge was paid a salary for his services. On 
the first of July he was indebted for dues $1.15 ; on this date 
he drew $5.00 of his salary, but failed to pay the amount owing 
for dues, the Lodge still owing him $5.00. At the time he was 
taken ill he was still indebted for dues $3.45. His claim for 
benefits was denied on the ground of this arrearage, notwith- 
standing his unpaid salary more than equaled it. The Dis- 
trict Deputy reversed the decision of the Lodge, but on appeal 
the Lodge was sustained, and thus, by this action, from all 

♦Digest Sec. 461-2. +Ky. ^882, 808, 872. JC. A. Mack, G. C, Mich. 1884, 850. 

5 



66 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

that appears from the record, a worthy officer, to whom the 
Lodge was indebted, was denied the benefits provided by Law, 
and that on a mere technicality.* 

This, to say the least of it, is an inequitable rule. There are 
decisions to the effect that a valid claim may operate as an offset 
for dues, and we think the weight of the authorities holds to 
this more equitable principle. In any event it would seem 
that in the case of a salaried officer, the rule should be less 
stringent, t 

66. Benefits: Minimum Amount of: Force of Obligatory Law in 
Respect to: As has been intimated, the Supreme Lodge, to en- 
force a recognition of the beneficial feature of the Order, has 
fixed a minimum amount of benefits to be paid to every mem- 
ber in good standing. I The payment of this, the Lodge can, 
in no instance legally defer or suspend. This obligation is 
generally recognized throughout the Order. A decision in 
Delaware, however, is noted, which seems to ignore this. The 
facts are as follows : A Lodge by vote declared that it would 
suspend the payment of benefits. It did not take the trouble 
to amend its By-Laws regularly,reducing its benefits to the mini- 
mum, but the By-Law in respect to benefits was declared to be 
suspended. A brother in the meantime became ill, and applied 
for benefits, as provided in the By-Laws. He was notified of 
the act of suspension. He appealed to the Grand Lodge, and 
the Committee on Appeals made an elaborate report, setting 
forth clearly and minutely the illegality of the action of the 
Lodge, basing their adverse opinion upon four grounds, as, 
follows : 

"1st. Because the Supreme Lodge says, at least one dollar shall be 
paid as weekly benefits. 

2nd. The Laws of Washington Lodge in this case, were not amended 
in conformity to law. 

3d. No law of a Subordinate Lodge is operative or in force, until ap- 
proved by the law committee and the Grand Chancellor. 

4th. The Lodge cannot set aside or amend a law in eftect, by motion of 
resolution, but it must be offered to annul, amend or repeal, in writing, 
and to take its regular course as provided, otherwise it is of no effect 
and void." || 

These cogent reasons, so plainly and concisely put, weighed 
as nothing with the Grand Lodge, and the record simply shows 
that the report was not approved, thus upholding the Lodge 

*C. C. v. Star Lodge of Ky„ Jour. 1880, 663, 704. tDigest, Sees. 768, 2390, 1 375 ; 
also Expo., Sees. 95-6. IS. L. Const., Sec. 2, Art. viii. Par. 22 App. ||Del. 1877, 
119, 126. 



COMMON LAW. 67 

in a plain, positive and deliberate violation, of a constitutional 
provision in respect to the payment of the minimum benefits, 
as well as those provisions relating to the amendment and ap- 
proval of laws. 

Under the Constitution and the authorities, a Lodge cannot 
legally suspend all benefits,nor amend its By Laws to that effect, 
and it is the constitutional duty of the Grand Lodge to see that 
Lodges so frame their laws as to carry into effect this bene- 
ficial feature of the Order.* 

67. Benefits: Right of Member to, who leaves the Jurisdiction: 
Another early rule in some Jurisdictions, was to deny Benefits 
to members, who, while sick, leave the state, or go beyond the 
Jurisdiction of the Eelief committee without permission. This 
question came before the Grand Lodge of Delaware in 1874 
upon the following state of facts : One of its Subordinates 
adopted a set of By Laws which contained the following pro- 
vision : 

"A sick brother while under the care of his Lodge, shall not leave the 
Jurisdiction of the Relief committee, without forfeiting his weekly ben- 
efits, unless he shall have obtained the consent of the Relief committee 
and the approval of the Lodge, and any brother who may leave this 
country whilst sick and under the care of the Lodge, shall not receive 
weekly benefits." 

The committee approved the first paragraph, but disap- 
proved the latter, and this opinion was concurred in by the 
Grand Lodge, t 

The above By Law, it will be observed makes a distinction 
between the rights of a member leaving the state simply, and 
one leaving the country : In the former case the member may 
retain his right to benefits by obtaining permission to leave ; 
in the latter it is absolutely forfeited, and this distinction is 
what the committee objected to. They were of the opinion 
that a member leaving the Jurisdiction should obtain permis- 
sion, but that the Lodge had no right to deprive a member of 
his benefits who might choose to leave the country provided he 
complied with the constitution and otherwise preserved his 
right to benefits. 

That a Lodge has no right to impose such requirements, or 
thus cut off any member's right to benefits, has been declared 
by the Supreme Lodge, on an appeal arising under this very 
law.t 

*Const. S. L. Sec. 2, Art. Via. Par. 22 App. +Del. 1874, 140, 148. ^Digest Sec. 
400,452. 



68 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

- 68. Benefits: Reducing Amount During Illness of Member: Effect 

of: The question as to whether a Lodge may reduce the 
amount of its weekly benefits during the illness of a member 
and pay him thereafter the reduced amount only, has been 
raised and variously decided. Among the decisions on this 
question is one in Pennsylvania, which is noted here as estab- 
lishing a principle of some importance to the Lodges, not alone 
in respect to benefits, but to the system of fees as well. 

It seems that a Lodge, by amendments to its By Laws, re- 
duced the amount of its weekly benefits : The amendment 
was sent to the committee on law for approval, and was re- 
turned approved with the proviso that, 

"The reduction of benefits should not apply to those then sick and 
drawing benefits." 

The Lodge, of course, was not satisfied with this conditional 
approval, and, upon consideration of the report of the commit- 
tee by the Grand Lodge, the committee was instructed to ap- 
prove the amendment and all similar amendments.* The ef- 
fect of this was to annul the conditional approval, and to estab- 
lish the principle that Lodges may reduce their benefits and 
that members sick at the time of the reduction can claim and 
receive only the reduced amount. 

The same principle was also held in New York,t and is now 
approved by the weight of authority. \ 

As applied to the system of Initiation and Bank fees, it may 
be observed that the principle is the same.|| 

69. Benefits: Rule Where Member is able to Follow other than 
his "Usual Occupation": This particular phase of Jhe question 
of benefits, has perhaps elicited more discussion and official 
decision, than any other connected with it. The decisions have 
not always been tempered with justice, nor circumscribed by 
the limits of sound judgment, as will be seen by a reference 
to them. Perhaps the rule as established in Indiana is more 
liberal, and at the same time less liable to work injustice. The 
committee on law had before it the following question : 

"Is a brother entitled to sick benefits, who is, by reason of injuries or 
sickness, disabled from performing his usual occupation, but is able to 
obtain a livelihood by performing other labor than that of his usual oc- 
cupation?" 

The Committee says : 

"While absolute certainty cannot be attained in the phraseology of 

*Pa. Aug., 1877. 07, 74. +N. Y. 18S2, 1359. JDigest Sec. 456, et seq. HDigest 
Sec. 1227, et seq., also Expo. Fejs, Sec. 135. 



COMMON LAW. 69 

written law, the present language expressing the condition of a brother 
to be entitled to benefits, is as specific or particular as the nature of the 
case admits of and that, as a consequence^ it will be for the best interest 
of the Order to leave the decision of the question to be settled by the 
Subordinate Lodge, in accordance with the merits of each particular 
case/'* 

Grand Lodges have attempted to decide this question, and 
the decisions have been varying, with no direct tendency to es- 
tablish a safe or reliable rule. 

In Pennsylvania it was held, that : 

"A member cannot claim benefits if engaged in any occupation for 
gain. Summoned as a juror, and presenting certificate from a reput- 
able physician, would command an excuse from any Judge in the land, 
hence a member serving as a juror and drawing pay for his services, 
forfeits his right to benefits from his Lodge, "f 

That a Grand Lodge should attempt to formulate a rule 
upon this subject is not to be commended. . The Lodges are 
in a positfon to be the better judges of matters of this nature, 
but this decision of Pennsylvania is drawing the line pretty 
closely, and there may be some question even as to whether it 
is a reasonable construction of the Pennsylvania Law. The 
provision of the Pennsylvapia Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges relating to this question says, a member shall be en- 
titled to benefits provided by the Law, provided he is incapaci- 
ated "from attending to his usual business or other occupa- 
tion."! Serving on a jury, cannot be considered the "usual 
business" of any one, therefore by this decision it must be 
construed to be an "occupation." 

It is certainly a narrow construction to place upon the Law, 
to hold that serving on a jury, mayhap for a limited period, 
and during one's convalesence, is "pursuing an occupation" 
for gain. This decision, however, of Pennsylvania, is parallel 
with a previous decision made by the same Jurisdiction, hold- 
ing that a member able to go hunting is not entitled to 
benefits.! | 

The celebrated case of Quinlan vs. Metropolitan Lodge, 
which has disturbed the Grand Jurisdiction of California so 
often, and so long, has raised numerous questions on the sub- 
ject of benefits, and the whole matter has received a very 
thorough hearing, the essential points of which, however, have 
been noticed in this discussion. § 

*Ind. 188 s ?, 180. tPa. Aug., 1877,18,109. : seo. 3, Art. XVI.', Laws of 1879. 
||Pa., Feb., 1876, 351. §Cal.. 1884, 1998, 2000. 



70 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Decisions based upon rules governing the commercial trans- 
actions of the world, where the hope of gain is the controling 
motive, and selfishness the prompter of every act and aspira- 
tion, are not to be regarded as precedents in fraternal organ- 
izations, or as having weight in fraternal transactions. 

70. Benefits: Payable Notwithstanding Arrears: Rule in Massa- 
chusetts: The rule in Massachusetts is, perhaps, the most 
liberal in respect to the payment of benefits. A decision of 
Grand Chancellor Weale is as follows : 

"A member six months in arrears (unless he has been declared sus- 
pended from benefits by the Chancellor Commander) is entitled to 
receive the same, if sick. A member one year in arrears (unless de- 
clared suspended from membership by the Chancellor Commander) is 
still a member of the Lodge. He can pay his dues at anytime before 
such declaration is made, and, if sick, shall be entitled to benefits, the 
declaration of suspension being necessary in either case."* 

A liberal rule in matters of this character may be generally 
commended, but it is quite clear that the Jurisdictions have 
not conceded the wisdom of such liberality in the matter of 
dues and benefits. This rule, however, is not altogether un- 
wise, and it may be conceded that, if the Jurisdictions gener- 
ally, were to adopt a policy fraught with a larger liberality, it 
would, at least, evidence the setting in of a stronger and 
healthier fraternal feeling than seems to have characterized 
the legislation hitherto in many quarters. That part of the 
decision above cited, in respect to the right of a member to pay 
his dues at any time before actual declaration of suspension, 
is in accord with the current of decisions both of the Supreme 
and Grand Lodges.! 

71. Benefits: Limit of Time Within Which Application for, Must 
be Made: The spirit of liberality manifested in the decision 
from Massachusetts, cited in the preceding section, stands out 
in bold contrast with the rule of some of the other Jurisdic- 
tions in respect to the limit of time within which a sick mem- 
ber must make his application for benefits, or be forever 
barred therefrom, and which we notice particularly as the rule 
in Maryland. Limiting members to a specified time, and that 
in some instances to a very short time, was an early rule, and 
so may not be very general in these later years. The rule 
not only required the application to be made within a speci- 
fied time, but in a specified manner. The rule in Maryland, 

*Mass., 1^77, 903, 937. 1 Digest, Sec. '2330. 



COMMON LAW. 71 

in 1872, required the application to be made within four weeks. 
A case arose in this Jurisdiction presenting these facts : A 
member at some distance from the Lodge became sick, and en- 
titled to benefits. From some cause, not shown by the record, 
his application was delayed six weeks, and when it reached the 
Lodge was found to be not strictly in form. Under these facts 
it was held he was not entitled to benefits.* The form of a 
member's application for benefits should, of course, be such as 
to readily apprise the Lodge of the nature and extent of the 
member's illness or disability, and authenticated in the usual 
or ordinary manner, that is, by the endorsement of some 
attending or reputable physician, cognizant of the facts, or by 
the relief committee or executive officers of some Lodge. A 
Lodge should not prescribe a particular form of application, 
without, at least, apprising the brother of the form required, 
and giving him an opportunity to comply therewith. A stat- 
ute of limitation of any length, can but be considered harsh, 
and in conflict with the spirit of our fraternal organization. 

72. Benefits: Payable During Sickness, Regardless of Date of 
Report: Among the early rules defining a member's right to 
benefits, was one making them payable only from the date of 
Iris report to the Lodge, or the committee, regardless of the 
duration of his actual sickness. This was the rule in Pennsyl- 
vania, as inferred from the decisions.! The effect of such a 
rule is to deprive a member, worthy though he may be, from 
the benefits allowed by Law, if it should so happen, which, 
indeed, is often the case, that he should be taken suddenly and 
seriously ill, and so, unable to report himself to the Lodge, or 
to the committee, and this condition of things might continue 
for weeks, or even months, and, until he was able to call the 
attention of the Lodge to his condition, he would not be en- 
titled to benefits under this rule. This may not be the law in 
any other Jurisdiction, nor even in Pennsylvania now. 

Such a law is clearly unconstitutional, and there does not 
seem to be much question that it was in conflict with the Con- 
stitution of Pennsylvania, in force at the time this decision was 
Tendered. Section 3, of Article viii, of the Constitution for 
Subordinate Lodges, adopted in 1868, is precisely the same as 
Section 3, Article xvi, of the Constitution adopted in 1873, and 
reaffirmed in 1879, with the exception, that in the former there 

*Md., 1872, 430. +Pa., July, 1873, 568, App. Feb., 1874, 739. 



72 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

was a clause in respect to the permanent character of the dis- 
ability, and its effect upon other individuals ; in respect to the 
payment of benefits, however, the Constitutions have been 
uniform since 1868, and the most favorable construction would 
not warrant the decision here quoted. The provision of the 
Pennsylvania Constitution, in this respect, is as follows : 

"Every member of the Knight's rank, who has passed the proba- 
tionary period fixed in the By-Laws, incapacitated by sickness or other 
disability from attending to his usual business, or some other occupation, 
shall be considered a beneficial member, entitled to receive such weekly 
benefits as the By-Laws prescribe (not less than two dollars per week) ; 
Provided, always, however, that he is in good standing in the Lodge." 

It must be conceded that this does not warrant a holding 
which will deprive a member of benefits until he has actually 
reported himself to the Lodge or committee. * 

73. Benefits: In How Far a Lodge May Control Application of: The 
principle involved in this question is of more or less importance 
to Lodges, according as they are, or are not, solicitous of the 
welfare of their disabled or unfortunate members. A peculiar 
case, presenting this question in all its force, is recorded in 
Pennsylvania. A brother was adjudged insane, and a trustee 
was appointed by the court to look after his affairs. The patient 
was sent to an asylum, where he remained some months, when 
he returned very little, if any, improved. He worked about the 
premises of his trustee, in this condition, for some time, even 
after the trustee had promised the Lodge he would place the 
member under proper medical treatment. This promise was not 
fulfilled, and in the meantime the member strayed away from 
his home, and was arrested while in the act of committing an 
offence against the laws. The trustee seemed to manifest great 
indifference as to the welfare of his ward, who was finally sent 
to a hospital, out of the care of the trustee, where he was put 
under medical treatment at the expense of the county. The 
Lodge had been paying benefits to the trustee for the use of 
the unfortunate member, but it was discovered that they had 
been diverted by the trustee to his own use, and now that the 
patient was no longer under the care of the trustee, the Lodge 
protested against the further payment of benefits to him, "un- 
less the same be applied by him for the sole benefit, care, and med- 
ical treatment of our afflicted brother, to restore, if possible, the 
loss of reason" Under this state of facts it was held, that : 

♦Digest, Sees. 444, 449. 



COMMON LAW. 78 

" The Constitution does not authorize a Lodge to control the applica- 
tion of weekly benefits. If the trustee mentioned, was duly appointed 
committee of the estate of the brother, the Lodge should pay him the 
weekly benefits, unless his authority to receive the same is revoked or 
suspended by the court that appointed him."* 

There can be no question, that Pennsylvania, ever since the 
foundation of the Order in that state, has made a strict matter 
of business of every fraternal principle, duty, and obligation of 
our organization, while the soundness of this policy as applied 
to transactions of the commercial world, may be conceded, it 
does not follow that it is always the true policy in the dealings, 
and internal transactions of beneficial fraternities. The decis- 
ion in this case is, perhaps, technically correct, while it enun- 
ciates a principle, the soundness of which is generally con- 
ceded. Our Lodges do not enquire into the manner in which a 
brother proposes to apply his benefits ; the money is paid him 
as his right under the compact, to do with it as he may desire 
or choose. It is generally understood that where money is 
paid direct to the member himself, the Lodge cannot direct 
its application, or restrict the member in the use of it, espec- 
ially as a condition of payment. 

It will be as readily conceded, however, that benefits are in- 
tended for the use of the recipient, and it would seem to be the 
duty of the Lodge to see that the brother, for whose benefit 
this money is drawn, received it, or reaped the advantage of it. 
More especially does this commend itself in a case involving 
the facts and circumstances as detailed above from Pennsjl- 
vania. It would seem further, that the Lodge should be per- 
mitted to exercise some discretion, to the end that an unfortu- 
nate brother, incompetent to act for himself, may receive the 
relief guaranteed to him under the Constitution and the Laws, t 

74. Benefits: For Funeral Purposes: Payable in Gase of Suicide: 
The decision respecting the payment of benefits to the trus- 
tee of an insane member, noted in the preceding section, from 
Pennsylvania, is not more remarkable than the decision by 
the same Jurisdiction in respect to suicides. The question as 
to the right of the family or representatives of a suicide, to fu- 
neral or sick benefits, has been decided and we think the de- 
cision as noted in the Digest enunciates the true policy of the 
Law. t There are decisions however, which negative this right, 

*Pa., 1882, 536, 5^4. -(-Digest Sec. 433 et seq.— As to the right of an insane mem- 
ber to benefits. ^Digest Sec. 2550 et seq. 



74 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

under certain circumstances, and we note here more particu- 
larly, a decision in Pennsylvania holding that : 

"If a brother is perfectly rational when he committed suicide,his fam- 
ily would not be entitled to either sick or funeral benefits."* 

Why this distinction ? And who is to determine the question 
of rationality, and how is it to be done ? Is there to be a con- 
test, a legal investigation, the humiliation of a member's fam- 
ily at perhaps, an immense cost, to determine whether or not 
the brother was "perfectly rational," when he raised his own 
hand against himself ? The meagre amount allowed by law 
would not warrant it, the honor of the Lodge, and the good 
name of the Order would be selling at too dear a price to jus- 
tify it. But this is in accord with the business principles of 
Pennsylvania heretofore referred to, and it cannot be other- 
wise regarded than as a harsh rule. 

Since the law requires "funeral benefits to be paid to the rep- 
resentative of a deceased member, they are payable as a mat- 
ter of right, if the member was in good standing at the time of 
his death, and so long as his death was not the result of the 
connivance or agency of the representative claiming the bene- 
fits, the cause or manner of death, should not and cannot, in 
Law, interfere with the payment, 

75. Benefits: Graded System of Legal: There can be no ques- 
tion now, that a Lodge may by law provide a graded system 
of weekly benefits. It was sought by the committee on Law 
in Pennsylvania, in the early years, to prohibit this but their 
opinion was not concurred in by the Grand Lodge. It was the 
opinion of the committee that the Lodge could have but one 
stated sum for weekly benefits,! but there is no just reason for 
this, and it is certainly not the law.t 

BONDS. 

76. Official : Validity of After Expiration of Term : It was held, 
in Pennsylvania, that the official bond of an officer remained 
good through consecutive terms, without renewal. !| This may 
be well enough, as applied to the Pythian Jurisprudence of 
Pennsylvania, but as to fixing the legal liability of bondsmen, 
unless expressly stipulated in the bond, the holding is certainly 
unsound. There is, perhaps, no reason why a Grand Lodge 

*Pa. 1830,28, .7*5. +Pa. Feb., 1874, 733, 73">. :Di 5 est Sece. 388, 407, 403. 
!|Pa. Aug., 18-75, 24, 25. 



COMMON LAW. 75 

could not make a rule of this kind, and subject bondsmen to 
the penalties of Pythian Law. Aside from this, however, the 
rule would be ineffectual. 

BLACK BOOK. 

77. Its Use and Object: Unknown to Pythian Law : In Mary- 
land it is held that a Lodge is compelled to have the names of 
suspended members recorded in the "Black Book."* The 
older members of the Order have some recollection of the in- 
troduction of the "Black Book," and its use was deemed to be 
essential, almost, for the purpose of making a permanent record 
of those who were no longer considered worthy of membership. 
Aside, however, from this decision in Maryland, there seems 
to be no decisions sanctioning its use. There were some at- 
tempts, in the early years, to provide for such a book, but 
there is nothing in the Pythian Law requiring its use, even in 
fact, if there is anything to sanction it. It may be looked 
xipon as an obsolete requirement. 

CANDIDATE. 

78. Refusal of to Submit to Preparation : Course to be Pursued: 
It was held in Maryland, in 1872, that a candidate for the 
third Bank, refusing to submit to the necessary preparation, 
had violated no obligation, and was subject to no punishment ; 
that if he refused to comply with the rules for six weeks, his 
election became null and void, and that it would be necessary, 
if he wished to proceed further, at any time thereafter, to make 
a new application, and be re-elected. If he fail for twelve 
months to pay any dues, (as an Esquire) he could be sus- 
pended.! As a general proposition this is correct. A Lodge, 
perhaps, has no power to enforce preparation on the part of 
the candidate, and, further, if the candidate should refuse, at 
any stage of the ceremony, to proceed, the Lodge could 
do no better than to permit him to retire. 

CHANCELLOR COMMANDER. 

79. Right to Honors of Office Though Failing to Attend Meetings: 

Borne diversity of opinion has existed respecting the right of a 
Chancellor Commander to the honors of the office when he has 
failed to attend the meetings of the Lodge. It has been con- 

*Md. 1876, 114. +Md. July. 1872, 430, 431. 



76 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

tended that where a Chancellor Commander fails to attend the 
meetings for a majority of the nights, he is not entitled to the 
honors of the office. This was the opinion of the Grand Chan- 
cellor of West Virginia, which was, however, reversed by the 
Grand Lodge.* This opinion of the Grand Chancellor was 
certainly erroneous, There is no principle of Pythian Law 
more firmly settled than, that, if an officer is permitted to hold 
an office throughout the term, without objection, and without 
steps being taken to declare it vacant, if there is cause for it, 
he is entitled to all the honors it may confer.! This is akin to 
the principle decided in Pennsylvania, denying the right of a 
Lodge to grant a leave of absence to an officer for a majority 
of the nights of his term. This, however, is an exploded idea, 
as has been shown.! 

80. Chancellor Commander: Authority of, to Decide Questions of 
Constitutional Law: But for a singular decision in California, 
it might be unnecessary to refer even, to a question so appar- 
ently plain upon its face. It was held that a Chancellor Com- 
mander has no authority to decide questions of Constitutional 
Law. || This decision is a comprehensive one, and without 
qualification, which gives rise to the possibility that it is made 
to cover more ground than was intended. If the Chancel 1 or 
Commander lacks this authority, then his powers are certainly 
insignificant. Suppose a motion was made to authorize an 
act which was clearly unconstitutional ? For instance, sup- 
pose it was proposed by motion to authorize the Chancellor 
Commander to install the officers of the Lodge ; or a motion is 
made to create a new office ; or elect a Knight to the office of 
Past Chancellor; or that the election of officers be perma- 
nently fixed for a time other than as prescribed in the Consti- 
tution ? These are all Constitutional questions, as any question 
invoking a construction of the Constitution's a Constitutional 
question — and numerous others might be cited. Is it con- 
tended that the Chancellor Commander has no authority to 
decide these questions, by declaring them out of order? The 
Grand Lodge of California certainly did not mean this, never- 
theless, the decision will bear the construction. As early as 
1870, Grand Chancellor A. G. Levy, of New York, very prop- 
erly held, that : 

*W. Va. 1880, 8, 26. tDigest, Sec. 2119, 2120,2122. {Expo, ante, Sec. 10. 
HCal.. 1881, 1540, 1588. 



COMMON LAW. 77 

" A worthy Chancellor possesses the right to refuse to put a motion 
before the Lodge, if he be fully convinced that the same be unconstitu- 
tional. "* 

The Chancellor Commander's right to decide upon Constitu- 
tional questions is also maintained by an eminent authority 
in Massachusetts, t 

There is evidently a limit to this right, and an exception to 
the general rule. There are Constitutional questions which a 
Chancellor Commander would not have the right, even though 
he should presume to decide them. A Chancellor Commander 
would have no right to declare a Law of the Grand Lodge un- 
constitutional. This is clearly beyond the scope of his author- 
ity, as well as that of the Lodge itself. This may have been 
the intent of the California decision. 

81. Chancellor Commander: Right of, to Vacate Chair and Take 
Part in Business of the Lodge: From the foundation of the 
Order, in perhaps a majority of the Jurisdictions, the right of 
a Chancellor Commander to leave his chair, for the purpose of 
taking part in the business of the Lodge, has been recognized, 
and, up to 1880, no one questioned the right of the Chancellor 
Commander to so leave his chair, and to call on any Past 
Chancellor to preside in his stead. Out of a number of decis- 
ions to this effect, we note one from California.! True, in 
some quarters it has been insisted, that he must call on the 
Vice Chancellor, for the reason that he is the one elected to 
preside in the absence of the Chancellor Commander. This is 
true, but it must be borne in mind that the Vice Chancellor has 
no claim upon the chair of the Lodge while the Chancellor 
Commander is in the room, more than any other officer ; that 
his right to preside is only absolute, and may be enforced by 
him, in the absence of the Chancellor Commander. The rule 
above cited, from California, was in accord with the almost 
universal practice, up to that time, and was to the effect that, 
it would be proper for the Chancellor Commander to call any 
Past Chancellor to the chair, in case he desired to discuss the 
merits of a motion, even though the Vice Chancellor was pres- 
ent and in his chair. 

This, however, must now be considered unlawful, although 
reasonable and convenient, which cannot be said of the decis- 
ion of the Supreme Lodge. Grand Chancellor Vanneman, of 

*N. Y., Jan.. 1870, 251, 287. tDigest, Sec. 601. JCaL, 1879, 1354, 1377. 



78 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

New Jersey, has given unqualified acquiescence to the will of 
the Supreme Lodge on this question. He was asked : 

" Can a Chancellor Commander vacate his chair, place any brother in 
his stead, make a motion, debate the question, and remain from his 
station while the question is determined by the Lodge ?"* 

The Grand Chancellor simply said "no," and referred to the 
decision of Supreme Chancellor Woodruff, in 1880. This decis- 
ion holds that all business of the Lodge, with some exceptions, 
must be transacted with an "officer of the Lodge in the chair "\ 
With all deference to the eminent Pythian who delivered it, 
and to the judgment and wisdom of the Supreme Lodge, this 
decision, if adhered to, leads to impracticability, hence, is lack- 
ing the support of sound reason, and, therefore, ought not to 
stand. 

It leads to impracticability in this : it excludes Past Chan- 
cellors, and those members competent to preside, and does not 
restrict the Chancellor Commander in his selection of an 
officer, but he may call any one. He may take the Keeper of 
Eecords and Seal from hi£ desk, or the Outer Guard from his 
station. It violates the rule of eligibility in vogue in many of 
the Jurisdictions by permitting the Chancellor Commander to 
call an officer to the chair who, by the law, is rendered incom- 
petent to preside. There may be present in the Lodge a num- 
ber of Past Chancellors or Past Grand Chancellors, all, or any 
one of them, amply qualified to preside, both as being eligible 
under the rules, and as possessing executive ability, and yet 
the Chancellor Commander is restricted under this rule to the 
choice of some officer of the Lodge to preside, in case he desires 
to vacate the chair temporarily, and it may happen that the 
onlyjregular officer — beside himself — present,isthe Outer Guard, 
who, while he may not be eligible under the law, may also not 
be qualified, intellectually, and may lack every essential quality 
of an executive officer. 

It will be seen that the decision of Supreme Chancellor 
Woodruff is unsound in theory, and there is nothing in our 
laws or customs to warrant such an inconsistency. The prac- 
tice, as generally observed, is much better. 

82. Chancellor Commander: Pro tempore: Authority of: Some 
question has arisen as to the authority of one acting as Chan- 
cellor Commander pro tempore, and particularly when the Vice 

*N. J. 1884, 147G, 1512. tDigest, Sec. 505, 024.. 



COMMON LAW. 79 

Chancellor is so acting. The following question was pro- 
pounded to the Grand Lodge of New Jersey : 

"In the absence of the Chancellor Commander, the Vice Chancellor 
in the chair, does that officer (Vice Chancellor) become the Chancellor 
Commander in full for the time, or is he only Vice Chancellor acting 
Chancellor Commander ? and in signing papers, does he sign as Chan- 
cellor Commander or as Vice Chancellor acting Chancellor Com- 
mander?"* 

The Grand Lodge refused to answer the question ; "it was 
laid on the table and the Lodge referred to the Constitution." 
If it was not for the fact that the Constitution of New Jersey 
is silent upon these several questions, one would infer, from 
this action, that it settled them, as to the authority of the 
Chancellor Commander pro tempore. Under the decisions there 
can be no doubt, and as to the style of his signature, or the 
authentication of papers by him, there can no serious question 
arise. While the authorities settle the question that the Chan- 
cellor Commander pro tempore has full authority to authenti- 
cate papers and perform, generally, the function of Chancellor 
Commander, he should, of course, observe the fact that he is 
simply acting, and it should so appear, t 

83. Chancellor Commander; Right of Lodge to Re-elect: Per- 
hap the right of a Subordinate Lodge to re-elect its Chancel- 
lor Commander will not be seriously questioned in these later 
years. Some of the early decisions were to the effect, that the 
Chancellor Commander was ineligible to re-election, but this 
was upon the theory, that he was to occupy the Past Chancel- 
lor's chair, and there was an impression that it must be filled, 
and that it could not be filled in any other way.! Kentucky 
overruled its Grand Chancellor in an affirmative decision on 
this question, || but it must now be admitted, that the authori- 
ties, and the theory of the Law, sustain this right in the Lodge. 
The question as to the eligibility of the Chancellor Commander 
to re-election, and to the higher offices, is referred to, under the 
title Eligibility , and therefore need not be further noticed here.§ 

84. Chancellor Commander: Eligibility of to the Office of Grand 
Representative: The Grand Chancellor of Wisconsin was called 
upon to decide the question as to the eligibility of the Chan- 
cellor Commander to the office of Grand Eepresentative, and 
he gave a negative "opinion, basing it upon the action of the 

*N. J. 1883, 1426. tDigest. Sees. 628, 629. Jlnd. July, 1872, 149, 194. HDigest 
Sees. 588, 636. §Expo. Sec. 120, Eligibility. 



80 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Supreme Lodge in 1872.* This question may now be said to 
be virtually settled. The sitting Chancellor Commander, is 
not eligible to this higher position, inasmuch, as he is not yet 
even entitled to the Bank of Past Chancellor, which right does 
not accrue until his successor is installed. This question, 
however, in connection with the early legislation of the Su- 
preme Lodge is more fully discussed in this Exposition under 
the title of "Past Official Bank"! and is also touched upon in- 
cidentally under the title "Eligibility ."J 

85. Chancelior Commander: Right of Vice Chancellor to Assume 
Chair of, at Installation: Under ordinary circumstances, there can 
be no controversy over the question as to the right of the Vice 
Chancellor to preside as Chancellor Commander and assume 
the rights, duties and privileges of that office. In the discus- 
sion under the title "Vice Chancellor" \\ we have referred to the 
decision of Supreme Chanceller Woodruff in reply to a ques- 
tion from the Grand Chancellor of Alabama, and also to a late 
decision touching the same question, by Supreme Chancellor 
Linton. The decision of Supreme Chancellor Woodruff was to 
the effect that a Vice Chancellor, upon his installation, shall 
assume the chair of Chancellor Commander, in case the Chan- 
cellor-elect, is not present to be installed. As this involves a 
question of considerable importance, we have assumed to 
question the soundness of the opinion of the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, with what argument and authority we could command, 
and our views upon this question will be found under the title 
referred to. 

CHABGES. 

86. Rights of Members Under: The difference between a 
member in good standing and one under charges, in some in- 
stances, may not be very great. In other words, it is generally 
true that a member under charges may be said to be not in 
good standing, and the general rule is, that a member not in 
good standing, has forfeited his rights of membership, and 
these include his right to speak and vote, and investment with 
the Semi-annual Pass Word. There may be, however, excep- 
tions to this rule, but it has given rise to some conflicting de- 
cisions which are here referred to. The Grand Lodge of Texas 
has held, that a Chancellor Commander has no right to com- 
municate the Semi-annual Pass Word to a member under 

*Wis. 1874, 12. tExpo. Sec. 171. JExpo.Sec. 120. || Post Sec. 212. 



COMMON LAW. 81 

charges,* while the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has held, 
that a member under charges is entitled to all the privileges of 
membership except the right to a withdrawal card.t This 
accords with the rule in Kansas, where it is held, that a mem- 
ber under charges has no right to vote, and is also, entitled to 
the Semi-annual Pass Word, I These two latter decisions are 
cited in the Digest for the reason that they seem to meet the 
possible exception, referred to above. It does not always fol- 
low that a member under charges is necessarily in bad stand- 
ing, and until they are sustained, or shown to have some foun- 
dation, the member should not be deprived of his rights of 
membership. 

CHARTER MEMBERS. 

87. Ballot for, at Organization Necessary: It was held by the 
Grand Chancellor of Oregon, that charter members, at the or- 
ganization of a Lodge, are not subjected to a ballot. || This is 
as erroneous as the decision of the same Grand Lodge in re- 
spect to the memorizing of the 0. B. N.§ It is the theory of 
our Law, that no man can receive the ranks until he has been 
regularly balloted for, and elected, and this applies as well to 
charter members as to applicants generally.^" 

88. Charter Members: Amount of Fee Required of: It has been 
noticed elsewhere, that the practice has attained, to some ex- 
tent, of conferring the ranks on charter members for a sum 
less than the minimum amount, and less than is afterward 
charged regular applicants.** 

With the exception, perhaps, of a charter member by card, 
this is wrong in every instance where the law fixes a minimum 
fee, and in such cases it has been held to apply to charter 
members as well. ft 

The amount to be charged a charter member by card, is a 
matter for the charter members to determine, and they can do 
this by vote.Il 

CHARTER BOOKS. 

89. Meaning of: Term Not Known to Pythian Law: There has 
grown up a practice, in many of the Jurisdictions of the Order, 
to permit the charter members of a Lodge, or rather those 
who join in the application for a new Lodge, to secure the 

*Texas 1870, 174. +Digest Sec. 698. {Digest Sec. 699. llOregon, 1883, 157, 218. 
§Expo., Sec. 153. ITDigest, Sec. 578. **Expo., Sec. 89, Charter Books. t+Digest, 
Sec. 90. n Digest Sec. 217. 

6 



82 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ranks at a reduced fee, and in some instances a mere nominal 
fee. This came to be regarded as a privilege, peculiar to char- 
ter members, notwithstanding the minimum fixed by law as 
the price for tne ranks. The "Charter Books" of a Lodge have 
no existence in fact, the term is simply the outgrowth of the 
practice of throwing open the application to the signatures of 
those who desired to become members of the Order at a mere 
nominal expense, so that, the " Charter Books" were said to 
be open, until a sufficient number of names had been secured 
to entitle the signers to an organization as a Lodge, when they 
were "closed," and a regular fee established, to be paid by all 
future applicants. Instances have occurred, where, by some 
theoretical process, the "Charter Books" have been reopened. 
It was considered that a dispensation from the Grand Chan- 
cellor, was all that was necessary, to enable a Lodge to set 
aside its law, in respect to the fees, and to initiate and confer 
the ranks upon applicants, for the fee paid by the charter 
members. 

This was the theory and the practice, and there can be no 
doubt, that the practice was as unwise, as the theory was un- 
sound in principle. Supreme Chancellor Davis, however, re- 
fused to recognize the term,holding that it was unknown to the 
Pythian Law.* The practice, however, of admitting members 
for less than the minimum fixed by the local constitution, was 
not universal. The idea of opening the "Charter Books" for this 
purpose, was unknown in some Jurisdictions. In Nebraska 
it was expressly held, that charter members must pay the min- 
imum fee ; that no rank can be conferred under any circum- 
stance for a less sum.f From a decision by T. G. Sample, 
Grand Chancellor of Pennsylvania, in 1880, one may infer that 
the term "Charter Books" had still a further meaning, and 
purpose. The Grand Chancellor held, that they could not be 
opened for the purpose of conferring more than one Bank at 
the same meeting (on the same applicant.)! 

In Maryland the practice of opening and closing the "Char- 
ter Books" must have been a very common one. It was held 
in 1870, that : 

"No Lodge with its Charter Books closed, receiving members at the 
usual fee for initiation, and Ranks, can donate the surplus over the ini- 
tiation fee back to the applicant, it is an evasion of the Law, and a vio- 
lation of the Constitution. "j| 

♦Digest Sec. 582. tDigest Sec. 90. jDigest Sec. 583. tMd. Jan., 1870, 123, 



COMMON LAW. 83 

If the "Charter Books" are not closed, it is evident that such 
a practice is legal in Maryland, or at least was, at that time. 
In the same Jurisdiction in 1874, it was held : 

"That the Charter Books of a Lodge can only be re-opened by author- 
ity of the Grand Lodge."* 

This decision was made two years after District Deputy 
Grand Chancellor Perkins held, that a Lodge which had closed 
its charter, but had a less number of members than one hun- 
dred, could re-open it and confer the Eanks for $5 without dis- 
pensation from the Grand Chancellor.! It will be seen that 
this practice had its beginning almost with the Order itself. 
An early reference to it is found in Virginia in 1869, in which 
the Grand Chancellor is found refusing to grant a dispensation 
to a Lodge to keep its charter books open after January 1st.! 
Like the "Black Book," the "Charter Books" of a Lodge are 
somewhat of a mythical creation, and it is well that the foun- 
dation upon which they were builded has fallen away. Having 
no place in the Law, they can be regarded only as peculiarities 
in our Pythian History, 

DUES. 

90. State of Legislation Concerning: Next to the sub- 
ject of "Benefits" the matter of "Dues" has received more at- 
tention perhaps, than any other question in the history of 
Lodge legislation, unless it be, that of "withdrawal cards." 

Good standing in the Order presupposes the payment of dues, 
while non-payment for a specified time, works a severance of 
membership ; hence the question of dues, in its various phases, 
is an important factor in this, as in every fraternal organiza- 
tion. The legislation on this subject has covered almost every 
conceivable question arising out of it. The control of the subject 
of Dues; the amount, time and manner of payment; what 
constitutes delinquency, rights and liabilities of delinquents ; 
the various grades of penalties imposed upon delinquents. 
These are but a few of the many phases of the question 
continually recurring, and which have been passed upon, 
either by the Supreme Lodge, or by the various Grand bodies, 
from time to time, producing in some instances, confusion and 
inconsistency, in others settling, and determining important 
principles. 

*Md. Jan., 1874. 152. +Md. 1872, 431. J Va. 1869, 7. 



84 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

91. Dues : Duty of the Subordinate Lodges to Collect, and Grand 
Lodges to Enforce : In 1873 the Supreme Lodge set forth the 
obligations of the members, and the Subordinate and Grand 
Lodges in respect to dues, by a series of resolutions, wnich 
may be regarded as the basis, in theory at least, of all sub- 
sequent legislation on this subject.* The resolutions make it 
the duty of all Subordinate Lodges to tax their members in 
order that they may be able to pay weekly, and funeral bene- 
fits ; and the Grand Lodges are required to enforce the pro- 
visions of these resolutions. The payment of weekly, and 
funeral benefits, is declared to be a fundamental principle, and 
is a distinquishing characteristic of our Order, and to carry 
these into effect, this injunction is laid upon us. 

This duty of the Lodges, and of the members, as defined in 
these resolutions, has undoubtedly led to the many peculiar 
decisions in respect to dues, which are found in the Journal 
It will be observed that in this injunction of the Supreme 
Lodge, dues are to be charged, and collected, in order that the 
Lodge may be able to carry out the principle involved in this 
"distinguishing characteristic of the Order," and for this pur- 
pose the collection of dues is made obligatory, with no excep- 
tion in favor of Lodges which may have ample incomes from 
other sources. 

The theory has become a settled conviction, that every mem- 
ber must pay dues, notwithstanding the funds of the Lodge 
may accumulate thereby, beyond all its possible wants. As 
has been intimated in the preceding section, good standing in 
the Order presupposes such payment. Not only this, but the 
right of a Subordinate Lodge to exempt certain members from 
the payment of dues has been denied, particularly in respect 
to new members. So sacred has this obligation come to be 
regarded, that law and reason, oftentimes, have given place to 
theory and speculation, resulting in multifarious decisions, and 
in many instances inconsistent legislation. Some of the more 
important of these will be considered in this connection. 

92. Dues : Exemption of Members From : There can be no 
question that the theory and practice evolved from the course 
of legislation throughout the Order, are opposed to the idea of 
exemption of dues for any cause. 

Without admitting the soundness of such theory, or the 

*Dige9t, Sec. 908. 



COMMON LAW. 85 

force of the reputed implication, a glance at the decisions re- 
lied upon, will not be amiss. 

The Supreme Lodge, in 1876, declared it to be inconsistent 
with our laws and usages to exempt new members from dues.* 
This seems to be the only decision the Supreme Lodge has 
been called upon to give on this question, and while, as the 
Supreme Lodge says, it is inconsistent with our laws, there 
seems to be also no justification for exempting members, who 
have contributed nothing, as yet, to the prosperity of the 
Lodge. As opposed to this may be cited the early decision of 
Grand Chancellor Eastburn, of Alabama, to the effect, that 
Lodges have the right to embody in their By-Laws when dues 
shall be assessed.! It is unfortunate that none of the facts 
upon which this decision is based appear in the record, inas- 
much, as the right of a Lodge to exempt its members from 
dues is denied. 

The decision may have been based, upon the recognized, and 
granted right of Subordinate Lodges to regulate their dues. 
That it is clearly within the province of Subordinate Lodges, 
has been often repeated. t 

Lodges may regulate their dues, and in doing so, it would 
clearly seem, that they may say when dues shall be assessed, 
and a priori, when they may not be assessed. It cannot be as- 
sumed however, that this theory obtains to any great extent, 
nor that it has been reduced to practice anywhere. 

The matter of charging and payment of dues, is looked upon 
as an imperative obligation, and they must, at all events, be 
charged, and when charged the Lodge cannot remit them, or 
ortherwise relieve the brother without actual payment, or its 
equivalent.|| 

An exception to this rule has been noted, however ; it is held 
in Massachusetts, and perhaps some other Jurisdictions, that 
a Lodge for good cause may donate the dues.§ This was 
held in Pennsylvania when it was shown, that the books of the 
Master of Finance were in error,^[ and also when it was shown, 
that a worthy brother was unable to pay, dues could be do- 
nated for the purpose of keeping him in good standing.** 

The Grand Chancellor of Louisiana refused to approve a By- 
Law authorizing a Lodge to remit the dues of any member for 
good, and sufficient reasons.lt This action of the Grand Lodge 

*Digest, Sec. il43. +Di est, Sec. 9l6. T Diges„ Sec. 915 et seq. HDigest Sec. 912. 
SDigest Sec. 91'J. HDigest Sec. 933. **Digest Sec. 934. ftLa. 1882, 21, 64. 



86 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Louisiana is somewhat inconsistent with its action had at 
the preceding session. In three several instances, the Grand 
Chancellor disapproved By Laws providing as follows : 

First, "No officer can be exempt from dues." Second, "Dues must be 
paid into the Lodge by every member." Third, "The Outer Guard, as a 
portion of his compensation for services, shall be exempt from dues." 

The committee overruled the Grand Chancellor, and so the 
By-Laws containing these several provisions, were thereby sus- 
tained.* 

This action of the committee, which was approved by the 
Grand Lodge, was apparently based upon constitutional 
grounds, and they refer to it in an amendment which they 
propose to offer; this may account for the action of the Grand 
Lodge in 1882. 

It will be observed, that these provisions passed upon by the 
Grand Chancellor, and the committee on Law of Louisiana, 
all contemplated the exemption from dues, as an equivalent for 
services rendered, but Lodges are not permitted to make this 
natural, and convenient exchange of commodity, for commod- 
ity in Louisiana, and the Grand Lodge of Maine adopted the 
same rule, and went one step further. It has held, that a 
Lodge cannot, by its By-Laws, remit the dues of officers as a 
payment or compensation for his services, nor for any pur pose A 

Why there should be a law prohibiting the recognition of 
valuable services in this manner, is not entirley clear. It sug- 
gests the inference, that in the absence of an express inhibi- 
tion the Lodge would have the power. 

In Illinois, dues are expected from every member, all idea 
of exemption is preluded.! There are many other decisions to 
the same effect, and the rule is very general, almost universal, 
it is, however, founded upon constitutional provisions, or 
other express legislation, and of course where these exist, the 
decisions could not be otherwise. It is believed, however, that 
ihere is no recorded decision on the question directly, as to 
-whether a Lodge may in the absence of positive prohibition, 
exempt old members from dues for any reason. That for in- 
stance, of applying a rule adopted in some of the sister organ- 
izations of exempting members from clues after an active, con- 
tinuous membership for a specified term of years. The decis- 
ion above quoted from Maine, touches more directly this point, 

*La. 1881, 35, 39,40, 101. tMo. 1878, 283. till., 1882, 821, 899. 



COMMON LAW. 87 

but it refers more particularly to officers, and their compen- 
sation. In at least one of our sister organizations, honorary 
membership is recognized.* 

It was so in this Order to some extent, in the early days,! and 
as late as 1884, one Lodge of the Order, and perhaps others, 
even where the Grand Lodge has never recognized the princi- 
ple, has provided in its By-Laws for honorrary membership 
confining it to those, who have been active for fifteen years. I 
The Supreme Lodge has never been called upon to deter- 
mine the question of honorary membership, except in the en- 
dowment rank,!! and it has never uttered any express inhibi- 
tion against the exemption of old members ; neither have any 
of the Grand Lodges directly ; nevertheless it would be a diffi- 
cult matter to break over the universal rule, which has now be- 
come so firmly established, but founded withal upon a miscon- 
struction of the law, and a perverted theory of our fraternal 
obligation. 

93. Dues: Payment of: Rights of Members: Liability of Lodge 
Considered: Under the title Arrears this question is discussed 
to some extent, § so far as it relates to the rights of members 
in respect to the payment of dues. There, is shown the ef- 
fect of a part payment of arrears in restoring good standing, 
and consequent immunity from suspension. There are other 
rights which are more or less affected by the payment, or non- 
payment of dues, which may be more properly discussed, un- 
der this title,by reason of their close relation to the rights, duties, 
and liabilities of the Lodge. For instance, the right to sit in 
the Lodge room ; to the S. A. P. W., to benefits; to vote; to 
hold office ; and the right to participate in the business of the 
Lodge. The discussion of these questions necessarily involves 
the question of actual, and constructive payments, and the lia- 
bility of the Lodge in respect thereto, as well, also, its liability 
for the- acts of its financial officers. These questions are 
important and will be here briefly considered. 

94. Dues: Actual Payment Essential When: The payment of 
dues as has been shown is of course essential as a general rule,^[ 
and with some exceptions, which will be noted, there must be 
actual payment. There are decisions, which seem to be form- 
ed in reason, having a tendency to obviate the necessity of act- 

*In the Masonic Fraternity some Lodges exempt members from dues after an ac- 
tive membership of fifteen years. +Expo. Sec. 191. JBv-Laws of Neb. Lodge, No. 1, 
K. of P. of Omaha, approved March 8th, 1884, Sec. 7. ||Digest, Sec. 1060. §Ante, 
Sec. 42, et seq. ITAnte, Sec. 91. 



88 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ual payment of dues. Such for instance, where brothers have 
legal counter-claims arising from benefits due, or other sources, 
and there are also recorded instances, of brothers entrust- 
ing money to members or officers, for the purpose of payment. 
These, as contra-distinguished from actual payment by the 
member himself to the Master of Finance, we here designate 
as "constructive payments." 

There can be no doubt of the disposition of the Grand Lodges 
generally, to frown upon the practice of constructive payments, 
and insisting upon actual payments almost unanimously. 

95. Dues : Constructive Payments by Forwarding Money Through 
the Medium of a Brother Member : The practice of forwarding 
money to the Lodge has been resorted to quite extensively, and 
it has become a very common practice to members who prefer 
it to actual attendance, trusting to the safe delivery, and 
proper credit, rather than ensuring it by a personal supervision. 
There can be no question, of course, as to the liability of the 
Lodge, when dues are thus forwarded, and they come actually 
into the hands of the Master of Finance, whether the proper 
credit is given or not ; but out of this very question there has 
grown much controversy, and not a little feeling. 

It has been held, in Indiana, that the Master of Finance is 
the only person authorized to receive dues, and a payment to 
any unauthorized person is not a payment to the Lodge.* 
Also in Pennsylvania it is held, that a payment to a member is 
not a payment to the Lodge.! These decisions refer to the 
practice of entrusting money to members to be paid into the 
Lodge, and in the latter case, especially, the difficulty arose 
out of the neglect of the member to pay the money over at a 
particular time, by reason of which, the brother forwarding the 
money, lost his rights to certain benefits. 

The decisions are undoubtedly correct. A Lodge cannot be 
held liable for money it has never received. The plain duty of 
every member is to see that his dues are paid, and if he en- 
trusts the matter to another he assumes all risks. 

96. Dues: Constructive Payments in Nature of Offset for Benefits : 
Actual payment of dues, while a brother is sick, is, of course, 
not required. Benefits are not forfeited, neither can the brother 
be suspended. It is the duty of the Lodge to deduct from his 
benefits! an amount sufficient to keep the brother in good 

*Digest, Sec. 057. IDigest, Sec. 423. tSo sacred is this obligation— the payment 
of dues— that even those sick and in distress must pay, and the Lodge is powerless to 



COMMON LAW. 89 ! 

standing.* By this means arrears cannot accrue if he is sick.f 
No one will attempt to question this fact now, nor the same 
fact, clothed in other words, as found in the Journals of Cali- 
fornia and Massachusetts, to-wit : dues may be offset by bene- 
fits to prevent suspension ; I that is, when the member owes 
dues to the Lodge, and the Lodge owes benefits to the member, 
one may offset the other, and suspension cannot be declared 
while these mutual accounts exist, and this seems to be so,, 
even when no order for benefits has been drawn. 

In the District of Columbia it was held, that when a member 
dies, owing the Lodge dues, the amount may be deducted from 
the benefits to be allowed. || This evidently refers to the fune- 
ral benefits, and, as a strict business principle, it is undoubt- 
edly correct, but that may be all that can be said of it, 

97. Dues : Constructive payments in the nature of offsets for 
claims generally: There is another exception to the rule of actual 
payment, and that is, when a brother may have a valid claim 
against the Lodge other than for benefits. This has become 
a subject for much adverse, and seeming inconsistent legisla- 
tion. There seems to be no consistent reason for the distinc- 
tion sought to be made between a claim for benefits, and other 
valid claims, so far as a member's right to payment may be con- 
cerned, and this view is not without authority to support it. 
Illinois has held, that a recognized legal claim will stand in lieu. 
of dues, fines and assessments, until such claims shall have 
been paid, it being the duty of the Lodge to give the brother 
credit for it.§ In New York a claim will offset dues and pre- 
vent suspension.^" In this case it was held, that a Lodge can- 
not suspend a brother who had a claim against his Lodge, 
which was equal to the amount of his indebtedness. There 
are decisions which hold the opposite view, and there is one to 
the effect, that if the money to pay a claim for benefits has 
been appropriated (the order drawn), then it may be offset 
against dues.** While this latter decision has some foundation 
in equity, the rule ought to extend at least, so far as to prevent 
suspension so long as the Lodge may be indebted to the mem- 
ber, whether the order has been drawn or not, or whether the 
Lodge refuses to draw it or not. While the debt remains, and 
it is a legal one, there is a virtual, though constructive payment 
of dues to the amount of such indebtedness. 

remit. The dues must be deducted from the paltry pittance allowed as "sick bene- 
fits." *Digest, Sec. 1376. fDigest, Sec. 1375. J Digest, Sec. 441. ||Digest, Sec. 930. 
§Digest, Sec. 768. ^Digest, Sec. 2390. **Digest, Sec. 2360 and note. 



90 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

98. Dues: Time of payment: Penalties for non-payment: 

Under the title of Arrears,* we have shown the right of the 
'Grand Lodges to egmate the matter of arrears and the pen- 
alties therefor, and now, under this head it becomes pertinent 
to enquire into the manner in which the Grand Lodges have 
regulated it. 

As in many other instances, there is, unfortunately, a great 
dissimilarity in respect to this question. This refers to the 
time of payment, and, as to what constitutes arrears. 

As to the penalties, they also vary accordingly. 

It is difficult to assign a reason for this state of things, and 
the fact cannot be otherwise than unfortunate. That which 
•constitutes arrears, and good standing, should be a common 
and universal rule, and it is clearly within the power of the 
Grand Loage to make it so by exercising more care, and per- 
haps a little concerted action in drafting the Subordinate 
Lodge Constitutions. t In was mentioned incidentally; in a 
preceding section, that Lodges, in regulating their dues, may 
fix the time and manner of payment, and that they may re- 
quire dues to be paid weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. In view 
of this fact, the more is the need of a universal rule in respect 
to the requisites of good standing. 

Perhaps a majority of the Jurisdictions regard their dues as 
quarterly subscriptions, this, leastwise, seems to be the more 
prevalent rule, and all penalties in respect thereto, are adjusted 
upon this basis. Some of the Jurisdictions have adopted a 
sort of graded system of penalties, based upon the amount of 
arrearages. It is suggested that this rule presents some com- 
mendable features, and is altogether equitable. || 

99. Dues: Payment Outside of Lodge Room: Credit to be given 
when: In the early history of the Order, in some Jurisdictions 
a theory gained currency, that dues could only be paid in open 
Lodge, § and this theory seems to have some support in these 
later years. It was held in California, that even when dues 
are received by the Master of Finance during the week, he 
should give the credit as of the next meeting night.T There 
is no reason for such a rule, especially as it has been held, that 

♦Ante, Sec. 43. +Expo. Sec. 238, Universal Constitution. lAnte, Sec. 43. 
||The system referred to in the text is as follows: If the member is three months 
in arrears, he forfeits his right to vote, to hold office and to receive benefits. If six 
months in arrears, he forfeits his right to the S. A. P. W., or to use it, if in possession 
of it, and is not entitled to sit in the Lodge, or to a withdrawal card; and if twelve 
months in arrears, then follows suspension, as enjoined by the Constitution. 
§Pa. July. 1872. 383. UCal. 1883, 1916, 1932. 



COMMON LAW. 91 

the quarters, and terms, end with the months, and quarters, 
irrespective of the last meeting nights in the months, or quar- 
ters, and arrearages are computed upon this basis.* Pennsyl- 
vania and Maryland have held that the terms end with the last 
meeting in the term, but this is not supported by the weight of 
authority.t As the Master of Finance is the only officer au- 
thorized to receive dues, he may receive them at any time 
either during Lodge meetings, or outside the Lodge during the 
interval of the meeting, and he should give the brother credit 
for them on the date he receives them. I 

On this question the following decision is reported from 
Pennsylvania. The regular meeting night of the Lodge was 
on July 7th, on the following morning (July 8th,) a brother 
paid his dues to the Master of Finance up to July 1st, and took 
a receipt dated July 8th. Prior to the next meeting, — July 10th, — 
the brother was taken sick ; at the next meeting — July 14th, — he 
was reported sick. It will be observed that the brother was in 
fact, but seven days in arrears, but he had paid his dues out- 
side the Lodge room. Upon notice that the brother was sick, 
inquiry was made of the Master of Finance, who reported him 
in bad standing, having neglected to give him credit for the 
payment of his dues. The brother claimed benefits on the 
ground that he had paid his dues, and was consequently in 
good standing, two days before he was taken sick. Under this 
statement of facts the Grand Chancellor held, that the brother 
was not entitled to benefits, and the decision was affirmed by 
the Grand Lodge. || In support of his opinion, the Grand Chan- 
cellor cites certain provisions of the Digest— which upon exam- 
ination seem to uphold him, § but it is difficult to determine, 
whether the decision is based on the fact, that the brother was 
not entitled to credit for his dues until the next regular meet- 
ing after payment, which would show him theoretically in bad 
standing, at the time he was taken sick, or whether, as the 
references to the Digest seem to indicate, he was compelled to 
pass a probationary period, and which had not elapsed when 
he was taken sick. In either view of the case, the rule is a 
harsh one. It may be plainly inferred from reading the report 
of the committee on Law,T that a legal payment of dues could 
not be made outside of the Lodge room ; but in 18^5 a definite 

♦Digest Sec. 2584, 2o85. +Pa. July, 1870, 37. Md. 1877, 2«0. 388. JDigest 
Sec. 957, 958. ||Pa. Jour., 1883, 41, 85. §Pa. Digest, Sees. 18, 20, 63. HJour. of 
Pa.. July, 1872, 373. 



92 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

enunciation of the rule was made by the same Jurisdiction to 
the effect, that the Master of Finance is the proper person, or 
officer to receive money from members either in, or out of ihe 
Lodge, but the Lodge is not responsible for money received by 
him except in open Lodge.* 

This decision it seems,was reaffirmed at the same session in 
almost the same words, with this additional qualification viz, 
that the Lodge is responsible if the money is posted in the 
ledger, even though it may not appear in the day book.t 

The question is again answered in Aug., 1875, the committee 
holding the Master of Finance may receive money in or out of 
the Lodge room but the Lodge was not responsible unless it 
was found entered on the books.! Here we have illustrated 
this peculiar fact ; a Lodge puts forth a financial officer clothed 
with authority to receive money, and yet attempts to limit its 
liability to the exercise of a voluntary and unrestrained act of 
that officer. 

It is scarcely necessary to comment upon this further per- 
haps, than to say, that authorizing the Master of Finance to 
collect money out of the Lodge room, but disclaiming respon- 
sibility unless it is entered on the books, is to say the least, 
putting a premium upon rascality, and a temptation in the way 
of an otherwise honest officer.' 

100. Dues: Charging of to Pages and Esquires: Policy of con- 
sidered: As in the case of charging dues to suspended mem- 
bers, perhaps a majority of the Jurisdictions pursue the same 
course, in respect to Pages and Esquires. 

The opinion of Supreme Chancellor Eead given in 1872 1| il- 
lustrates the true principle in this respect, and that it has been 
followed by a respectable number of Grand Lodges, is suffici- 
ent warrant for deeming it to be the correct principle of our 
Pythian Law.§ 

The Supreme Chancellor sets forth the principle very clearly 
thus: 

"My own impression is, that no dues ought to be charged against 
Pages or Esquires, and I think the general laws do not contemplate, 
that they are liable to pay dues. 

They are not Knights of Pythias until they have taken the Knight's 
Degree; then they are entitled to all the rights, privileges and advan- 
tages of the Order. 

*Pa. Feb.. 1 «75, 39S-9. Approved Aug.. 1875, 54. +Fa. Feb., 1S75, 414. Ap- 
proved Aug., 1875, 68, 69. }Pa. Aug., 1875, 78. ||Digest Sec. 952. §Digest Sec. 
955 and note. 



COMMON LAW. 93 

Pages receive really no advantages only in prospect, and have no 
voice, or vote in the proceedings of a Lodge, scarcely a right to visit; 
they have not been proved, and charged, therefore they are but Knights 
in embryo."* 

To the same purpose we found an early decision of Grand 
Chancellor G. J. L. Foxwell, of the District of Columbia,. In 
answer to a question propounded he held : 

"That the matter of dues, was a subject left to the Lodges, by the Con- 
stitution, but the Subordinate Lodges of the Order of Knights of Pythias 
work in the highest Rank ; Pages and Esquires not having received the 
Rank are debarred the privilege of the Lodge room. 

They are not Knights de facto, but Knights only in embryo. They 
are not entitled under the local law, to any pecuniary benefits, and are 
of no expense to the Lodge, because at the present time no per capita 
tax is charged upon them, and my opinion is, that it would be unjust to 
charge Pages and Esquires dues, without granting them a correspond- 
ing benefit. 

If dues are charged to Pages and Esquires, they could not under the 
present laws of the Order be suspended for non-payment of dues. "f 

And upon the same reasoning Grand Chancellor Stevenson 
of Nebraska, held that Pages and Esquires should not be sub- 
ject to dues4 

Of course if dues are charged to Pages, and Esquires, then 
for non-payment, they become subject to the penalties pre- 
scribed by law, even including suspension, and this has been 
held in West Virginia and in New York.|| 

In commenting on the decision in New York the committee 
on correspondence of California say : 

"In this Jurisdiction we notice a decision, that a Page can be sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues. 

"As a person must be a Knight in order to enjoy the full benefits of 
membership it strikes us, that this is, to say the least, a very peculiar 
decision, and one that does not conform to the tenets of our Order." g 

This is not a peculiar decision perhaps, but it certainly does 
not conform to the tenets of our Order. 

In justice to Grand Chancellor Brown, it may be said that 
he based his decision upon the Constitution, which expressly de- 
clares, that dues shall be charged to every member "to com- 
mence with date of his initiation as Page.'T 

Dues are charged to Pages and Esquires in Pennsylvania,** 
although they cannot claim benefits. +f 

Pages and Esquires may now be suspended It for cause, and 

*S. L. Jour., 1872, 465-6. +D. C, 1873. 541-542-595. JDigest Sec. 955, Neb. 
Jour., Vol. I 141, 163. ||W. Va. Jour. 1879, 10. N. Y. 1883, 9. 67. §Cal, 1884. 2059. 
ifSec. 1, Art. 8, Const. Sub. Lodge, N. Y., 1882. **Pa. Jour. 1873 109, also Const. 
Sub. Lodge Sec. 1 Art. XVI. f+Pa. Jour. 1882, 538-581. JjExpo. Sec 169. 



94 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

if they are chargeable with dues, it would naturally follow, that 
non-payment would operate as a cause for suspension. 

In Georgia the matter is left entirely to the Subordinate 
Lodges.* The same in Virginia, t also inlndiania.i Perhaps 
the limit of reason was reached in Pennsylvania, when it was 
held, that dues may be charged to Pages and Esquires, although 
they have been refused advancement.il It is generally under- 
stood that Pages and Esquires, are not entitled to benefits, and 
this right has been expressly denied them, as shown above in 
Pennsylvania, and also in Missouri where they are required to 
pay dues.§ 

It is wrong in principle, to leave the matter to Subordinate 
Lodges, and the Grand Lodges should take it in hand for the 
sake of uniformity. It is also wrong in principle, to require 
dues of members not entitled to any of the benefits of the Order, 
or at most, to none of the substantial, or material benefits. 
Taxation, without representation, is repugnant to every prin- 
ciple of right, and is liable to lead to revolution. 

101. Dues : Payment of May be Required in Advance : The mat- 
ter of collecting dues in advance, and of adjusting the penalty 
for a failure to pay, has received some considerable attention, 
and the law may be considered settled, even if it is not alto- 
gether consistent. 

The authority for collecting dues in advance, comes from the 
Supreme Lodge itself, and, like much of the legislation of the 
Supreme Lodge, is at once inconsistent and absurd. While it 
grants the right to charge and collect dues in advance, it at 
the same time, places a virtual embargo upon the exercise of 
the right, by declaring that a Lodge cannot suspend a mem- 
ber, who has paid his dues to the first of a term, nor deprive 
him of the S. A. P. W. 

This is on a par with the old injunctions against the collec- 
tion of fines, and the result is about the same. If the member 
pays voluntarily, well and good ; if not, then the law is a dead 
letter, and the grant amounts to nothing. It is, however, well 
enough to prohibit the imposition of penalties, where a member 
fails to pay dues in advance, and that is now the settled rule. 1 !" 

In 1877, and 1878, Ohio held in accordance with the decision 
of the Supreme Lodge, but in 1879, and in 1883, it departed 

*Ga. 1875, 164-160. +Va. 1874, 17, 10. Unci. July, 1872, 183-196. ||Pa. Feb. 
1875, 358. §Mo. 1 881, 12-61, Dec. of G. C, F. P. Wiley, also Mo. Jour. 1882, 110, 
Dec. of G. C, JR. H. Mabury. HDigest, Sec. 940. 



COMMON LAW. 95 

from the rule and held that non-payment of dues, charged in 
advance, debarred a member's right to the pass word.* 

This, of course, cannot be considered the law. The incon- 
sistency of the principle of charging dues in advance lies in 
the inability of the Lodge to enforce collection, and for this 
reason, presumably, the practice is not very general. 

While the policy of charging dues in advance may be seri- 
ously questioned, its expediency is emphatically denied, as 
illustrated in Kentucky, where it is expressly prohibited. f 

102. Dues : Not Chargeable to Memoers Suspended : The Su- 
preme Lodge, in 1875, held that a member suspended for non- 
payment of aues, could not be charged dues during suspension, 
and this rule has been adhered to in several Jurisdictions 
where the question has been raised.! 

In 1880, the Committee on Law of the Supreme Lodge, at u ne 
request of the Grand Chancellor of Maine, gave an authorita- 
tive opinion involving the other aspect of the question, and 
denned, at the same time, the status of a suspended member. 
The committe say : 

" The following proposition was before the Grand Lodge of Maine: 
Where it is within the power of the Lodge to determine on suspension 
as a penalty, it is not absolute removal from membership, but only- 
exclusion from the Lodge, and from such privileges and benefits as are 
peculiar to the Lodge. Such excluded members would, by force of the 
Supreme Lodge law, be entitled to receive at least one dollar per week 
benefits during sickness or disability, and consequently are liable for 
dues during the limited period of suspension." 

Upon this the committee report : 

"Believing, as your committee do, that, as a general proposition, the 
whole question has repeatedly been decided to be a matter for local 
jurisdiction, yet they would report, that the last sentence is a wrong 
construction of the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge; that, in the 
opinion of your committee, suspension, for a limited period for cause, 
other than for non-payment of dues, operates for such time, as suspen- 
sion from the Order ; that the payment of minimum benefits is obliga- 
tory in the case of members in good standing under the local law ; but 
in 1873 (Supreme Lodge Journal, pages 690, 734,) it was ruled that the 
status of suspended members is a matter for local legislation, and your 
committee concur in that legislation." || 

The effect of this opinion of the committee, was to destroy 
the reasoning of the Grand Lodge of Maine, upon which it 
based the right to charge dues, to members suspended for cause, 
under the penal code. So that a Grand Lodge cannot justify 

*Ohio Jour., 1879, 549 ; Jour. 1883, 866. fKy. Jour. 1876, 434. jDigest, Sec. 
946, 947. RDigest, Sec. 2391. 



96 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the charging of dues in such cases on the ground that the mem- 
ber, not being expelled, but "only excluded," would be entitled 
to benefits, if sick, and therefore should pay dues. Such sus- 
pended member, of course, is not entitled to benefits, nor to 
any of the rights and privileges of the Lodge. He is suspended 
from the Order, for the time being, and equitably not subject 
to any of its laws or requirements. 

It was pursuant to this opinion that Grand Chancellor Daw- 
less, of Connecticut, held that Lodges could not collect dues of 
suspended members,* which action has been followed by sev- 
eral of the Grand Lodges. I 

It is unfortunate that the Supreme Lodge has left this mat- 
ter to the Grand Lodges. It involves a fundamental princi- 
ple, and it is one the Supreme Lodge ought to control. Grand 
Lodges should not be permitted to authorize Subordinates to 
tax certain members, and at the same time, deny them the rights 
and privileges of the Order. 

In 1870, the Grand Chancellor, of Pennsylvania, held to the 
rule requiring suspended members to pay dues, but he was 
overruled by the Committee on Law, which held, that a mem- 
ber stood suspended from membership, when twelve months in 
arrears, which is tantamount to expulsion, there being no ex- 
pulsion in the Order, consequently his dues ceased with his 
membership. That the arrearages mentioned in the Constitu- 
tion are simply those due at the time of his suspension.! 
This, it will be seen, is a very early decision, and it certainly il- 
lustrates a very reasonable view, one now followed by eminent 
authorities in Pythian Law. In 1882, however, Pennsylvania 
reversed this decision by affirmatively declaring that the decis- 
ions of the Grand Lodge, had established the principle that 
dues continued to accrue against members suspended under 
the penal laws. ]| This latter opinion of Pennsylvania is in line 
with a majority of the decisions in respect to the payment of 
dues by suspended members. 

They have confined the application of this rule, to those 
suspended for cause, for a definite period, as the fallacy of the 
rule would be too apparent if it applied to those suspended for 
the non payment of dues ; hence, the exception. § It is true 
that some of our sister organizations hold to the same view, 
and suspended members are expected to pay dues, even those 

*Conn. 1883, 13,40. +Digest, Sec. 044, 047,048. JPa. Jan. 1870,542,557. 
HPa. Aug., 1822. 552, 587. §Digest, Sec. 046, 047. 



COMMON LAW. 97 

suspended for non-payment of dues, but upon a full consider- 
ation of this question the better rule seems to be that, as 
established by Kentucky, Maine, Indiana and West Virginia, 
following the principle as laid down by the Supreme Lodge. 

103. Dues : May be paid until suspension is declared : In a 
preceding section* it was remarked, incidentally, that a member 
has the right to pay his dues, even after twelve months, and 
until actually declared suspended, and it is the duty of the 
Lodge to receive such dues. This seems to be now the principle. 

Construing the Law that "members twelve months in arrears 
shall stand suspended," some Jurisdictions have held that un- 
der this, dues could not be received after the expiration of 
twelve months. This was so, on the grounds that, if by the 
Law, a member twelve months in arrears stood suspended, he 
was not in fact a member and no dues could be received from 
him until a formal application for reinstatement was made. 
This must be regarded, however, as an erroneous view, so long 
as suspension has not been actually declared, it can make no 
difference how much beyond the twelve months a member may 
have run, his dues must be received when tendered, and he 
may pay just enough to reduce the arrearages to a sum below 
the amount of twelve months dues, and thus prevent suspen- 
sion.! After suspension has been declared, the rule seems to 
be somewhat different, as is shown in the following section. 

104. Dues: May be Received from Suspended Members at any 
Time: In analogy with the principle that a member may pay 
his dues at any time before suspension is actually declared ; 
and also with the principle, that, in suspension for non-pay- 
ment of dues, no formal application is necessary for reinstate- 
ment,]: New Jersey has held that dues may be received from 
suspended members at anv time.|j While this is not followed as 
the general rule, yet there is reason and equity in it. 

The laws of the Grand Jurisdictions, generally, require of a 
suspended member desiring reinstatement, the payment of the 
full amount, and in some states, as has been shown, § a formal 
application as well. The weight of authority, however, is, 
that a suspended member may pay the amount, causing sus- 
pension, at any time and regain his membership. 

Since this is so, why should not a member be permitted to pay 

*Expo., Sec. 45. {Digest, Sec. 2371. tExpo. Sec. 188. ||N. J. 1879, 1067,1113. 
§Expo. Reinstatement, Sec. 188. 



98 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

a portion at one time, and a portion at another, and the re- 
mainder at still another, if by this means he may find it a more 
convenient method of regaining his membership. 

When he has paid the amount necessary, his regained mem- 
bership commences. This is justice and equity, and, at the 
same time, brotherly. 

DEFUNCT LODGES. 

105. Status of Members of: The status of members of de- 
funct Lodges, seems to be sufficiently well defined, by the cur- 
rent of authorities, although the practice does not seem to be 
entirely uniform. In Pennsylvania it is held, that participation 
in the reorganization must be voluntary, and that those who do 
not consent to reorganization, do not become members,but their 
status remains as before. This was so held by the committee 
on law construing the Constitution.* The committee refer to 
the Constitution as governing them in this decision, which, 
upon examination, is found to provide simply, that members of 
defunct Lodges may receive from the Grand Lodge, a "card 
of privilege" which may be deposited in any Lodge which will 
receive it. It also prescribes a fee, which the member, deposi- 
ting the card, shall pay, not only for the card, but for admission 
into the Lodge. t 

There seems to be no room to doubt the unsoundness of the 
decision of the committee, as based upon this constitutional 
provision. This provision grants certain rights to members of 
defunct Lodges. If the member's Lodge has been reorganized 
he is no longer a member of a defunct Lodge, and so does not 
come within the purview of this constitutional provision. 

It is a common practice to issue Grand Lodge cards to 
members of defunct Lodges, but outside of Pennsylvania, it is 
believed they are no where issued, to members of reorganized 
Lodges. 

Upon reorganization, the Lodge assumes Jurisdiction and 
control, over all its members, who may not have affiliated 
elsewhere under their Grand Lodge cards. 

There seems to be no option with the member of a reorga- 
nized Lodge. He is not only, not entitled to a "Card of Privi- 
lege" or Grand Lodge card, but that he must submit to the 
jurisdiction of the Subordinate Lodge, and if he was in good 

*Pa. 1882, 534, 570. tConst. G. L. Pa. Art. X. Sec. 11. 



COMMON LAW. 99 

standing, at the time of dissolution, he is a member in good 
standing at the reorganization, and his dues commence again 
with that date ; if he was a suspended member, he must take 
precisely the same course, as though his Lodge had never been 
defunct.* 

106. Defunct Lodges: Reversion of Property of: As to the re- 
version of the property of defunct Lodges, the authorities cited 
in the Digest seem to illustrate the general rule. The question,, 
however, has been discussed under the' title ''Property" which, 
see.t 

DISMISSAL CEETIFICATE. 

107. Not recognized in Pythian Law: Its uses and object: A 

document known as a "Dismissal Certificate " has come into 
use in some Jurisdictions, but may be said to be peculiar to 
Pennsylvania. The object of the certificate seems to be, that 
a member suspended for non-payment of dues, or who may be 
dropped from membership, may have some evidence of his for- 
mer membership, and something that will serve as a withdraw- 
al-card, in case he should desire at any time to affiliate with 
any Lodge. The law of Pennsylvania in respect to the dis- 
missal certificate is as follows : 

"Any person who has been a member of the Order in this Jurisdic- 
tion, and who has been suspended from his Lodge for non-payment of 
dues, may be entitled to receive from said Lodge upon application, a 
dismissal certificate upon paying the sum of §1.25 for the same. 

Said dismissal certificate shall entitle the holder thereof to unite with 
any Lodge within the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania in the manner pre- 
scribed in Section 4, Art. XIII. of the Constitution." J 

Section 4 of Article XIII. above referred to,prescibed the man- 
ner of affiliating with a Lodge by withdrawal card, and is in 
accordance with universal usage in respect to that subject. 

Under the law providing for the granting of a dismissal cer- 
tificate the committee on Law in 1832 held, that, "to be enti- 
tled to it, a member must comply with the Law." This would 
seem to be a very natural requirement, but without apparent 
reason, the decision was reversed. || Were it not for further 
legislation on this question at the same session, this decision 
would raise the presumption, that the Dismissal certificate is 
granted as matter of right, upon application, but this pre- 
sumption is not upheld apparently, as will be seen. A brother 

*Digest Sec. 890, et seq. ; also Sees. 2159, 2792. tExpo. Sec. 186. JConst. Sub* 
Lodges of Pa. Sec. 4 Art XV. ||Pa. 1882, 553, 587. 



100 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

was suspended for non-payment of dues, upon application for 
a dismissal certificate it was denied him. An appeal was 
taken, on the grounds : 

1st. The brother was suspended for non-payment of dues. 

2nd. The amount required for the certificate, $1.25, was presented. 

3rd. No charges pending against him, 

A certificate of the Lodge was attached, stating that, 

"Should the brother desire to connect himself again with the Order, he 
should make application for reinstatement, paying the amount of his 
indebtedness, (one year's dues, $5.20,) etc." 

The appeal was sustained by the committee, and this was, 
in effect, holding that the brother was entitled to his certificate, 
under these circumstances, but the decision of the committee 
was reversed by the Grand Lodge, thus sustaining the Lodge 
in refusing to grant it.* From this it would seem that the 
Law must, after all, be complied with. 

The dismissal certificate can only be granted by the Lodge 
from which the member was suspended, if in existence, if de- 
funct, then the member must procure a "Card of Privilege," from 
the Grand Lodge, t 

This "Card of Privilege" seems to be a document also pecu- 
liar to Pennsylvania. The dismissal certificate is sometimes 
used in Pennsylvania as a means of avoiding the payment of 
dues, and it operates with some degree of success. A case in 
point, is as follows : 

A member was suspended for non-payment of dues ; he asked 
for a dismissal certificate, and it was granted. On the same 
evening he applied for reinstatement, (as the record shows), 
sending in his certificate and a fee of $2. The fact is, he intend- 
ed merely to deposit his certificate, as he would a withdrawal 
card, and thus become a member of the Lodge by affiliation. 

Objection was made on the ground that he could not become 
a member without paying his arrearages, for the non-payment 
of which, he had been suspended, but the Chancellor Com- 
mander held that the fee of $2 was sufficient to allow the mem- 
ber to affiliate on his certificate. 

On appeal, the action of the Lodge was sustained, the Grand 
Lodge holding that the dismissal certificate acted in lieu of 
withdrawal card, and all a member was required to pay, on 
depositing a card, was $2.t This latter principle is supported 

•Appeal of Dunnell et al. vs. Scranton Lodge, Pa., 1882, 555, 588. +l'a. 1880, 
29, 177. jPa. 1883, 60, 116. 



COMMON LAW. 101 

by a prior decision, in 1880, to the effect that a Lodge is bound 
to receive a dismissal certificate at the withdrawal card rate.* 
The law or principle that will permit, or make it possible, for 
a Lodge to be thus imposed upon, is pernicious in every sense 
of the term. These citations from the laws and decisions of 
Pennsylvania are given to show the practical working of dis- 
missal certificates in that Jurisdiction. 

In 1876, Supreme Chancellor Davis, in his report, refers to 
this matter of dismissal certificates, and recommends action 
of the Supreme Lodge in respect to it. He refers to the reso- 
lutions of Pennsylvania, as cited below, asking for legislation 
on the subject, and says : 

1 ■ Some law of similar import is desired by very many members of the. 
Order."f 

That the dismissal certificate and its co-relative, the "Card 
of Privilege," are unwarranted in law, for the lack of recog- 
nition and authority on the part of the Supreme Lodge, is 
plainly evident from the following legislation had in respect 
thereto : 

In 1875 Eepresentative Blackburn, of Pennsylvania, pre- 
sented a set of resolutions, which had been adopted by his 
Grand Lodge, asking the Supreme Lodge to adopt them also. 
These resolutions, among other things, provided for the issue 
of dismissal certificates to members suspended for non-pay- 
ment of dues, granting the right to a member to demand it ; 
that a member holding such a certificate might deposit the 
same as a withdrawal card ; that it should be considered as a 
portion of the supplies to be furnished to Subordinate Lodges. 

These resolutions were referred to the committee on law, and 
the report thereon was to the effect, that there was no authority 
in the Supreme Lodge to authorize the issue of dismissal cer- 
tificates without an amendment to the Constitution, and, inas- 
much, as they did not come in the shap*e of an amendment, 
they were, upon recommendation of the committee, tabled. £ 
From that day, the Supreme Lodge has not seen fit to author- 
ize the issue of dismissal certificates, either by itself, or by the 
Grand Lodges. On the other hand, it has express]y denied the 
right, reserving to itself the exclusive privilege of issuing all 
Forms, Kituals, Charts, Orders, Certificates, etc. [1 

*Pa. 1880, 30, 177. IS. L. Jour. 1876, 1230, 1231. JS. L. Jour. 1875, 1107, 
1140. HDigest, Sec. 1311. 



102 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

DISTRICT DEPUTY GEAND CHANCELLOR. 

108. General Authority Of : The general authority of the Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Chancellor, is pretty fully set forth in the 
discussion under this title, and in the Digest, while the matter 
is incidentally referred to under the title ' 'Eligibility."* Some 
of the points not more fully touched upon under incidental 
heads, or noted in the Digest, will be noticed here. 

109. D. D. G. C: May Delegate His Authority to Install Officers : 
The Grand Lodge of Nevada has gone so far as to say, that he 
cannot appoint any one to represent him in his official capa- 
city, f This, of course, denies to him the right of causing 
officers to be installed. 

The Grand Lodge of Delaware has held directly upon this 
point. A D. D. G. C. cannot deputize another to install 
officers, and cannot install himself into office. t These decis- 
ions are made, perhaps, in accordance with the laws of these 
Jurisdictions, and are, therefore, correct. The laws, however, 
which render such decisions necessary are unwise in principle, 
and not in accord with the recognized rule in a majority of 
Jurisdictions, as shown by the decisions. || 

110. D. D. G. C. Authority Of To Make Official Decisions : The 
D. D. G. C, as the title implies, is the representative of the 
Grand Chancellor, and his authority should enable him to do 
what the Grand Chancellor could do if present. Of course, this 
does not clothe him with all the prerogatives of the Grand 
Chancellor. The Deputy is for the purpose of doing those 
things which may require prompt action, or the personal pres- 
ence of the Grand Chancellor, or those things with which it 
might be unnecessary, or unwise, to burden the Grand Chancel- 
lor, This is the theory of the office of District Deputy, but it 
seems that it is not understood in some quarters, where his 
authority is restricted to such an extent as to reduce his useful- 
ness to that of a mere figure head. 

In Missouri the District Deputy could not make official 
decisions. § In California it was held that it was not the duty 
of a District Deputy to answer legal questions in his official 
capacity, that, that is left to the Grand Chancellor.1" These 
are isolated cases, and while they are not in accord with the 

*Expo. Sec. 125. tNevada, 1881, 453, 485. {-Del. 1880, 238, 271. || Digest, P. 
I). G. C. Sees. 783, 1428, 800, and Expo. Sec. 147. §Mo. 1879, 15, 48. IPCaL 1876, 

€82, 885, 886. 



COMMON LAW. 103 

theory of the law, they, at the same time, do not represent the 
practice in the various Jurisdictions. 

The authority of the District Deputy includes the right to 
issue dispensation and annul the same ;* to take the chair of 
the Lodge when visiting in his official capacity ;f and to issue 
orders regarding the work of the Order,! which must be obeyed 
until reversed on appeal. It would be inconsistent to clothe 
him with all this authority, but deny him the right to make 
official decisions. But the better rule seems to be, that he may 
make decisions, and they are binding until reversed. || These 
are among the prerogatives of the District Deputy, as recognized 
in the various Jurisdictions. In Nebraska it is provided bylaw 
that the District Deputy shall decide all questions of law, or ap- 
peals submitted to him.§ In Maryland the decision of District 
Deputy, rendered on request, is binding and overrules the Chan- 
cellor Commander.^ 

It will be conceded that the authority of the District Dep- 
uty is not always coextensive with that of the Grand Chan- 
cellor ; he has such powers only as are given him by the 
Constitution and Laws,** so that, the decisions above cited, 
from Missouri and California, may be in pursuance of the 
laws of those Jurisdictions, but a search of their Constitutions 
fails to reveal any ground upon which to base them, except 
the one possible Constitutional ground, that what is not ex- 
pressly granted, is prohibited. 

Both the Constitutions of California, and Missouri, say that 
the District Deputy shall be the representative of the Grand 
Chancellor in his district. Their duties are defined, and they 
do not differ materially from the laws of the Jurisdictions 
generally, and nowhere, either in the Constitution or By-Laws 
of these Grand Lodges are District Deputies prohibited, ex- 
pressly or impliedly, from rendering official decisions. ft 

The only ground, then, upon which the decision can be based 
is, that the authority is not expressly given to District Deputies ; 
they are, therefore, without it. But this is untenable. Implied 
authority is sufficient, in the absence of express prohibition. 
The District Deputy is the representative of the Grand Chan- 
cellor, and it is necessary and proper that he be clothed with 
this authority, and unless it is expressly denied him, it is fully 
implied from the nature and function of his office. 

♦Digest, Sec. 807, 808. tDigest, Sec. 788. tDigest, Sec. 790. HDigest, Sec. 810. 
JConst. G. L. Sec. 42. HDigest, Sec. 811. **Digest, Sees. 808, 780. ttConst. Mo. 
1882, Sec. 10, Art. vii. ; Const. Cal., Sec. 10, Art. vi. ; Dann's Digest Cal.. Sec. 551. 



104 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

111. D. D. G. C: Requisites of Eligibility: There are certain 
essential requisites of eligibility to this office, and they have 
been sufficiently pointed out in the discussion under the title 
Eligibility.* That he must be a Past Chancellor is well set- 
tled, but, that it is unnecessary that he shall have actually 
taken the Bank. 

112. D. D. G. C: Should Not Hold Office in Subordinate Lodge : 
The current of authorities seems to hold to the view that the 
District Deputy should not hold office in the Subordinate 
Lodge, and especially that of Chancellor Commander. This, 
for the reason that the duties would oftentimes conflict. The 
laws of some of the Jurisdictions prohibit it. In Missouri he 
cannot hold the office of the Chancellor, Commander, Vice 
Chancellor or Keeper of Eecords and Seal, without the consent 
of the Grand Chancellor, f In Nebraska, while it is not illegal, 
it is declared to be inexpedient!: In Ontario it is expressly 
prohibited.!] 

The Grand Chancellor of Kentucky gave a very elaborate 
opinion upon this question, which is commended, notwith- 
standing the fact that some of his reasons are unique. He 
says: 

' 'The District Deputy is the prime minister of the Grand Lodge, and 
as such he is superior, in the scale of Rank, to any member of his Lodge. 
Can he, then, accept a subordinate position? No. He must be entirely 
one or the other. If you are superior you must govern ; if subordinate, 
you must obey. These are the laws of nature that cannot be set aside. 
It is the duty of the District Deputy Grand Chancellor to represent and 
protect the interests of the Grand Lodge, even against the supposed in- 
terests of his own Lodge, to see that the laws of the Order are carried 
out strictly, and to decide all questions of law that may come before him, 
in a just and impartial manner. 

He must avoid any participation in the duties of his Lodge, that he 
may be better prepared to render a just and impartial decision. The 
action of any officer of your Lodge is liable to be questioned at any 
moment, and just as likely to involve a point of law which you, as Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Chancellor, would be called upon to decide. Sup- 
pose you held that subordinate office, and your action, as such officer, 
had involved a question, could you, as District Deputy, render a just 
and impartial decision, for or or against your own action? Would that 
opinion (be it just or unjust) have the same force and effect upon your 
members that it would if you had no possible connection with the 
action? Could you raise that opinion above the suspicion of those who 
opposed you ? Never ! It is his duty to install the officers of his Lodge. 
He cannot install himself, nor deputize any one else to act for him, un- 
less he was absent, and. if absent he could not be installed. Besides, no 

*Expo. Eligibility, Sec. 125. tConst. G. L. Mo. Sec. 10, Art. vii. jDigest, Sec. 
791. ||Ont. 1880, 21. 



COMMON LAW. 105 

law would be constitutional that would permit an officer to delegate his 
authority to another, with the sole intention of benefiting himself, or 
delegate to another that which he has no right to do himself. 

If the Disttrict Deputy has no power to install himself, he cannot leg • 
alize or confer that power on another. You can, therefore, see that the 
position of District Deputy is a delicate one, and that, in order to com- 
mand respect, and uphod the dignity of the position, in order to give 
the proper force and effect to his opinion, he must hold himself aloof, 
and avoid any duty in connection with his Lodge that could possibly 
compromise his dignity as the true representative of the Grand Chan- 
cellor.* 

ELECTION. 

113. Of Officers : Some of the Questions Touching the Validity of : 

Some few questions have arisen in this connection which, while 
they involve more particularly matters of practice, are perhaps 
worthy of notice. These relate, principally, to the validity of 
election, under certain circumstances, chiefly growing out of 
the manner of conducting the election, the appointment of tel- 
lers, the authority of the officers presiding, and, in some cases, 
the effect of previous nominations, or the want thereof. These 
are briefly noticed in the sequel. 

114. Election : Validity of, When Tellers Are Not Members of the 
Lodge : It was held, in Illinois, that where the tellers of an 
election are not members of the Lodge, the election is void.t 
It might be a matter of remark, among those not familiar with 
Pythian Law, that members of a sister Lodge cannot be trusted, 
even to this extent ; and even among those familiar with the 
law, this decision might excite no little degree of wonder ; in 
fact, the decision itself can scarcely claim a footing in our 
Pythian Jurisprudence beyond what it may assume, as an extra 
precaution, in a direction really unnecessary. 

Another case, involving the same question, is recorded in 
New York, in which the Chancellor Commander did not pre- 
side and appoint the tellers.]: The facts in this case are simi- 
lar to those of the Illinois case, but the Grand Lodge seems to 
have determined it upon another point, made by the minority 
of the committee on appeals. 

The argument of the majority of the committee in this case, 
presents, very forcibly, the law and the reason. The facts are : 
at the election held on the 31st December, 1879, the Chancellor 
Commander left the chair, calling upon a Past Chancellor to 

*W. W. Blackwell, G. C. Ky., 1880, 658, 704. fj. D. Koiaer, G. C. 111. Jour., 1882„ 
818, 899. IN. Y. 1880, 41, 43. 



106 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

preside during the election. The Past Chancellor presiding 
appointed two tellers, as the law provides, but it appears the 
tellers so appointed were not members of the Lodge. The elec- 
tion proceeded in the usual way, no one objecting; the Chan- 
cellor Commander remained in the room and was cognizant of 
the facts. At the next meeting, January 7, 1880, the Chancel- 
lor Commander, having conceived the idea that the election held 
the week before, and in which he participated, was illegal, so 
declared it, on the ground that the tellers were not legally ap- 
pointed, and not qualified to act, being members of another 
Lodge. He immediately ordered a new election, which was 
held, and another person elected Chancellor Commander. 
Under this state of facts the committee say : 

"We fail to see the justice of this argument. Constitution of Subor- 
dinate Lodges, section 6, article iii., provides, when an election is held 
for any officer, the Chancellor Commander, etc., shall appoint two 
members as tellers, to assist in conducting the election in a fair and im- 
partial manner. 

Thus it will be seen, by the Constitution, the tellers are simply to 
assist in conducting the election in a fair and impartial manner. This 
does not exclude any member of the Order from acting as teller, where 
no objection is made. 

The Constitution is silent upon the point, whether the teller shall be a 
member of the Lodge or not, but no objection having been made to the 
appointment, the Lodge is estopped from disputing its own act." 

There is some reason in this, and, in view of the fact that 
there is nothing in our Pythian Law warranting this distrust- 
ful discrimination against the members of a sister Lodge, the 
views of the New York committee seem sound as well as reas- 
onable. The minority of the committee, however, sustained 
the Chancellor Commander on the ground that he permitted 
the Past Chancellor to preside, which was opposed to the law, 
as expounded by Supreme Chancellor Woodruff,* and it was 
upon this ground, perhaps, that the Supreme Lodge sustained 
the Grand Lodge, when the case went there on appeal.! There 
seems to be no just reason, in the absence of express law, for 
holding that tellers must be members of the Lodge in which 
the election occurs. Their duties are simply to count the vote, 
and, being disinterested, are in a position to do so fairly and 
impartially. 

115. Elections : Nominations For: Admissibility of Motion to Close: 
In perhaps a majority of the Lodges, during the progress of 

*Expo. Sec. 81. Digest, Sec 505. fDigest, Sec. 1004. 



COMMON LAW. 107 

nomination and election of officers, there are recorded instan- 
ces of ''motions to close" nominations. 

This course is pursued for the purpose of preventing further 
nominations, and, in numerous instances, it has been success- 
ful, for presiding officers have been known to recognize and 
entertain such motions, and majority votes have been found to 
adopt them. There are, perhaps, no recorded decisions on the 
admissibility of the motion, if a ruling of the Grand Chancellor 
of Delaware be excepted. During the nomination for the offices 
of Grand Master-at-Arms in the Grand Lodge, a Past Chancel- 
lor desired to know if it were in order to make a motion to close 
the nominations, while nominations were making ? 

The ruling of the Grand Chancellor was that it would not be 
in order, inasmuch as it would deprive the Grand Lodge of the 
advantage accruing from the privilege of election. On appeal 
the Grand Chancellor was overruled.* Inasmuch as the rule 
is well nigh universal, that previous nominations are essen- 
tial in the election of officers, and, that votes cast for a member 
not so nominated are void, it would seem that the adop- 
tion of a motion to close nominations is depriving a member of 
his right, not only to place in nomination a candidate of his 
choice, but also to vote for him. 

Such a rule cannot be regarded as otherwise than fraught 
with injustice, and should, therefore, find no place in our 
Pythian law. The ruling of the Grand Chancellor of Delaware 
was eminently proper. 

The Constitution of Pennsylvania provides that the Chancel- 
lor Commander shall not close the nominations until every 
member has had an opportunity to be heard.! 

116. Election : Of Officers: Nominations for Made When : It was 
an early rule that required nominations to be made at the meet- 
ing preceding the election, and this was so held in West Virginia 
as late as 1877. t The rule, however, may now be considered 
obsolete, where it is not expressly enjoined bylaw. There is no 
authority for it now in the legislation of the Supreme Lodge. |] 

ELIGIBILITY 

117. To Office: Advancement or Rotation of Officers: Under the 
title " advancement" § the practice in Pennsylvania is discussed, 
and some of the inconsistencies of the law pointed out. This 

*Del. 1879, 222. fSec. 3, Art. iv., Const. Sub. Lodges. JW. Va. 1877, 8, 28. 
IS. L. Const., Par. 5, Sec. 'Z, Art. viii., app. §Expo. Ante. 33. 



108 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

rule may be said to be peculiar to Pennsylvania although the 1 
principle is, to some extent, observed in other Jurisdictions. 
It is proposed here to notice the practice in the various Juris- 
dictions, and to discuss briefly this principle of rotation in 
office. Perhaps, we can offer no more fitting premise for the 
discussion of this question, than by introducing here, a sug- 
gestion from that veteran Knight — than whom no one can 
claim more of honor and merit, for a noble self-sacrifice in 
the interests of the Order— Past Supreme Chancellor, Samuel 
Keed. In 1868, as Grand Chancellor, he embodies in his report 
to his Grand Lodge, the following suggestions : 

"I would respectfully suggest for the consideration of this Grand 
Lodge, with the idea that your representatives to the Supreme Lodge, 
(I trust soon to be organized) may have the advantage of your a'dvice and 
counsel, that some points of the present work may be advantageously re- 
vised. Would it not be better, that all business be transacted in the 
Knight's degree? 

Would it not be better to dispense with the present rotation in office and 
make merit the true principle for promotion?"* 

In 1869, Grand Chancellor Eeed, referring to the Constitu- 
tuions for Grand and Subordinate Lodges, sent down by the 
Supreme Lodge for approval, has this to say : 

You will observe that the rotation feature has been dispensed with, so 
that now any Knight having served a full term in any Subordinate office, 
is eligible to the office of Vice Chancellor, making merit the principle for 
promotion.f 

That the whole theory of eligibility, and rotation in office, as 
practiced in perhaps, a majority of the Jurisdictions, is wrong, 
we do not hesitate to declare. There can be no substantial 
reason urged in favor of it, and experience has shown that it 
has has led to confusion, inconsistent legislation, and a great 
many utterly senseless exceptions. The conflicts and absurd- 
ities of the Pennsylvania laws have been cited, and other in- 
stances equally as unfounded in reason may be shown, to prove 
the unsoundness of the rotation principle. 

It does not follow that, because a Master at Arms is specially 
fitted for that office, that he is thereby qualified for advance- 
ment, neither does it follow that service in the office has any 
tendency to fit the occupant for the duties of the higher offices, 
and especially that of Chancellor Commander. Perhaps, there 
is not a Lodge in the country but has had actual experience of 
this fact. It is asserted here, that service in any inferior office, 

*N. J., July, 18G8, 20, 21. +N. J. Jan. 1 869, 38. 



COMMON LAW. 109 

from Outer Guard to Vice Chancellor, may not have any ten- 
dency to qualify one for the duties of a presiding officer. If 
a member has even a smattering of parliamentary law, and 
has given a thought to our Pythian Jurisprudence he may, 
and is very likely to, develope the traits and characteristics 
of a good presiding officer ; without these he is liable to be a 
failure, and any amount of service in an inferior office, will not 
remedy the defects. A Prelate may thoroughly understand 
his duties, a Vice Chancellor even may be able to reflect credit 
upon the Lodge from his particular station, the Master at 
Arms may be a thoroughly trained soldier and may by his 
erect carriage, his grace of movement, and knowledge of the 
Eitual, do honor to himself and the office, and yet not one of 
these officers may have the capacity to put a question or de- 
cide a point of order, if placed in the Chancellor Commander's 
chair. To provide that these officers must be advanced, to the 
exclusion of a thoroughly qualified parliamentarian, is entirely 
wrong, impolitic, and without reason. 

118. Eligibility: Rules and Precedents: In 1873 Supreme 
Chancellor Berry, held that a Lodge may elect whomever it 
may see fit to the office of Chancellor Commander, that, there 
was no general law, making rotation in office obligatory.* 
While this applies with the force of law only, to Lodges under 
the control of the Supreme Lodge, nevertheless the principle 
here announced is the correct one, -and the precedent should 
be incorporated into the common law of the Order. 

The reasons for the rotation principle do not have the same 
force in all the Jurisdictions, and this may account for the pecu- 
liar, and often inconsistent, legislation had upon the question. 
A glance at this decisions will illustrate this position. It may 
be remarked here,that in the early years it was considered very 
essential, — and in some quarters the impression still remains 
— that eligibility to the higher offices be acquired by actual 
service. No matter what the rank of the member may be, if 
he had not actually served in a subordinate office, he was not 
eligible to the higher grades. 

The commitee on Laws in Pennsylvania held : 

A Past Chancellor who has been elected to, and served, in the office of 
Vice Chancellor and Guide, is eligible to the position of Chancellor Com- 
mander, not so however, in the case of a Past Chancellor by dispensa- 
tion who has not served as Vice Chancellor or Gnide. A Past Chancel- 

*Digest Sec. 651. 



110 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

lor, who is qualified as above stated, and who has been elected to the- 
office of Chancellor Commander is qualified also, to be elected as repre- 
sentative. t 

By this decision it will be observed that, in the opinion of 
the committee, a Past Chancellor, by creation, is not eligible to 
the office of Chancellor Commander, nor to that of Grand Kep- 
resentative, if he had not actually served as Vice Chancellor, 
or Master at Arms, and the committee say : 

As to this answer, the committee desire full consideration by the 
Grand Lodge. The question is involved,whether a Past Chancellor by 
dispensation (creation) can be considered as having actually served in 
the chair, where there is a constitutional provision requiring service in 
the chair. 

The above decision by permission of the Grand Lodge, was 
afterward modified by the committe, and adopted as follows : 

A Past Chancellor who has been legally elected to, and served in the, 
office of Vice Chancellor and Guide is eligible to the position of W. C. 
(C. C.) A Past Chancellor, whether by dispensation or otherwise, who 
has been elected to the office of W. C. (C. C.) is qualified also to be 
elected a Representative.* 

The rule by this modification was relaxed to this extent : A 
Past Chancellor by creation is not eligible to the office of 
Chancellor Commander, unless he has actually served as Vice 
Chancellor or Master at Arms ; but he is eligible to the office 
of Grand Kepresentative. We can only attribute this lack of 
consistency to a mistaken idea, growing out of the crude state 
of our Pythian Jurisprudence at this early period. Another 
characteristic decision of Pennsylvania in this connection was 
rendered in 1877. The question was asked Grand Chancellor 
Wadsworth : 

"Is a member who has served in any elective office, eligible to the 
office of Vice Chancellor, (Jour, of S. L., 1875, 1833, 1134,) or are we to be 
governed by Article IV, Section 1, of the Subordinate Constitution?" 

To which the Grand Chancellor replied : 

" We have a Constitution for Subordinate Lodges, adopted bj^ the 
Grand Lodge in annual session, and its Laws are those which govern 
the Order in this Jurisdiction, and are to be obeyed as such until set 
aside by the same authority that made them.f 

The reference to the Supreme Lodge Journal above, is to the 
decision of Supreme Chancellor Davis, as found in his report 
to the Supreme Lodge at the session of 1875. In view of the 
fact that a very few Jurisdictions have followed this decision, 
the remarks of the Supreme Chancellor are here given as follows : 

*Pa. Jan., 1872, 82. tPa. Aug. 1877, 17, 18, 106. 



COMMON LAW. Ill 

"On looking over the proceedings of the session of 1873, I find a large 
number of propositions had been submitted, to change the law which 
requires previous service in an appointed office to render a brother 
eligible to the office of Vice Chancellor. These propositions were sev- 
erally laid over to the next session for action. At the close of the ses- 
sion in Pittsburg, I supposed the change had been made. But a careful 
review of the legislation of that session convinced me no direct action 
had been taken by you, and it was evident from the correspondence 
which followed, many others had discovered the omission. Knowing 
that this law was obnoxious to the members of the Order generally, I 
sought authority by some act of yours to declare it repealed. I found 
on page 947, Journal of 1874, that Representative Bates, of Michigan, had 
introduced a resolution repealing 'the Constitution under which we 
have hitherto worked.' This Law or requirement was a part of that 
Constitution, it evidently being the purpose of the Supreme Lodge, by 
the passage of that resolution, to repeal all laws contained in the old 
Constitution not found in the new one. I therefore, ruled that any 
member having served in any elective or appointive office, was eligible 
to the office of Vice Chancellor. I have been requested to go further, 
and rule that any Knight in good standing was eligible to that office, but 
I choose to submit it to you for decision. I trust you will confirm the 
ruling I have made; if not for the reasons given, or actions quoted, (which 

I deem sufficient) you will do it for the good of the Subordinate Lodges." 

This ruling and opinion of the Supreme Chancellor were 
confirmed by the Supreme Lodge, as will be found in the re- 
port of the committee, on page 1124 of the Journal of 1875. 

In connection with this decision it may be well enough to 
review the legislation upon this question. It will be remem- 
bered that, in the early years of its history, the Supreme Lodge 
not only assumed the authority to make and promulgate a 
Constitution for the Grand Lodges, but for the Subordinate 
Lodges as well. In 1868 the Supreme Lodge published a Con- 
stitution for Subordinate Lodges, which went into effect Janu- 
ary 1, 1869. It was supposed, and intended to be, obligatory 
and binding upon all Subordinate Lodges. Section 3 of Article 

II of that Constitution read as follows : 

"Any Knight in good standing, having served one full term in an 
appointive office, shall be eligible to the office of Vice Chancellor." 

The significance of this section lies in this, that service m 
an appointive office was an essential qualification for the office 
of Vice Chancellor. Service in an elective office was not a 
compliance with the law. A Knight might be elected to one of 
the higher offices, and serve a full term ; he might even be 
created a Past Chancellor and go the Grand Lodge, and be 
elected to a Grand Lodge office, still he would not be eligible 
to the office of Vice Chancellor in his own Lodge. 



112 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

The Supreme Lodge, however, promulgated this Constitution 
January 1, 1869. It is needless to say that Pennsylvania, and 
perhaps a number of other Jurisdictions, saw fit to ignore it as 
an infringement of their rights. On the 21st of January, 1869, 
Pennsylvania adopted a Constitution for its Subordinate Lodges 
essentially different and leaving out entirely the above quoted 
section, but inserted a clause requiring service as Vice Chan- 
cellor and Guide (M. at A.) as a qualification for the office of 
Chancellor Commander.* This article of the Constitution, as 
published by the Supreme Lodge, was afterward amended (as 
will be seen in the reference thereto by the S. C in the appen- 
dix to the Journal of 1873, page 30) by adding a clause to the 
effect that : 

"Unless having seryed a term in an appointive office are not eligible 
for Vice Chancellor. 

The Supreme Lodge, about this time,t yielded the right to 
the Grand Lodges to make their own Constitutions and also that 
for their Subordinate Lodges, reserving only the right to inter- 
pose certain obligatory provisions, and these are found in the 
Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, as adopted at the session 
of 1874. Since the adoption of this Constitution and the reso- 
lution of Eepresentatiue Bates, referred to by the Supreme 
Chancellor, there has been no general obligatory law in respect 
to eligibility or rotation in office. The matter was left entirely 
to the Grand' Lodges. 

The force of the decision of Supreme Chancellor Davis, above 
referred to, lies then in this : Under the old Constitution ser- 
vice in an appointive office was essential to advancement to 
the office of Vice Chancellor, under the new, this restriction is 
removed, so that, service in either an elective or appointive of- 
fice will qualify a member for that office. This is nothing 
more than what Indiana asked in 1872,+ or Virginia in 1874 || 
The attitude of Pennsylvania toward the old Constitution, has 
been referred to. It will be seen that in that Jurisdiction 
a member cannot assert his right to advancement under this 
decision of Supreme Chancellor Davis, and this raises the 
question whether or not the decision is obligatory in Jurisdic- 
tions where the Grand Lodges have provided a different rule. 

It may not be worth the time required to prove the soundness 
of Supreme Chancellor Davis' decision, inasmuch as it has 

♦Const. Pa., 1869 Sec. 1, Art. in. +S. L». Jour. 1869, 115. Ilnd. 1872. 62, also, 
Ind. 1874, 158, 174. ]|Va. 1874, 50. 



COMMON LAW. 113 

not been generally followed. It has however, more reason to 
support it, than the rule under the old Constitution which is 
still adhered to by many Jurisdictions. Nebraska quite early 
in the history abolished the rotation principle, and has made 
any Knight in good standing eligible to any office in the Lodge 
except that of Past Chancellor.* The inconsistency of the 
law requiring rotation in office, is illustrated by the action of 
the Grand Lodge of Indiana in this connection. The question 
was asked : 

"In case of the election of officers, the Chancellor Commander, Vice 
Chancellor and all the Past Chancellors, decline to serve as Chancellor, 
what shall the Lodge do for a Chancellor Commander?" 

Here was a predicament to be sure. The law requires 
that the Chancellor Commander shall have served in an 
appointive office, but no one with this qualification can 
be found to accept, the Lodge cannot go without a Chan- 
cellor Commander of course. Since no one thought of, or 
suggested the idea of. repealing the law, the Committee took 
the only sensible view open to them, "recommending the 
Lodge, in such peculiar case, to elect the best Knight in the 
Lodge to the office of Chancellor Commander."! It may he 
contended that this is an exceptional case. While this is pos- 
sible, yet, it is nevertheless a fact, that a number of the 
Jurisdictions have met the same exceptional case, and have 
been compelled to solve it in the same way. Indiana met the 
same question again in 1880, when it was asked whether a 
Knight could be elected to the chair of Chancellor Commander, 
in case all eligible under the law declined to serve, and the 
committee reported, that a Past Chancellor, or Past Vice Chan- 
cellor only, is eligible to that office, but under the general 
Laws a Knight may be called to the chair by a majority vote 
of the members present to act as Chancellor Commander pro 
tern. I Here is another instance of conflict between the Con- 
stitution and general Laws, as in Pennsylvania. Determined 
to hold to the old rule of eligibility the recommendation of 
1875 was disregarded ; the best Knight on the floor could not, 
by the general Laws, be elected, but by a majority vote he 
could act pro tern. 

119. Eligibility: Rules and Precedents: The Past Chancellor: 
There cannot be much question as to the eligibility of the Past 

*Sec. 9 Const Sub. Lodge, 1884. find. July 1875, 192, 201. Jlnd. 1880, 243, 4. 

8 



114 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Chancellor to any office in the Lodge. He is eligible to the 
office of Grand Representative, and to the office of District 
Deputy, as well before, as after his obligation as Past Chancel- 
lor. This has been sufficiently shown and need not be repeat- 
ed here.* It has been held also by the Supreme Lodge that 
at the institution of a new Grand Lodge, any Past Chancellor 
is eligible to any office in the Grand Lodge, including that of 
Supreme Representative.! 

120. Eligibility: Rules and Precedents: The Chancellor Com- 
mander: The eligiblity of the Chancellor Commander to re- 
election has been fully shown, I as to whether he is eligible to 
the position of Grand Representative on the last night of his 
term as Chancellor Commander, is a question that may be con- 
sidered settled. We note however, a vote in the Grand Lodge of 
Texas on this question, which shows how easily truth may be 
supplanted by error. On this proposition, as to whether a 
Chancellor Commander on the last night of his term was eligi- 
ble to the office of Grand Representative, the Grand Lodge 
held in the negative, by a vote of seventeen to twenty. || The 
theory is, and it is well the distinction be preserved, that the 
Chancellor Commander is not a Past Chancellor, even on the 
last night_of his term ; that this honor does not fully accrue un- 
til his successor has been installed, and, inasmuch as none 
but Past Chancellors are eligible to the office of Grand Repre- 
sentative, it would seem that there should be no controversy on 
this question. 

121. Eligibility: Rules and Precedents: The Vice Chancellor: 
The question as to the eligibility of the Vice Chancellor to the 
office of Chancellor Commander has been decided variously,and 
while the weight of authority seems to negative the idea, the 
matter is not free from doubt. In 1878, the Grand Chancellor 
of Delaware held, that a Lodge which was without a Chancel- 
lor Commander could elect its sitting Vice Chancellor, and re- 
ferred to certain sections of the Constitution as his authority 
for the decision. The committee reporting upon this decision, 
after examining the Constitution, recommend that the decision 
be reversed, but this report was not concurred in, and the 
decision of the Grand Chancellor was sustained. § Acting un- 
der this decision Damon Lodge of Delaware in 1880, to fill a 
vacancy caused by the resignation of the Chancellor Coniman- 

*Digest, Sees. 1900, 1356, 797. tDigest, Sec. 1923. JAute Sec. 83. ||Texas, 
1882— 85. §Del. 1878, 142, 186. 



COMMON LAW. 115 

der, elected the sitting Vice Chancellor to that office, and the 
Grand Chancellor commissioned a Past Chancellor to install 
the Chancellor Commander-elect. The committee examining 
into this action of the Grand Chancellor, say : 

"It is in accord with the action of this Grand Lodge, (page 186, Jour. 
1878). Yet your committee are of the opinion that this action is not lawful, 
inasmuch as it gives the Vice Chancellor the honors of both offices, that 
of Vice Chancellor and Chancellor Commander in the tame term. He 
should have filled the office of Chancellor Commander as prescribed in 
Article II. , Section 8 of the Constitution for Subordinate Lodges which 
reads: 'And vacancies by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise 
shall be filled in the manner of the original selection, to serve for the 
term, and the officer so serving, shall be entitled to the full honors of the 
term.' The original selection, as your committe3 think,is the selection 
of officers for the new term. We therefore, offer the following reso- 
lution:" 

Resolved, That the Vice Chancellor cannot be elected- to the office of 
Chancellor Commander, and receive the honors of Vice Chancellor and 
Chancellor Commander during the same term."* 

This report seems to have been adopted. It will be observed 
that the objection urged against the right of a Lodge to ad- 
vance the Vice Chancellor to the chair of Chancellor Com- 
mander by election, is that it would give him the honors of 
both offices. If this were all, the objection is untenable. It 
has been generally conceded in our Order, and it is the theory 
in all compacts, that the Vice officer of the organization is for 
the purpose of presiding when the chief officer is absent, or 
his office becomes vacant. He presides and exercises the 
functions of that office for the unexpired term, so with the 
Vice Chancellor. 

This latter decision in Delaware, holds to this view, and set- 
tles the question for that Jurisdiction. 

In 1883, B. H. Child, Grand Chancellor of Ehode Island, de- 
cided that a Vice Chancellor serving any length of time is 
eligible to the office of Chancellor Commander, in case of a 
vacancy occurring in that office, t This decision of the Grand 
Chancellor called for special legislation at the hands of the 
Grand Lodge. It was sought to place a construction upon 
the Constitution requiring the Vice Chancellor to serve a ma- 
jority of the term, in order to be eligible to the office of Chan- 
cellor Commander, but this was tabled, X and the Grand Lodge 
confirmed the decision of the Grand Chancellor. It does not 
appear that this decision referred specially to the sitting Vice 

*Del., 1880, 275. +B. I., 1883, 8, 31, 32. JK. I., 1883, 35. 



116 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Chancellor, and his right to be elected, during his term, to the 
office of Chancellor Commander, but it would seem that under 
the law of eligibility in Ehode Island, any member who may 
have at any time been elected to, and served but one night in 
the office of Vice Chancellor, becomes thereby eligible to the 
office of Chancellor Commander. The weight of authority 
seems to be, however, that a Vice Chancellor cannot be elected 
to the position of Chancellor Commander during his term.* 
This was a"lso held in Ohio, in 1873.1 On a question be- 
ing propounded to him, Grand Chancellor Mavity, of Ken- 
tucky, held that where a Vice Chancellor is elected to the 
office of Chancellor Commmander, and he serves out the 
term, he is not entitled to the honors of the office. I There is no 
reason in this, and it is not good law. When a member is 
legally elected to the office and he serves out the unexpired term, 
he is entitled to the honors of that office whatever they may be.|| 
The Grand Chancellor undoubtedly intended, by his decision, to 
be in acccord with the theory here contended for. That a Vice 
Chancellor serving merely as Chancellor Commander to fill 
an unexpired term, does not thereby become entitled to the 
honors of Past Chancellor, but the question propounded to the 
Grand Chancellor, shows that the Vice Chancellor had been 
elected to the office of Chancellor Commander. If this was so 
and it was permitted by the Law, then the decision works an 
injustice. The Law which permits the election of a Vice Chan- 
cellor to the office of Chancellor Commander is faulty, and in 
conflict with what seems to be now, the better rule. From a deci- 
sion recorded in Maine, it is to be inferred that, under the law, a 
Vice Chancellor is not eligible to the office of Chancellor Com- 
mander until he has served his term. Here it was held that a 
Vice Chancellor who had resigned during his term, could not be 
elected to the office of Chancellor Commander. § Again, in 
1878, the same Jurisdiction held that, after the first three 
terms of a new Lodge, the candidate for Chancellor Command- 
er must have been legally elected and served as Vice Chancel- 
lor, and in some subordinate office,!" This lack of uniformity 
in the laws, and the decisions, is truly alarming, and why 
should the Vice Chancellor be made the central object of so 
much inconsistent and jingling legislation? The decisions 
touching the eligibility of the Vice Chancellor are absolutely 

*r>igest, Sec. 2605 et seq. tOhio, 1873, 180. JKy. 1876, 433. HDigest Sec. 1390. 
§Me. 1876, 113. ITMe. 1878, 298. 



COMMON LAW. 117 

wonderful. Maine has held, in addition to those above quot- 
ed, that, to be elected to the office of "Vice Chancellor, the 
member must have filled some elective or appointive office.* 
A Knight must have served in some subordinate office to the 
close of the term to be eligible to the office of Vice Chancel- 
lor.! According to the Law of New Jersey any Knight is elli- 
gible to the office of Prelate.; It has been shown that in the 
neighboring State of Pennsylvania that the Master at Arms must 
be advanced to this position, a Knight can aspire to nothing 
higher than Master at Arms. But in New Jersey, it is also 
held, that a member who has served a term as Master at Arms 
is eligible to the office of Vice Chancellor, and no one is eligi- 
ble to that office unless he has so served. || It will be observ- 
ed that these two decisions were approved at the same session, 
which renders the inconsistency more difficult of solution. It 
is difficult to see wherein the duties of Master at Arms are any 
more calculated to fit one for the office of Vice Chancellor 
than for Prelate ; or what reason there is for a Knight who has 
served as Prelate, to come back to the office of Master at Arms 
before he can occupy the Vice Chancellor's chair ? It is shown 
hereafter, that, in Oregon a dispensation is necessary to elect 
a Knight from the floor to the office of Chancellor Command- 
er in a case where all who are qualified decline. In Califor- 
nia, however, such a formality is not necessary. A Lodge 
may, of its own accord, elect a member disqualified by law§ 
A law that may be abrogated with such utter lack of form or 
ceremony is unsound in theory and principle ; worse still, it 
breeds contempt for all law. But then, this is only one of the 
ever recurring exceptions to the rule of rotation, and so it has 
been in a large number of the Jurisdictions, many of the de- 
cisions leading to utter impracticability, others ignoring the 
law and violating principle and reason outright. 

The principle involved in the question of electing the Vice 
Chancellor to the office of Chancellor Commander was estab- 
lished by the Supreme Lodge at an early day. In 1868 Su- 
preme Chancellor Bead held, that, in case of vacancy in the 
office of Grand Chancellor it is improper for a Grand Lodge to 
supercede the Grand Vice Chancellor by electing some one 
else to the office. The Grand Vice Chancellor is the proper 
one to succeed him.T It might be inferred from this, that a 

*Me. 1875, 58. +Me. 1876, 113. JN. j. i 874, 477, 5GG. ||N. J. 1874, 479, 566. 
§Cal. 1881, 1537, 1602-4. HDigest Sec. 1352. 



118 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Grand Lodge would have the right to elect the Grand Vice 
Chancellor to the office of Grand Chancellor, but the inference 
is negatived by the positive action of the Supreme Lodge in 
1871, when it was held that a Grand Vice Chancellor must act 
as Grand Chanceller during a vacancy, but is not entitled to 
the honors of the office.* This clearly shows that, it is the duty 
of the Grand Vice Chancellor to preside, but that he cannot be 
elected to the office. The celebrated case of Owen and Duff 
against the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, decided by the Supreme 
Lodge in 18801 is determinative of this point so far as the 
law and the practice is concerned. The principle which gov- 
erns the eligibilty of the Grand Vice Chancellor applies with 
the same force to that of the Vice Chancellor. He is elected 
for the particular purpose, of assisting the Chancellor Com- 
mander, and of presiding when that officer is absent, or his 
office becomes vacant, and where Jurisdictions have not ig- 
nored this theory — as in Pensylvania by providing for the ad- 
vancement of officers — Lodges must recognize this principle, 
and Vice Chancellors must be content with the fact that they 
are eligible to the office of Chancellor Commander only, after 
they have served their terms as Vice Chancellors. 

Aside from the law and the theory here advanced, however, 
there is no sufficient reason for this rule. If the Vice Chan- 
cellor is qualified to preside there ought to be no bar to his 
election. There are no honors attached to the office of Vice 
Chancellor, but there is to the office of Chancellor Commander, 
and the member who earns these honors should in justice be 
allowed to receive them. i 

In Oregon there seems to be no question as to the right of the 
Lodge to elect the Vice Chancellor to the office of Chancellor Com- 
mander to fill a vacancy. Such action was acquiesced in incident- 
ally by the Grand Chancellor while deciding another point, which 
may be referred to here as connected with this question. The Lodge 
had elected the Vice Chancellor to fill an unexpired term of the 
Chancellor Commander, and then wanted to know how the office 
of Vice Chancellor should be filled. The Grand Chancellor held : 

"That it should be filled by the Prelate, and if he declines, a dispen- 
sation could be granted by the deputy to raise a member from the floor 
to lill theplace.J 

122. Eligibility: Rules and Precedents: The Prelate: Some 
of the phases of the rule of eligibility, as practiced in Rhode 

*Digest Sees. 1340, 1842. tDigest Sec. 13*0. tOre. 1SS3, 157 21S. 



COMMON LAW. 119 

Island was referred to in the previous section. We note here 
a decision of the same Jurisidiction in respect to the eligibility 
of the Prelate to the office of Chancellor Commander. By this 
it is held that the Prelate is not qualified for the office of Chan- 
cellor Commander, unless he has been legally elected and serv- 
ed in the office of Vice Chancellor.* This is in accordance 
with the theory of eligibility. The Prelate is confessedly the 
fourth officer in the Lodge ; the one next below the Vice Chan- 
cellor, and the next step in the line of advancement would be to 
the Vice Chancellor's chair. No matter how illy qualified he 
may be for the position, or how well he may be fitted for the 
presiding officer's chair, there is no alternative, he must con- 
form to the rule of eligibility. 

This matter being left to the varying notions of the respec- 
tive Jurisdictions, inconsistencies, will of necessity creep into 
legislation. Different notions of the true rule of eligibility, 
are manifest, and the practice founded thereon exhibits some 
singular inconsistencies. For instance, in the very same year 
that Pihode Island held that the Prelate was not eligible to the 
office of Chancellor Commander until he had served as Vice 
Chancellor; Kansas held that to be eligible to the office of 
Prelate, one must serve in the office of Chancellor Commander 
or have been elected Past Chancellor at the institution of a 
new Lodge,! This is in effect holding, that a Past Chancellor 
only is eligible to the office of Prelate. The effect of this rule 
is to necessitate an exception in the case of a new Lodge, so, 
to meet this, Kansas has been compelled to make this declara- 
tion : A Prelate appointed at the institution of a new Lodge is 
not entitled to the honors of a Past Chancellor neither is he 
eligible to the office of Vice Chancellor.! Maryland sides with 
Kansas, and holds that a Prelate is not eligible to the office 
of Vice Chancellor.!] In the same year Pennsylvania held, 
that any Knight was eligible to the office of Prelate, § and the 
same rule seems to have been in vogue, both in • Kentucky 
and New Jersey during the same period.^ 

These may be immaterial matters, but they are unwarranted 
inconsistencies, and it were better that we have no rule of elig- 
ibility at all, than that such things exist. That one Jurisdic- 
tion should hold, that the Prelate should succeed to the Vice 
Chancellor station to be eligible to the Chancellor Commander's, 

*B. I. 1878, 14,31. +Kans., 1878, 8, 27. JKan., 1«83, 9, 23; 1874, 61, 73. 
HMd., 1873, 38, 48 §Pa., 1873, 565. 1TKy., 1873, 83 ; N. J., 1874, 477, 566. 



120 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and another should hold, that he must first occupy the Chan- 
cellor Commander's chair before he can be Prelate, and that 
he is not eligible to the Vice Chancellor chair, only demonstrate 
the absolute necessity of a Common Law, founded upon reason 
and common sense. 

123. Eligibility: Rules and Precedents: Trustees: The question 
as to whether a trustee is an officer of the Lodge, and as such, 
is in the direct line of promotion, has been subjected to conflict- 
ing decisions. 

It has been held, that a trustee is not such an officer, as by 
service as such, he is eligible to advancement.* This perhaps 
is a true construction, for it must be conceded, that the offi- 
cers of the Lodge proper, are those recognized by the Eitual, 
that it is ouly these ritualistic officers who are included in the 
line of promotion. But Indiana has placed a construction 
upon its Laws at variance with this theory.! Here it is held, 
that a trustee is entitled to advancement as an officer of the 
Lodge, and one term of service, as such, qualifies him for the 
Vice Chancellor's chair. 

The object of this rule of rotation is to fit the officer for the 
duties of the higher office. It may be that in Indiana 
the duties of a trustee are calculated to subserve this purpose. 

124. Eligibility: Rules and Precedents: the Attendant: Notwith- 
standing the Supreme Lodge has declared the attendant is not 
an officer of the Lodge, 1 in one Jurisdiction, at least, it is 
contended that he is, and is included, in the rule of eligibility. 
In a preceding section the early rule of Kansas is cited, which 
disqualifies the Prelate for the office of Vice Chancellor, SI but 
in the same Jurisdiction it was held that the Attendant is an 
officer of the Lodge, and having served one term as such he is 
eligible to the office of Vice Chancellor. § How this can be 
reconciled with any principle of reason is incomprehensible. 

125. Eligibility: Rules and Precedents: the D. D. G. C: It has 
been held that the District Deputy Grand Chancellors are 
not ex officio officers of the Grand Lodge ; they are appointed 
usually by the Grand Chancellor, and hold their offices at 
his pleasure, If yet the question of their eligibility to the ap- 
pointment has given rise to some difference of opinion. It is 
not illegal but inexpedient for a District Deputy to hold the 
office of Chancellor Commander.** It may not be the practice 

♦Digest, Sec. 2570, et seq. find., 1882; 122. IDigest Sec. 242. ||Expo. Sec. 122. 
§Kas. 1879, 7, 34. ITDigest Sec. 781. **Digest Sec. 791. 



COMMON LAW. 121 

anywhere to appoint Chancellor Commanders to this office. A 
proposition in which impropriety is so patent, requires no 
comment. It perhaps will not be questioned that a mem ber 
in arrears, and so not in good standing in his Lodge, is not 
elligible to the position of District Deputy*.* Perhaps the first 
requisite of such an officer is, that he be a Past Chancellor, t 
As to whether he must be a Past Chancellor in full, has been 
variously decided. 

In 1873 the Grand Lodge of Indiana held, that a District 
Deputy at least, should not hold the appointment, not having 
taken the Grand Lodge degree. 1 Just ten years later the 
Grand Lodge of Tennessee held, that a Past Chancellor, who 
had not taken the Grand Lodge rank was eligible. || 

Brother M. L. Stevens of the Maine correspondence com- 
mittee, whom we have had occasion to quote before, notices a 
criticism by the committee on Law and Supervision in Ken- 
tucky on a decision in New York to the effect that, 

"A Past Chancellor to be eligible as District Deputy Grand Chancellor 
must have recieved the Grand Lodge degree." 

The Kentucky committee object to the ruling, while Brother 
Stevens declares it to be right in principle. § It does seem un- 
der the decisions, that the opinion of the Kentucky committee 
is supported by principle and reason. This difference between 
a Past Chancellor "ordinary," as it is put by them, and a 
Past Chancellor "in full" is scarcely entitled to consideration. 

Among the early decisions, is one in Kansas by T. W. Deer- 
ing, Grand Chancellor, holding, that the District Deputy must be 
a Past Chancellor, and must have taken the Grand Lodge rank.*[ 

Oregon has decided both ways on this question.** 

The current of the later decisions seems to hold to the more 
reasonable view in this respect, that if the member is a Past 
Chancellor, and entitled to the rank, he is eligible to the office. 

Grand Chancellor Owen Eoyce, of Mississippi, in 1882 asked 
his Grand Lodge for an expression of its will upon the follow- 
ing case : 

"As to whether one, who has passed the Chancellor Commander's 
chair, and is fully qualified to become a member of the Grand Lodge, is 
really eligible to the office of Distrcit Deputy Grand Chancellor. This 
has been the custom heretofore, but I think it contrary to the intention 
of the General Law."tf 

*Digest, Sec. 786. +Digest, Sec. 795-6. Indiana Jan. 1873—44, 49. [[Digest, 
Sec. 796. § Maine, 1882, 218. Kentucky, 1881, 791. 1880,668, New York, 1879, 
18, 59, 61. UKansas.. 1874, 62, 73. **Oregon, 1881, 34, and 1882, 66, 115. ttMiss. 
1882, 9. 



122 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

It was referred to the committee on law, but it does not ap- 
pear that a report was made upon it. In the following year, 
however, Grand Chancellor Caldwell of Tennessee, held that a 
Past Chancellor who had not taken the rank was eligible.* 

It is not quite clear what Grand Chancellor Royce meant by 
his reference to the "general law." 

If the general laws of Mississippi disqualified such a Past 
Chancellor, then the custom referred to, was contrary to 
Law, if not, then it was certainly correct and accorded with A he 
later decisions, 

126. Eligibility: Some Observation Concerning the Rule: The 
foregoing collation of authorities sufficiently illustrates the 
rule of eligibility as practiced in the various Jurisdictions. In 
concluding the discussion of this question, it is proposed to 
notice, briefly, the working of the rule, or, rather, its result, as 
disclosed by this investigation. A rule which must necessarily 
give rise to so many exceptions, scarcely attains the dignity of 
a principle worthy of preservation, and in such cases the re- 
sult must always be — what this rule of eligibility is found to be 
— illogical, inconsistent, and hence lacking the support of 
reason and sound judgment. The rule is an old one, and has 
grown up with the Order ; this cannot be denied 

In 1873, a question arose in Kansas as to the application of 
the rule, which, taken in connection with the subsequent rul- 
ings of tlrb Jurisdiction, illustrates its impracticable working, 
as well as its illogical tendency. A Past Chancellor addresses 
a letter to the Supreme Chancellor, calling in question a de- 
cision of the Grand Chancellor, and asking for information 
and the law. The Supreme Chancellor very properly referred 
the letter to the Grand Chancellor, with instructions to "apply 
the Law, both local and supreme." 

The Grand Chancellor answered the letter, and that portion 
of his communication referring to the eligibility rule, is as 
follows : 

" On Wednesday, April 28th, the Vice Chancellor requested and ob- 
tained a withdrawal card from his Lodge. This left the chair of the 
"Vice Chancellor vacant, which the Lodge desired to fill, according to 
Article II, Section 3, of the Subordinate Constitution, as made and pro- 
vided by the Supreme Lodge. f There were wo members eligible to the 
position of Vice Chancellor, except the Past Chancellors of the Lodge, 
of whom there are four. Two of them absolutely refuse to take the 

*Digest, Sec. 1900. +See ante Sec. 119, for reference to the old Constitution 
made by the Supreme Lodge. 



COMMON LAW. 123 

position ; one was serving as Chancellor Commander, and the fourth 
was not attending the Lodge, and stated afterward, when renominated 
for another position, that he could not attend to it. In compliance with 
Section 6, Article II, of the Subordinate Constitution, as pr6vided by 
the Supreme Lodge, which says : ' All vacancies shall be filled only in 
the manner of original selection,' etc.; that is, from appointive or elec- 
tive office, the Master at Arms was nominated and elected on full 
vote to the position, there being no dissenting voice or opposition. In 
view of these facts, I shall rule that the Vice Chancellor elected under 
like circumstances is eligible, and entitled to the full honors of the 
term, and is thereby eligible to the office of Chancellor Commander. If 
the strict letter of the Law was stringently snforced in all cases, in- 
stances would arise where the Lodge would have to throw up its char- 
ter or dispensation, eg: in case there were no Past Chancellors, or Past 
Vice Chancellors, among its members, and all of them refusing to take 
the position of Chancellor Commander, as in this case."* 

The Grand Chancellor's observation as to the result of the 
rule, is timely, and to the point. Its impracticability will not 
permit its strict enforcement. From the decisions cited from 
Kansas,! it will be seen that an attendant is eligible to the 
chair of Vice Chancellor, but that the Master at Arms is not. 
That in Maine any one who has filled an elective or appointive 
office is eligible, this includes the Master at Arms. Keturning 
to Kansas, six years later, and we find it has forgotten the bold 
stand taken by Grand Chancellor Deering, and the result is 
another exemplification of the impracticability of the rule. In 
1879 the following decision was announced : 

"If a member who is eligible declines an office that fact does not qual- 
ify a member for the position who is otherwise disqualified. Although 
all qualified members decline to accept the office, you cannot elect from 
the floor members not eligible. If you cannot fill the office by election, 
because those eligib'.e decline to accept, the Chancellor Commander must 
appoint pro tern at each meeting."% 

Is it possible that inconsistencies of this nature can have 
foundation in Pythian Law ? 

The true rule of eligibility must be based upon personal 
qualifications, or personal worth, and the merits of these can 
only be ascertained by competitive examinations, and the rule 
of eligibility which ignores this principle is wrong in theory 
and must necessarily work pernicious effects. It would be 
impracticable, however, to attempt to enforce a rule of eligibilty, 
founded upon personal fitness as disclosed by competitive 
examination, and this being so, it were better to abolish the 
rule entirely. Experience has demonstrated the fact that, a 

*Kan., 1873, 9, 10. fExpo. Ante., Sec. 124. tKan. 1879, 7, 34. 



124 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Lodge unrestricted in its choice of officers, will choose for itself 
a more capable corps of officers than this impracticable, 
imperfect and illogical rule of eligibility could possibly furnish. 

ENTEEING LODGE EOOM. 

127. The rule in respect to: There are certain times when 
members may, and may not enter the Lodge room, and it is 
thought that the decisions cited in the Digest fully set forth 
the approved practice in this respect, We note here, however, 
a criticism on a decision in New Jersey. It was held by Grand 
Chancellor Trenchard, that a member may enter the Lodge 
while the minutes are reading.* This practice is undoubtedly 
sanctioned by the laws of New Jersey, but the committee on 
correspondence in Connecticut refer to it thus : 

"This may be Pythian Law; we won't argue that point for we confess 
that we never thoroughly digested the Digest, but it is not good sense. 
How can a Keeper of Records and Seal read the minutes, and how can 
members in the room listen attentively, when brethren come straggling 
into the room creating more or less confusion? When the minutes 
are being read, and when a motion is under discussion, the inner door 
should remain closed, until the matter is disposed off" 

It does not seem that one must necessarily have "digested 
the Digest" in order to comprehend the reasonableness of this 
rule. Good discipline, as well as the authorities, point out the 
better practice in this respect. I - 

EXAMINATION. 

128: Of Candidates: For advancement: The Grand Lodge of 
North Carolina in 1873 adopted the following resolution : 

"Resolved: That hereafter no Subordinate Lodge shall advance a 
candidate from one grade of rank to the next, until the candidate has 
been examined in open Lodge, and proved to have thoroughly posted 
himself, in the secret work of the previous rank. Pi^ovided, this shall 
not apply to Lodges acting under dispensation from the Grand Chan- 
cellor.! 

In the early years the practice obtained to some extent of re- 
quiring these examinations, this was particularly so during the 
brief life of the "Acroatic Agenda'' '§ 

This was a matter entirely optional with the Lodges, and 
since 1878— when the Supreme Lodge refused to adopt a resolu- 
tion making these examinations obligatory! — the practice has 
fallen into disuse, and is now about obsolete. 

*N. J. 1883, 1392, 1428. +Conn. 1884, 86. {Digest, See. 224, 1141. ||N. C. 

1873, 29. § Digest Sec. 249, et. seq. HDigest Sec. 1032. 



COMMON LAW. 125 

The examination of candidates, as precedent to advancement, 
is no part of our secret, or ritualistic work. It was but a bor- 
rowed custom, at best, and so has no footing in our Pythian 
Jurisprudence. 

EXPUNGING BECOBD. 

129. Right of Lodges in Respect To : There are instances of 
expunging matter from the record, which may be said to fur- 
nisk precedents for this action. An example is furnished by 
the Grand Lodge of Georgia. 

It seems that a revisory and printing committee had been 
appointed to prepare the journals of the Grand Lodge for print- 
ing, under instructions to cull from the proceedings, and ex- 
punge such matter as may be in conflict with the more recent 
legislation, etc.* This, it seems, was done, and the journals, 
from the organization of the Grand Lodge, in 1871, to and in- 
cluding the Journal of 1876, were printed in one small pam- 
phlet. 

Aside from the strictly legal right of the Grand Lodge to thus 
mutilate its own record, it was certainly an ill-advised proceed- 
ing. The actual work of this Grand Lodge, during its first 
years, will never be known. This must necessarily include 
much of the history of the Order in Georgia, all knowledge of 
which will, eventually, be lost to every member of the Order in 
that Jurisdiction. 

There are some exceptions, however, to the general rule in 
respect to expunging the record. The right of a Subordinate 
Lodge to do this, has been expressly declared. A decision by 
Grand Chancellor Harney, of California, is in point. The 
question was : 

"Whether a Lodge could fully expunge from its minutes a certain 
motion which had been theretofore adopted." 

The Grand Chancellor says : 

" The question is one purely of parliamentary law. I have examined 
carefully, the Digest and Laws of our Order, with the object, that I 
might be able to find a precedent, Not finding any, I am at liberty to 
consult books, which contain rules of practice usually governing legis- 
lative, and other bodies. I find the following rule laid down: 

The journal, or minutes is under the immediate control of the body, 
and therefore the right to strike out, or blot out, or obliterate any por- 
tion of the same, which is obnoxious, always exists. (Cushing's Laws 
and Practice Section 424.) My own opinion therefore is, that the action 

*Ga, 1875, 162, 172. 



126 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

of the Lodge was lawful, and that the appeal herein should be dismissed, 
and it is so ordered. "* 

In the same year Pennsylvania passed upon the same ques- 
tion in a slightly different form. Here the expunging had been 
accomplished, and a request was made of the Grand Lodge to 
approve the action, which was done.t 

These are precedents establishing a rule seemingly reason- 
ble in its application. When matter has found its way upon 
the record perhaps,through carelessness, or indiscretion, and 
which is discovered to be either obnoxious, or entirely a mis- 
take, the right of the Lodge to expunge seems to be conceded, 
but it should ever be borne in mind, that the journal of the 
Lodge is supposed to record facts ; it is a statement of its ac- 
tual transaction, and much of this is history which should be 
sacredly preserved. The Lodge may rescind or reconsider, or 
give contrary expression to any action, and in view of this, it 
is only in extreme cases, coming clearly within the rule stated, 
that expunging the record can be justified. 

EXPULSION. 

130. A Review of the Law Concerning: It has become the set- 
tled conviction, that expulsion from the Order is prohibited. 
Consistency in all things pertaining to our laws and usages, 
should be the end and aim of Pythian legislation, but in con- 
nection with this question, the reverse of this seems to be the 
rule. Indefinite suspension is allowed; definite suspension 
for a term of ninety-nine years is permitted, and yet it is con- 
tended, and, no doubt, it was at one time the law, that expul- 
sion in fact may not be resorted to. 

Aside, however, from an early enactment of the Supreme 
Lodge, it seems, that but one Grand Lodge has by a decision 
declared against expulsion.]: 

There may be Constitutional provisions, however, to this 
effect, so that if there is any positive law in respect to expul- 
sion, it is found only in the local Constitutions, and legislation 
of the Grand Lodges. 

The early enactment of the Supreme Lodge, referred to, is 
found among the "rules for the government of the Subordinate 
Lodges" introduced by Past Grand Chancellor Barton, and 
adopted at the first session of the Supreme Lodge. || These 

*Cal. 1882, 1678, 1766. f Digest, Sec. 1147. JDigest, Sees. 960, 961. ||S. L. 
Jour. 1868, 18. 



COMMON LAW. 127 

rules were intended to be obligatory, as they undoubtedly 
were, and with the one exception, in respect to expulsion, have 
been continued as such to this day. 

A significant fact connected with this question is here dis- 
closed. Among the rules thus adopted were, those regulat- 
ing the quorum of the Lodge ; election of officers : the question 
of Benefits ; the S. A. P. W., and visiting cards. These, with 
that relating to expulsion, constituted the entire list. All 
these have been made subjects of legislation since their origi- 
nal adoption, except that of expulsion, and the greater part of 
them have been incorporated in the Constitution of the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

Nowhere in the subsequent history of the Supreme Lodge 
can be found a declaration concerning expulsion. Section 
two, of Article VIII. , of the Constitution says : 

"Grand Lodges shall prescribe a Constitution for the Subordinate 
Lodges within their Jurisdictions, but the following obligatory general 
rules, or principles shall be incorporated into each Subordinate Lodge 
Constitution." 

Then follows such obligatory principles as the Supreme Lodge 
has deemed wise to promulgate, and among them will be found, 
the essence and substance of the rules introduced at the first 
session, save alone, that relating to Expulsion. The various 
[principles relating to quorum, election, and installation of 
officers, the S. A. P. W,, visiting cards, etc., have been ex- 
plained, and exemplified in subsequent extraneous legislation ; 
but nowhere is the right of expulsion either admitted or denied. 

There is a difference of opinion on this question in Ontario. 
The Grand Chancellor refused to approve a set of By-Laws 
containing a clause providing for the expulsion of members 
ton the ground that "he knew of no law that provided for the 
expelling of members." The committee on law reported un- 
favorably on the action of the Grand Chancellor, expressing 
'the opinion that "on some occasions no word is too harsh to be 
used, and we consider that the Lodge is the best judge, as to 
the punishment to be inflicted, whether it be suspension or 
expulsion." The report was accompanied by a resolution, de- 
claring the By-Laws adopted. 

Upon discussion the report was re-committed to the com- 
mittee, which was induced finally to make a favorable report, 
sustaining the Grand Chancellor.* Referring to this action, 

*Ont. 18SO, 13, 23 



128 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the Grand Keeper of Kecords and Seal in a note in his 
Digest says, "The Grand Chancellor will be found to be correct 
by reference to the journal of the Supreme Lodge for 1868, p. 18.*. 
This is the action of the Supreme Lodge above referred to in re- 
spect to prohibiting expulsions, and which was not included in 
the obligatory portion of the Law, in subsequent legislation. 

The Grand Keeper of Kecords and Seal is satisfied that the 
decision of the Grand Chancellor is correct. It is correct only 
so far as it accords with the general impression, or custom, but 
this may not make it the Law as will be seen. 

Aside from the strong presumption that the inhibition is 
repealed by implication, there is another, and stronger reason 
why it does not appear in our present Constitution. 

In 1874 Supreme Kepresentative Bates of Michigan offered 
the following resolution, which was adopted:! 

Resolved: That the Constitution under which we have hitherto work- 
ed, and all previous legislation inconsitent with the Constitution just 
adopted, be, and the same is hereby repealed 

This can be regarded only as direct, and absolute repeal of 
the provision concerning expulsion. 

This provision was not in the Constitution repealed, neither 
was it in the new one adopted, and not being in either it was 
inconsistent therewith, and so was necessarily included in the 
terms of the resolution. 

There is no question that Grand Lodges may prohibit expul- 
sions, but from the present state of the Law, it would seem 
that the Lodges may inflict the penalty of expulsion, where 
they are not positively prohibited from so doing by the Grand 
Lodge. On this theory, the decision of the Grand Chancellor 
of Ontario was wrong. He assumed, that, as there was no law 
permitting expulsion, therefore the Lodge had no right to 
provide for it in its By Laws. 

FEES. 

131. Fop Initiation and the Ranks: Regulation Of, Local: Different 
Rules in Respect To : Although this is a question which, aside 
from the minimum fixed by the Constitution of the Supreme 
Lodge, is entirely local, J it nevertheless involves some points 
of general application, and the practice, in this respect, might 
be more uniform, without serious detriment in any given quar- 

*Ont. 1880, 44. +S. L Jour. 1874, 947. Also Expo. Sec. 118, where the Supreme 
Chancellor refers to this resolution as his authority in deciding a question of eligibil- 
ity. jDigest, Sec. 12 37. 



COMMON LAW. 129 

ter. These considerations refer to the different rules practiced 
respecting the various phases of the question, but chiefly to the 
following, viz : 1st, The varying grades of fees fixed for the 
ranks of the Order ; 2nd, The time and manner of payment ; 
3rd, The practice of fixing a graded system according to age ; 
4th, The authority of the Lodge to increase or reduce the same, 
and the effect thereof upon the applicant, and 5th, The forfei- 
ture or non-forfeiture, after payment in certain cases, 

These all involve principles of more or less importance, and 
upon which there has been more or less conflicting legislation. 

132. Fees : Authority of Lodge to Regulate : To attempt a strict 
uniformity, in the matter of the price for the ranks would, per- 
haps, be impracticable. Eecognizing this fact, the Supreme 
Lodge has interfered only to the extent of fixing the minimum, 
leaving the matter, otherwise, entirely to local legislation. This 
matter of the minimum operates as a restriction upon the 
action of the Grand Lodges. Subordinate Lodges, of course, 
must obey the will of the Grand Lodge in this matter, so that, 
as to Subordinate Lodges, the minimum to be observed by 
them may be a different sum than that fixed by the Supreme 
Lodge. This is another of the evils of local legislation. The 
minimum fixed by a Grand Lodge may be above that fixed by 
ths Supreme Lodge, but the authority of a Subordinate Lodge 
to regulate its fees is restricted only by the minimum fixed in 
the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. There can be no doubt 
that Lodges, in the exercise of this right, have barely kept with- 
in the limits of the wildest extremes. Either the minimum 
fixed by the Constitution has been ignored absolutely, or dis- 
pensations have been asked and granted, putting the fees to the 
very lowest amount. This for the purpose of inducing persons 
to join the Order, the ambition of the Lodges being to create 
Knights, and increase their membership. 

There are actual instances of the conferring of the ranks for 
$3.00, and perhaps less ; $5.00, in the early years, was the 
usual sum. Lodges have always maintained a difference in 
the price of the different ranks, usually placing the highest 
price in the first rank, while $2.00 and $2.50 are very common 
prices for the second and third ranks. Other Jurisdictions 
reverse this rule, and place the highest price upon the third 
rank, and this seems to be the more consistent practice, inas- 
much as we look upon this as the chivalric rank — higher, nobler, 
9 



130 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

grander than anything that precedes it— the culmination of 
our teachings of fraternity, as drawn from the lessons of 
ancient Knighthood. 

133. Fees: The Graded System According to Age: It has been 
held, that a Lodge may provide a graded system of fees for the 
ranks.* 

This, under the recognized right of every Lodge to regulate 
its fees, is technically correct. In the later years however, and 
since the establishment of the Endowment Rank, there seems to 
be little or no reason for this discrimination between applicants 
on account of age. 

A Lodge of the Knights of Pythias, is not an insurance 
society, and even its beneficiary feature may no longer be re- 
garded as its prominent characteristic, in view of the growth, 
prosperity, and the general favor bestowed upon the Endow- 
ment Rank. So that, the reason for a graded system of fees in 
the Subordinate Lodge has lost somewhat of its force, and, in- 
asmuch as the principle is to some extent questionable, and of 
very limited recognition, it would seem to be the wiser policy 
to discard the practice altogether. 

134. Fees: for the Ranks: Manner and Time of Payment: One 
of the consequences of the local character of this question, is, 
that it has given rise to some peculiar legislation. It seems to 
be the law in Maine, that the fees for the ranks of Esquire and 
Knight, must be paid at the time the Page rank is taken.! In 
Virginia it was held that a Lodge working under a dispensation 
must collect the fees for all the ranks at the time of initiation 
of the petitioner.! The rule in most Jurisdictions is that 
the fee for any particular rank shall accompany the ap- 
plication therefor. That is, until the application is made for ad- 
vancement, the fee is not to be paid, and this seems to be the 
better rule.|| The fees for the ranks, are as separate and dis- 
tinct as are the ranks themselves, and it is unwise, as well as 
unjust, to compel a Page to pay for a rank, before he is quali- 
fied to receive it. 

Instances are numerous where Pages have permitted months, 
and even years, to elapse before applying for advancement, in 
the meantime the fees are changed, this change affects the ap- 
plicant, as will be seen in the following section. 

135. Fees: Authority of Lodge to Change: Effect thereof upon 
Applicants: A Lodge may change the amount of its rank fees 

♦Digest, Sec. 1219. fMaine, 1879, 386, 471. jVa. 1882, 32. HDigest, Sec. 1235. 



COMMON LAW. 131 

at any time by regular amendment to its By-Laws, and the 
effect of this, upon pending applicants, is to their advantage, 
or disadvantage, according as the fees are reduced or increased. 
If the fees are reduced, the applicant applying for the second 
or third rank reaps the advantage of the reduction, and vice 
versa, if the fees are increased.* A Maine Lodge increasing 
its fees, after requiring a Page to pay in advance, as shown in 
the preceding section, cannot well go back and demand pay- 
ment of the increase, and if it does not, it will be conferring 
the ranks for a price less than that fixed by law. 

This question of the right of a Lodge to increase its fees, 
and demand of pending applicants the increased fee, as will 
be seen, has been decided frequently, but it was fairly met by 
the writer in his Subordinate Lodge and was taken to the 
Grand Lodge, where it was held in accordance with the weight 
of authority, t 

Fees: For the Ranks: Forfeiture of under certain Circumstances: 
There can be no doubt that Lodges may provide for the forfeit- 
ure of fees paid in cases where the applicant refuses to apply 
for initiation or advancement, or is debarred from so doing 
from circumstances resulting from his own conduct. X In all 
such cases Lodges are not bound to refund the fees paid, inas- 
much as it has stood ready to perform its part of the compact. 

The converse of this rule, however, is also true. A Lodge 
rs morally, as well as legally, bound to refund the fees, when 
the applicant is debarred the right to advancement, without 
fault of his. || 

FINES. 

137. The Right of Subordinate Lodges to impose: It is left en- 
tirely to Subordinate Lodges, the right to impose fines for any 
purpose, or for any cause. There may be some question as to 
the right of a Grand Lodge to even fine its officers. Yet the 
Grand Lodge of Texas has recorded at least three instances of 
the imposition of fines upon its officers. These appear re- 
spectively as follows : on the Grand Master of Exchequer for 
failing to make a report ; on the Grand Chancellor and two 
Past Grand Chancellors for negligence in the discharge of 
duties relative to drafting the Constitution; and on two 
Brothers for absence at roll call.§ 

*Digest Sees. 1227, et seq. {Digest Sec. 1228, also Journal of Neb,, 1884, 301, 315, 
where the case is fully reported, with the views of the Committee on Appeals thereon. 
^Digest Sees. 1224, 1232. HDigest Sec. 1231. §Texas, 1875, 25 ; 1877, 65, and 
1879,115. 



132 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

This exercise of power on the part of a Grand Lodge, is per- 
haps, in accordance with a constitutional provision, otherwise 
it would be extraordinary. The Supreme Lodge has never 
directly acted upon this question. It has, however, denied the 
right to the Grand Lodges to make assessments in certain 
cases.* Fines are penalties and import the commission of an 
offence, and, inasmuch as any member of the higher bodies 
may be tried by his Subordinate Lodge for any offence com- 
mitted, it would seem to be inexpedient, if not unwise, in the 
Grand Lodge to assume the province of inflicting a punishment 
which may be repeated by the Subordinate Lodge, and thus, 
possibly, involve a conflict of Jurisdiction. 

The Supreme Lodge has settled the right of a Grand Lodge 
to try its own officers by providing a form of trial. t This, 
however, does not conflict with the theory here advanced. A 
Grand Lodge may, undoubtedly, try an officer, and perhaps 
any of its members, and inflict such punishment as may affect 
his right to hold office, or his membership in that body, but 
this would seem to be the extent of the authority of a Grand 
Lodge to punish, however. Grand Lodges, have no more right 
to impose a fine for any cause upon a member, than they have 
to inflict the punishment of suspension from the Order, and it 
will not be contended that this power is reserved to these bodies. 
So that, as has been remarked, this matter is left solely with 
the Subordinate Lodges, as the Law now stands. The authority 
can exist nowhere else. 

138. Fines : As to the Nature of : the Right to Impose : There 
may be some question as to whether the right of a Subordinate 
Lodge to \ provide by law for the imposition of fines, is an in- 
herent right, or whether it can be exercised only in cases where 
the Grand Lodge has expressly granted the right. In view of 
all the circumstances, however, the question cannot become a 
serious one. As has been shown,! the Supreme Lodge has 
declared it to be a question for the Grand Lodges to determine, 
so that the question as to the right of a Subordinate Lodge to 
provide for the imposition of fines, could only arise in cases 
where the Grand Lodge had failed to make an express grant of 
the power. It will be conceded, that in Lodge government 
obedience and discipline are essential. Obedience, in fact, is 
one of the first exactions from the initiate. Experience has 

*Digest Sees. 7, 8. tDigest, Sec. 259-i. tExpo., Sec. 47. 



COMMON LAW. 133 

shown that, even in social compacts, these essential require- 
ments can be preserved, in some cases, only by a resort to 
penal sanctions, made necessary as a means of self-preserva- 
tion. To preserve and perpetuate itself is certainly the inherent 
right of every Subordinate Lodge ; so that, if perchance, the 
Grand Lodge should neglect to confer the authority by consti- 
tutional, or other enactment, there could be no serious doubt, 
after all, of the right of a Subordinate Lodge to provide this 
ordinary and usual means of preserving its existence, save, 
perhaps, where the power had been expressly denied, in which 
case, all doubts woutd be resolved, for the power of the Grand 
Lodge to prohibit the imposition and collection of fines by 
express enactment will not be questioned.* 

139. Fines: May be Charged as Dues to Work Suspension: 
Prior to the Supreme Lodge session of 1884, there was much 
controversy, and inconsistent legislation in respect to the 
authority of the Lodge to enforce the collection of fines. It is 
hoped that this matter is now forever settled. Grand Lodges 
are authoroized to declare that ; fines and assessments may 
be charged as dues to work suspension, irrespective Of what 
they may be charged for.f 

140. Fines: Authority of Lodge to Remit: It was held by the 
Grand Lodge of California, that a Lodge could not remit a 
fine, and in the same connection, also, that a Lodge had no 
power to reverse its judgment. I 

This is certainly not true, except as applied to the Laws of 
California. Ohio has decided differently. Here a Lodge may 
grant a new trial, and may reduce a fine upon a showing of 
mitigating circumstances. || 

It has been repeatedly held that a Lodge may remit a fine.§ 
The right of a Lodge to reverse its judgments, which in some 
cases, involves the right to remit a fine, is further discussed 
under the title "Judgment. "If 

141. Fines: Cannot be imposed for Absence when no Meeting is 
held: The imposition of fines upon officers for non-attendance 
is a common and ordinary provision in Subordinate Lodge By- 
laws. The question, however, has arisen as to whether an of- 
ficer can be fined for non-attendance, when, for the want of a 
quorum, no meeting is held. It was held in Pennsylvania, 
that, when an officer absented himself for the purpose of pre- 

*Expo , Sec. 223, As to the inherent rights of Lodges to impose taxes generally. 
tDigect Sec. 1192. jCal. 1875, 664, 726, 785 ; also Cal. 1881, 1679. ||Digest Sees. 
1217, 2611, 2612. gDigest Sees. 1214, 1218. HExpo. Sec. 149. 



134 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

venting a quorum, he was subject to a fine, as for absence.* It 
was contended, in support of this finding that the Lodge could 
take cognizance of the failure to hold a meeting, and fine those 
who were the cause thereof. This theory seems to be peculiar 
to Pennsylvania, but it is substantially refuted by the weight of 
authority. A Lodge has no right to enquire into the cause of 
a brother's absence, and it certainly has no jurisdiction to 
impose a fine, as for absence, from a meeting which was never 
held.t If a member conspires, to injure the Lodge, he is pun- 
ishable under the Law. If his conspiracy results in preventing 
a regular meeting, this is an injury for which there is ample 
redress under the Law, but such conduct is not a violation of 
the law concerning absence, there can be no absence from 
meeting, when there is no meeting. 

142. Fines: Assessments: Distinction Between: A fine is in 
effect a tax, so also an assessment. The essential distinction 
may be said to lie in this, an assessment is levied for a special 
or particular purpose, a fine is a penalty imposed for some 
breach of the law or discipline. Both are sources of revenue, 
and in this sense, a tax respectively. The term tax, however, in 
its broader sense, implies a permanent source of revenue. 
The tribute paid by the Grand Lodge to the Supreme Lodge 
is properly a tax, while a charge per capita, or otherwise, made 
necessary by some intervening emergency of temporary dura- 
tion, or for the purpose of creating a special fund is essentially 
an assessment. Much of the discussion under the title "As- 
sessment" is applicable to this supject, inasmuch, as the two have 
been considered together to a great extent, and the Supreme 
Lodge, as well as many of the Grand Lodges, have njsver been 
brought to recognize the essential distinction between them. 
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, construing the Constitution 
seemed to take cognizance of the difference between fines and 
assessments. It was held there, that assessments could not be 
collected, and so could not be levied, because : 

"Dues, funeral tax and fines, are the only contributions which a Lodge 
can require its members to pay, because they are the only contributions, 
for the non-payment of which, a member can be disqualified, debarred 
and suspended from privileges and benefits.;}: 

Fines, as has been said, are imposed as penalties under the 
penal code, and for this reason there may be more force in the 
theory respecting their collectibility, than in that of ordinary 

**Pa. Jan., 1872, 43; Aug., Ib70, 44S, IDigest Sec. 201. }Pa., Aug. 1881, 301, 
336, Also Expo, Sec. 48. 



COMMON LAW. 135 

assessments for purposes of revenue. However this may be, 
the right of Subordinate Lodges to collect fines, seems to be no 
greater than the right to collect assessments, so far as author- 
itative law seems to indicate. They are placed upon the same 
level, and are without distinction, as respects their collectiblity. 

FUNDS. 

143. Of Subordinate Lodges: Powers of Lodge in respect to Dis- 
position of: The matter of the disposition of Lodge funds is a 
subject which has received considerable attention, and upon 
which the authorities are conflicting and altogether unsatis- 
factory. It has been the endeavor, in collecting the decisions 
on this subject, to adjust a rule which, in its application, is 
reasonable, and at the same time, avoids unseemly conflicts with 
fundamental principles. It is thought that this rule is suffi- 
ciently established by the decision cited in the Digest.* Some 
of the rules established by the various Jurisdictions, are 
here cited with such comment as seems to be necessary. On 
this question, the Grand Chancellor of Wisconsin says, that : 

"A Lodge may invest its money in furnishing a hall, providing 
library, or purchasing regalia." 

This is undoubtedly correct, but he also says, that the funds 
cannot be divested from the "holy purpose for which con- 
tributed." 

In this may rest the entire question at issue as to what con- 
stitutes the "holy purpose" referred to. He quotes the lang- 
uage, he says, of a sister Jurisdiction, and says : 

"They are the necessary expenses of the Lodge. The care of the sick 
and the distressed, the widow and the orphan, burying the dead."f 

A decision of the Grand Chancellor of Maryland, founded 
upon the same theory, is recorded in 1881, in which he holds 
the Lodge cannot appropriate funds for the purpose of a pleas- 
ure trip. I 

Neither of these decisions represents the true principle in re- 
spect to the disposition of Lodge funds. While they may be 
true in the main, yet the "sacred trust/ 1 to which the funds of 
a Lodge are said to be devoted, is not to be confined so strict- 
ly, nor the limit of disposition made to rest upon such a nar- 
row basis. Such a construction may serve well enough to il- 
lustrate the general principle, but this is often a question 

*Digest, Sec. 1260 et seq. IWis. 1882, 519, 585, 586, 587. JS. it. Mason, G. C. 
-Md. 1881, 395. 



136 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

which the Lodge itself should be left co determine, and to say 
whether, or not, any particular disposition of its funds will con- 
tribute to its prosperity. It was held in California that a Lodge 
cannot donate its funds for charity, to persons having no 
claims on the Lodge.* This is perhaps, true, inasmuch' 
as it would be a misappropriation of funds, under the decision 
of the same Jurisdiction in 1873. To- dispose of the funds for 
purposes outside of those connected with the objects and legiti- 
mate purposes of the Lodge, is a misappropriation.! While 
this is true also, the question at once arises, whether or not 
any purpose to which it is proposed to contribute funds is, in 
fact, foreign to the "legitimate purposes of the Lodge." What 
might be so in one Jurisdiction, might not be so in another. 
In one community, the prosperity of the Lodge might depend 
upon a liberal use of its funds in promoting entertainments ; 
in another, the sentiment and feelings of the membership may 
operate differently, and so the same reasons would not exist, 
for a like disposition of its funds. 

The great difficulty in this respect, is in establishing a gen- 
eral rule. Any such attempt must necessarily be more or less 
arbitrary. Grand Chancellor Lemmerman, of New York, in 
1879, said that : 

"It was most assuredly against the laws and usages of the Order, to 
give grand banquets and excursions at the expense of the Lodge." % 

The Grand Lodge of California has also held that the giving 
of a banquet, or any other entertainment, is outside the objects 
and purposes of the Order ;|| and so, even, to make up a de- 
ficiency in a case where a committee had been appointed to, 
and had given a ball in the name of the Order. § 

This is neither law nor reason. Lodges are encouraged to 
make displays; especially is this so of the Uniform Eank. 
Must the expense always be paid out of the private purse ? If 
so, there must be few displays, and where Lodges are to be 
confined to the monotony of Lodge work, without even the 
diversion of an occasional display, unless it be by private en- 
terprise, the Order must eventually fall. It was held indirectly, 
in Pennsylvania, that the funds of a Lodge might be used to 
assist brothers who might be engaged in a laborers' "strike." 
This is inferred from the action of the Grand Lodge in reject- 
ing a By-Law adopted by a Subordinate Lodge, providing that 
the funds should not be used for that purpose.!" This is an 

*Dige9t, Sec. 1272. -[Digest, Sec. 1274. JN. Y. 1879, 18, 59, CO. ||Cal. 1S«1» 
1600, 1604. §Cal. 1884. 1997. 2103.: 1882, 1671. 1745. 1753. UPa. 1881. 302. 303. 



COMMON LAW. 137 

unwarranted interference on the part of the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania. This By-Law, was an expression of the will of at 
least, a majority of that Lodge, and its life and prosperity, as 
well, perhaps, as its internal harmony, may have depended 
upon the force of that law. It would seem that the better rule 
is to leave such matters to the Lodge itself. It is safe to as- 
sume that no Lodge will squander its funds, and it is certainly 
the best judge of its own wants and necessities ; it is in a con- 
dition to know best what is, and what is not, likely to contribute 
to its own prosperity. 

FUNEBAL BENEFITS. 

144. Legal Liabilities as to Payment Of : The Supreme Lodge 
requires that every Subordinate Lodge shall provide for the 
payment of "funeral benefits " which shall not be less than the 
minimum fixed by the Supreme Lodge Constitution. The 
details concerning the rights of the deceased member to those 
benefits, the time and manner of payment, and to whom they 
shall be paid, are left to the Grand or Subordinate Lodges, to be 
determined by law. Out of these details, have arisen a great 
many questions, some of minor importance, perhaps, while 
others involve legal principles of vital interest to the Order and 
to the Lodges generally. The question of the legal liability of 
Lodges for the payments of these benefits has been the subject 
of legal inquiry in the courts of the land, and it is well that 
Lodges should understand the binding force of their beneficiary 
laws, and know that the courts will uphold these compacts 
made with their living members for the benefit of those whom 
they may leave behind.* 

In view of this, then, it is of the first importance that these 
beneficiary laws be drawn with care, that the interests of the 
Lodge may be protected against the claim of an administrator 
or executor, who may not be — under the theory of our Pythian 
Law— entitled to them. The duty of the Lodge is to see that 
these benefits are so applied as to satisfy the beneficiary object 
of our laws, not that an estate be enriched, or that the avarice 
of some unfriendly administrator be gratified, and to this end, 
the laws regulating the payment of funeral benefits, should be 
drafted. The courts of law will uphold the beneficiary laws,, 
and if they are draw T n with reference to the interests of the 

*See Hirschl's Law of Fraternities and Societies, as to the liability of Lodges, in 
this, and other respects. 



138 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Lodge, and their own beneficiary purpose, Lodges will have 
nothing to fear from the courts. 

145, Funeral Benefits: Not Payable to Executors when: Aside 
from what the courts of law might hold, in any given case, in 
respect to the liability of the Lodge to executors, or to the es- 
tate of a deceased member, for funeral benefits, it would seem 
that this question is to be determined solely, by the intent of 
the laws of the Lodge respectively. In order to call attention 
to these benefit laws of the Order, that Lodges may be on 
their guard, against the possible contingency of legal process, 
the following case from Pennsylvania is cited : 

A brother died leaving no relatives known to the Lodge. He 
left a will, and directed that his debts, and funeral expenses be 
paid out of his estate ; also bequeathing certain amounts to 
persons specified in said will ; also naming certain persons as 
executors of the estate. The executors took charge of the fu- 
neral, paid the expenses, and presented a bill to the Lodge. 

The Lodge declined to pass an order for the amount, for the 
following reasons : 

First, "That that would be in violation of Article XVI., Section 6, of 
the Constitution. 

Second, "The brother directed in his will, that whatever remained 
after paying the specified bequests, shoud be divided pro rata betweeD 
four persons named." 

Upon this the committee rendered the following opinion : 

'The Lodge is not required to pay the expenses of the deceased 
brother's funeral, or funeral benefits to the executors of his will, under 
the circumstances stated. Article XVI., Section 6, of the Constitution 
of Subordinate Lodges, directs that the funeral benefits shall be paid to 
the nearest competent relative of the deceased brother. It has been decided 
by the Grand Lodge that funeral benefits are not demandable,and cannot 
be made payable to executors or administrators of brothers deceased. 
[See Digest of 1872, Sections 52, and proceedings of the Grand Lodge an- 
nual session of 1881, pp. 300, 336."] 

This report of the committee was concurred in.* It will be 
noticed that the Law of Pennsylvania, as quoted by the com- 
mittee, provided that the benefits, "shall be paid to the near- 
est competent relative." The committee took the view that, 
as the brother left no relative, the money could not be so paid, 
and the Lodge was under no obligation to pay it to any one 
else. This wording of the Law, perhaps, saved the Lodge from 
the legal process of the courts. It is well that Lodges mark 
this material fact, and see to it, that their Laws are so framed 

*Pa. 1882, 538, 581. 



COMMON LAW. 139 

as to meet this question. The funeral benefits are intended 
for, and the theory of the Law is, the relief of the family of 
deceased brethren, and when they leave no family, and there 
is no occasion or necessity of applying it in payment of the fu- 
neral expenses, the beneficiary purpose of the law is satisfied, 
and the money should revert to the Lodge treasury. This is 
a matter that should be left to the discretion of the Lodges of 
course, but in cases like that from Pennsylvania, where the 
brother leaves no family, but leaves an estate amply sufficient 
to pay all his debts, including the funeral expenses, there 
should be no loop holes in the Law that will give executors a 
claim upon the Lodge for money that is not needed for relief.* 

A case cited in the Digest, which sufficiently illustrates the 
necessity of a careful wording of the law, on this question. 
The By-Laws of the Lodge provided that on the death of a 
brother, $100 should be allowed to defray the funeral expenses. 
A death occurring, it was found that $40 was sufficient to pay 
all funeral expenses, but the widow made a claim for the re- 
maining $60, which the Lodge refused to pay, on the ground 
that it was liable only for the funeral expenses, but the Grand 
Lodge sustained the claim of the widow. 

It is plain, that by this law, the Lodge only intended to meet 
the funeral expenses, limiting the amount to $100, but the 
construction placed upon the provision, by the Grand Lodge 
is the result simply of a careless wording of the Law.t 

GOOD STANDING. 

146. Good Standing : Definition of Term : Perhaps there is no 
single question in the whole range of Pythian Jurisprudence 
over which, by reason of a trifling oversight, there has been 
more confusion, missunderstanding, and heated discussion, than 
this question of good standing. This applies with particular 
force to the legislation of the Supreme Lodge on this subject. 

*The writer took occasion to review this case frorn Pennsylvania in his report for 
the committee on foreign correspondence to the Grand Lodge of Nebraska, and there 
referred to this view, which is here more fully set forth. Soon after that, his Lodge 
had under consideration a set of By-Laws, when at his instance the following section 
was incorporated therein, as meeting this question : 

Section 9. "The f aneral benefits on the death of a Knight in good standing, leaving 
a wife or family depending upon him for support, shall be forty dollars, which shall be 
paid to the wife or family, but in case the deceased leaves no wife or family, then the 
said sum, or so much thereof as shall be necessary, shall be expended under the di- 
rection of the Chancellor Commander in payment of the funeral expenses." 

If the deceased member leaves no family, but leaves an estate, then it will not be 
•necessary to use any portion of the funeral benefits and, the whole amount reverts to 
the treasury of the Lodge. 

tDigestSec. 1162. 



140 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

In 1878 this body denned the term "good standing" clearly, 
and explicitly, as follows : 

"When the dues of a member have accrued for the period designa- 
ted, by his grand Jurisdiction, as the limit of good standing, and the 
same remain unpaid, he is in arrears. "* 

Prior to this, the term arrears, had been partially denned, 
that is, the Supreme Lodge has declared, that although a Lodge 
By-Laws required dues to be paid in advance, nevertheless, a 
member who had paid to the first of a term, could not be de- 
clared in arrears, and was. entitled to the Semi Annual Pasa 
Word, and benefits. f 

By the decision of 1878 however, it will be seen, that, as re- 
gards dues, a member is in good standing until he is in arrears, 
and he is not in arrears until the expiration of the time design- 
ed by his Grand Lodge, as the limit of good standing. Had 
no further legislation been had upon this question, all the sub- 
sequent confusion, and misunderstandings, to which it has 
given rise, would have been avoided, for certainly the law was 
clear, and unambiguous. Further legislation, however, was 
had at the session of 1878 which proves to be the source of all 
the trouble alluded to. 

The report of the committee on the Endowment Eank 3 which 
was addopted, contained this paragraph : 

"A member shall be considered in good standing as regards dues un- 
til he is six months in arrears for dues, and any member who is more 
than six months in arrears for dues to his Lodge, shall not be consider- 
ed in good standing. "J 

It is plain however, that this provision was intended to fix 
the conditions of good standing in the Endowment Eank. This 
was immediately discovered by the Grand Chancellor of Illinois,, 
who when called upon in 1879 to construe the provision, held : 

"The definition given to good standing as appears on page 1675 Su- 
preme Lodge Journal, is not applicable to the Order in a general sense. 
It is incorrect as stated in the second supplement of the Official Digest 
under the general heard "Arrears." || 

This having been brought to the attention of the Supreme 
Lodge at the session of 1880, the inadvertence of the Endow- 
ment Bank committee was corrected by an amendment to the 
provision, which gave it clearly, and distinctly the construction 
originally intended. § Since 1880 then, there could have been 
no doubt as to the application of this definition of "good 



385 



♦Digest Sec. 177. -KDigest, Sec. 938. JS. L. Jour, 1S78, 1G75. || 111, Jour. IS 79, 
. §S.L. Jour., 18 80, 1795. 



COMMON LAW. 141 

standing" except for a similar inadvertence on the part of the 
compiler of the Eevised Official Digest of 1883. The error in 
the second supplement of the Official Digest, as noticed by the 
Grand Chancellor of Illinois, was repeated in the Eevised 
Official Digest, and was only partially corrected in the latter 
part of the work.* Confusion and misunderstanding were now 
wide spread, and the topic was a familiar one throughout the 
Supreme Jurisdiction, and it so continued until the session of 
1884, when the matter was finally, and definitely set at rest.! 

INSTALLATION 

147. Of Officers: Of Grand Lodge: Should occur in Lodge Room: The 

Supreme Lodge has held that the rank of Past Chancellor 
being a "Bitualistic Kank," must be conferred in the Lodge 
room with its attendant ceremonies, t On the same principle 
it would seem, that the installation work, being a Ritualistic 
ceremony, should also be conferred in the Lodge room. The 
precedent established by the Supreme Lodge, however, seems 
to have drawn the line at the Past Chancellor's rank. It has 
authorized the installation of certain officers during recess by 
the Supreme Chancellor. || The Grand Jurisdiction of Illinois 
is 1879, refused to establish this precedent^ which seems to be 
the more consistent rule. If a Grand or Supreme officer elect, 
cannot be present at the installation, the same rule should 
apply in such cases, as is applied to Subordinate Lodge officers, 
declare a vacancy and elect one who can be present at the 
installation. 

148. Installation : Who Authorized to Perform : There does not 
seem to be much controversy over the question, as to who are 
authorized to conduct the installation services in Subordinate 
Lodges. 

The authorities cited in the Digest seem to settle the law in 
this respect. 

The Grand Lodge of Louisiana has established the precedent, 
to the effect, that installations may be performed by "special 
deputies" that is, in the absence of the Grand Chancellor, and 
District Deputy, the former may specially deputize a Past 
Chancellor for ihat purpose.!" From this it may be inferred 
that a District Deputy cannot delegate his authority to another 
for this purpose. If the District Deputy had the authority to 

*Rev. Off. Digest, Sec. 16, p. 63, Sec. 29. p. 172. tDigest Sec. 1369. JDigest 
Sec. 1925, also Expo., Sec. 183. ||Digest Sec. 1409. §U1., 1879, 387, 448. luLa. 
1883, 22. 



142 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

deputize a Past Chancellor to install the officer for him, then 
there would be no need of a Grand Chancellor appointing a 
special deputy. In Virginia it is made the duty of the retiring 
Past Chancellor, or, in his absence, any Past Chancellor, on 
request of the Chancellor Commander, may install the officers.* 
In perhaps a majority of the Jurisdictions it is made the 
duty of the District Deputy to install, or cause to be installed, 
the officers of the Lodges under his supervision. Under this 
he may, if unable to attend himself, deputize any Past Chan- 
cellor to act for him, and this seems to be more nearly the 
universal rule. 

JUDGMENTS. 

149. Right of Lodge to Reverse, Vacate, or Modify : There pre- 
vails an impression, in some quarters, that Lodges have no 
right to reverse their own judgments. In California the ques- 
tion is thus met by the committee on appeals and grievances. 
A Subordinate Lodge had tried and suspended one of its mem- 
bers ; the report of the committee contains the following : 

"After the vote and judgment of suspension, a petition of a number 
of members of Pythagoras Lodge, was presented to that body, asking 
that the judgment of suspension of Brother Loventhal be vacated and 
set aside. A motion was made upon the communication to set aside 
the judgment of suspension, and the motion was ruled out of order. 
The ruling was correct. The law of the Order of Knights of Pythias is 
that, after judgment, the Subordinate Lodge cmnot interfere. The 
remedy is by appeal to the Grand Lodge, "f 

The committee then cited a decision of the same Grand Lodge, 
in 1875, sustaining this view. I 

If this were true it would be extraordinary and a strange 
doctrine indeed. The committee are unwarranted in saying, 
that the law of the Order is, as stated by it, for this cannot be 
said to be the law, except as interpreted in California. 

Arkansas has held directly opposite upon this question, || 
and a decision involving the same principle is recorded in Ohio 
which evidences a more reasonable rule. Here a Lodge may 
grant a new trial, and may reduce a fine upon a showing of 
mitigating circumstances. § Perhaps there is no plainer prin- 
ciple of equity than this. A Lodge should not only be per- 
mitted, but it should be required to recognize it as a duty, to 
always stand ready to correct an error, and do substantial 
justice, even to an erring brother. To grant a new trial, to re- 

*Va. 1878, 33, 34. tCal., 1882, 1G79, 1080. JExpo. Sec 140. IIDigest Sec. 2611. 
§Digest Sec. 1217. 



COMMON LAW. 143 

mit a fine, in short, to reverse or modify its own judgments, 
are rights, the exercise of which, should be recognized, as rest- 
ing solely within the discretion of the Subordinate Lodge, 
subject to a review by the Grand Lodge for an abuse of the 
right. To reverse a judgment by a simple motion might not be 
a safe rule, but after investigation, or upon rehearing, there 
should be power in the Lodge to reverse, by the same vote that 
convicted. 

JUEISDICTION. 

150. Of Lodges: The Inexpediency of the Rule Considered: The rule 
as to the jurisdiction of the Lodges in respect to resident, and 
non-resident applicants, as laid down by the Supreme Lodge, 
must be regarded as the Law, but it may be questioned whether 
the reason for the rule has not ceased to have any weight. If 
this is so, it should no longer prevail, as experience has shown, 
that in its application, there are too many exceptions. As to 
the inexpediency of the rule, we notice here the remarks of the 
Grand Chancellor of Michigan, H. K. Lovell, and the opinions 
of the committee on Law of that Jurisdiction in respect thereto. 
The Grand Chancellor says : 

"Some questions of TerritoralJurisdiction have arisen between Lodges 
tending to call forth feeling. Time and counsel have allayed it, yet 
I cannot but think that the subject is in need of legislation. That es- 
tablished Lodges should have the exclusive control of material within 
their vicinage, no one will question. But where Lodges are far apart it 
would seem, much of the territory between should be considered neu- 
tral, and the material within it open to all comers. If the jurisdictions 
of local Lodges can be defined by established corporate lines, it would 
doubtless tend to avoid unseemly strife." 

On this the committee say : 

"We do not see how this legislation can be had. Were the Grand 
Lodge to undertake this task, it could not fail to lead to incessant 
trouble. Persons in cities may have a choice between Lodges in the 
same city. Leaving the country to choose between places, one may be 
more convenient for them, although out of their particular jurisdiction. 
In all such cases let the tenets of our Order rule. No Lodge should 
wish to increase its membership at the expense of a sister Lodge, but 
each applicant should be at liberty to choose for himself, the Lodge with 
which he will connect himself."* 

While both the Grand Chancellor and the committee, seem 
to overlook, the constitutional restrictions of the Supreme 
Lodge in this respect, t there does not seem to be much differ- 

*Mich. 1881, 7, 48. 



144 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ence of opinion between them. The opinion of the committee 
however, strikes the keynote of this whole question. "Let the 
tenets of our Order rule" and "Each applicant should be at lib- 
erty to choose for himself". This should be the principle. The 
Knights of Pythias as a benevolent Order has already made 
its name. Devices to secure membership are no longer neces- 
sary. Lodges, as a general rule, no longer need this protec- 
tion, if it ever was a protection. These are facts which show 
a, total failure of the reason for this rule of jurisdiction, and 
it should now be reversed. No Lodge should be allowed to 
claim jurisdiction over any man, until he becomes a member 
of it. If one applicant prefers to go a distance of five, or 
even ten miles, to join a Lodge of his choice, rather than to 
connect himself with one in his immediate neighborhood, that 
should be a matter of his own personal concern, and no Lodge 
should have it within its power to virtually bar an applicant 
out, by of ering him the alternative of joining a Lodge against 
which he may have some well founded objection. 

The rule, as laid down in Indiana, is perhaps more reason- 
able, notwithstanding it seems to be in conflict with the legis- 
lation of the Supreme Lodge. The question arose upon the 
following facts : A person lived in a town twelve miles from 
one Lodge and sixteen miles from another ; he decided to join 
the one sixteen miles away, and did so, after request had 
been sent to the other Lodge for permission. The Lodge to 
which the request had been sent, failed to make any response, 
but after the applicant had been initiated it entered its protest 
against his proceeding further in that Lodge. On these facts 
the committee say : 

" There is no written law on the subject, but through courtesy alone, 
applications are usually made to the Lodge nearest the residence of the 
applicant,"* 

It is somewhat singular that the committee, with Past Su- 
preme representative S.P.Oyler at its head, should have declared 
that "there was no written law on the subject," for there was, 
at that time, the written law of the Supreme Lodge, as well as 
the written law of Indiana, directly upon this subject.! In the 
very next year this committee, with the same chairman at its 
head, held that, where a Lodge desired to initiate a person 
living beyond the jurisdiction of the State, to-wit : in the State 
of Ohio, it must obtain the permission" of the Lodge nearest the 

*Ind, 1882, 158, 159. tDigest, Sec. 1G9G, 1449. 



COMMON LAW. 145 

residence of the applicant, and that the Grand Lodge had no 
right to request such permission.* This is certainly unsound in 
principle and theory, as to both propositions involved. The letter 
of the Law, of course, upholds the committee on the first propo- 
sition, that a Lodge, to initiate a non-resident, must obtain per- 
mission, or it has no jurisdiction. But from whom, and through 
what channel of communication, should this be obtained ? 

It would seem that the highest show of courtesy would be to 
have the request proceed directly from the Grand Chancellor 
of the Jurisdiction making the request, to the Grand Chancel- 
lor of the Jurisdiction from whence the acquisition is sought. 
This, at least, is the proper channel of communication between 
Jurisdictions, even in cases where isolated Lodges are directly 
interested ; but, in cases of this" kind, the Lodge from whose 
jurisdiction material is sought to be taken, is not solely in- 
terested. Under the theory of the Law the entire Jurisdiction 
is affected, and a proper sense of Jurisdictional courtesy de- 
mands that the negotiations be conducted by the executive 
heads of the Order respectively. 

Indiana, however, was not alone in declaring the non-exist- 
ence of written law on this subject. Pennsylvania, in 1876, 
made the same declaration. A person desired to join a Lodge 
twenty-five miles from his residence, when the nearest Lodge 
was thirteen or fourteen miles away. The committee on law 
held — there was no law preventing a person from joining any 
Lodge that may be willing to run the risk of taking him into 
membership.! 

While these decisions are not in accord with the law, it is 
evident that they express a rule that ought to be the law, and 
the time is not far distant when it will be. This present theory 
of Lodge jurisdiction must yield, eventually, to the demands 
of reason, inasmuch as the phenominal progress of Pythianism 
has demonstrated the utter failure of the reason upon which it 
has been founded. If the reason has ceased to exist, then it 
will be conceded, that the theory cannot prevail. 

MAIMED PEESONS. 

151. Rights of, as to Membership under the Law: There are, 
perhaps, no seriously controverted points in respect to this 
question. The legislation of the Supreme Lodge has left the 

*Ind., 1883, 56, 57. +Pa. Feb., 1876, 351. 

10 



146 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

matter of the admission of maimed persons to the discretion of 
the Grand Lodges. Lodges of themselves have no right to ad- 
mit a maimed person; but Grand Lodges may provide for 
their admission by dispensation, which may be granted in open 
Grand Lodge, or issued by the Grand Chancellor during recess. 
There are, perhaps, very few Grand Lodges, which have re- 
fused to admit maimed persons entirely. Better far, were 
there more. Tennessee is numbered among these ; the Grand 
Chancellor of that Jurisdiction held,' that he could not grant a 
dispensation for that purpose under the Constitution.* 

In the early years, the laws were very strict against the ad- 
mission of maimed persons,! but latterly the rule has become 
so far relaxed as to excite remark, in some instances. This 
perhaps, is the result of the difficulty experienced in determin- 
ing whether the applicant is, or is not, "maimed" in contemp- 
lation of Law. 

A person is maimed, if he has suffered the loss of a finger ; X 
so, also, if he has lost one or both legs,|| the difference resting 
solely in the degree, and yet, under a strict construction of the 
Law, a dispensation is equally necessary in the three instances. 
On the other hand, an applicant limps slightly from a differ- 
ence in the length of his legs ; or, take an extreme case, he has 
lost entirely the use of a leg from paralysis, and is compelled 
to substitute a crutch ; is he maimed under the Law ? and is 
a dispensation necessary ? In such cases, who is to act the 
part of Judge? It must be admitted that the term "maimed 
persons," has a great breadth of meaning, and may include, 
almost any form or degree of crippling or deformity, in view of 
which it is always safer to ask for the dispensation, where it is 
to be supposed the Grand Chancellor will exercise a wise dis- 
cretion, founded upon the facts and circumstances of each 
particular case. The Grand Chancellor of New York, issued a 
dispensation to admit a person with a "club foot,"§ While 
asking a dispensation in this case, may have been the exercise 
of extreme precaution, it was, on the part of the Grand Chan- 
cellor, within his province to refuse or grant it, as he might 
determine. 

The rule as to the admission of maimed persons, has been 
very clearly defined, both, by the Supreme Lodge and the Grand 
Lodges, as appear from the decisions noted in the Digest.^ 

*Eenn., 1876, 203, 226. +Ponn., Julv, 1872, 386. JDigest, Sec. 1C28. HDigest, 
Sec. 1626. §N. Y., 1877, 7. HDigest, Sec. 1616, et seq. 



COMMON LAW. 147 

MEMBEKS. 

152. Of Defunct Lodges: As to Status of: In discussing the 
questions relating to defunct Lodges, this question is fully 
considered, with reference to the decisions, and need not be 
further mentioned here, except perhaps, to call special attention 
to the rule in Pennsylvania, and the proper distinction to be 
made, between members of defunct Lodges, and members of 
Re-organized Lodges.* 

MEMOBIZING THE WOEK. 

153* Rules and Decisions in Respect to: The Rule in Oregon 
Considered : It has been the aim of every ambitious worker to 
memorize the ritualistic work, and prove his proficiency by 
dispensing with the book while at work, and indeed this is a 
positive injunction of the Supreme Lodge in respect to the 
Amplified Kank.t There are those who have committed to 
memory the entire work, including the obligations, and this 
has been regarded as a mark of proficiency, and an ambition 
truly commendable. No one, perhaps, until the year 1882, 
ever presumed to say that, committing to memory any por- 
tion of the work was illegal, or out of place. An instance of 
of this presumption, however, is actually recorded in the Jur- 
isdiction of Oregon, where by standing resolution No. 25, it was 

Resolved. — "That it is hereby made the express order of this Grand 
Lodge, that the O. B. N, shall be administered by the Prelate of Subor- 
dinate Lodges from the Ritual and not be delivered from memory. "J 

A most singular proceeding on the part of a Grand Lodge. 
It may be well asked, how are the Subordinate Lodges of Ore- 
gon to obey the letter of the Law, in respect to the Amplified 
Eank in the face of this resolution ? Many of the Jurisdictions 
have taken an opposite course by assuming the authority to 
compel Subordinate Lodges to require their officers to memorize 
the work, as precedent to installation.il In West Virginia, by 
approving a recommendation of the Grand Chancellor, the 
Grand Lodge made it obligatory upon Subordinate Lodge of- 
ficers to memorize the work.§ 

On the other hand, Nevada has declared a different rule. 
In 1874 it refused to adopt a resolution, making the matter of 
memorizing the work, obligatory^ In 1879, a similar resolu- 

*Expo. Sec. 105. tDigest, See. 252. ^Oregon, 1882, 126. HCal. 1872, 301, 324, 
346; 1878, 1219 1239. Neb. Const. Sub. Lodges Sec. 12. Texas 1876, 48; 1877, 69, 
§W. Va. 1874, 14, 31. 1TNev., 1874, 39. 



148 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

tion was before the same Grand Lodge, when it was declared, 

that : 

"It was not within the province of the Grand Lodge, nor the Grand 
Chancellor, to declare in what space of time officers shall, by memor- 
izing, be able to deliver the charges without the book. That it was a 
matter for the Subordinate Lodges."* 

Passing upon the same question again in 1880, the Grand 
Lodge went so far as to make it the duty of the District Deputy 
Grand Chancellor to see that the Chancellor Commander and 
Vice Chancellor had memorized the work before being in- 
stalled, t This is the rule in Nebraska, as cited above. There 
can be no question, that the rule, as established by the decis- 
ion of Nevada in 1879, is the correct one. A Grand Lodge, it 
would seem, is advancing just a step beyond its legitimate 
authority, when it assumes to make obligatory the memorizing 
of the work, as will be seen by the decisions.! This is a mat- 
ter entirely local with the Lodges, if we except the right of the 
Supreme Lodge in this matter, and which it has exercised in 
respect to the Amplified Eank, as above shown. 

MOTION TO CLOSE. 

154. When Admissible : This question is not of the first im- 
portance, perhaps, yet it involves a principle of parliamentary 
practice, in respect to which, there should be a greater uniformi- 
ty than there seems to be. At what time, during the course of 
a Lodge meeting, is such a motion admissible ? In Kansas it 
was held, by Grand Vice Chancellor J. H. Lyon, that it was 
always in order. || By this, it is put on a par with the motion 
to adjourn, and the proceedings may be interrupted at any 
time. In Maryland the rule is different. Here it can only be 
made under the head of "New Business."§ In some Jurisdic- 
tions it is provided by law, or the rules of order, that a motion 
to close is only in order after the regular order of business has 
been called.^ 

But why is it not safe enough to leave this matter solely to 
the Lodges ? Why should Grand Lodges attempt to interfere 
with matters pertaining to the routine work of a Lodge ? Grand 

*Nev., 1879, 374, 377. +Nev., 1880,408, 425. tDigest, Sees. 1665, 2085. ||Kan. 
1881, 9. §Md. 1880, 228,304. Uln Nebraska the Grand Lodge has provided a 
set of "Rules of Order," recommending the same to the Subordinate Lodges. These 
have been followed pretty generally by the Lodges, and, in some instances, have 
been generally adopted. These provide that a motion to "proceed to close in regular 
form" is always in order after the regular Lodge business is gone through with, which 
motion shall be decided without debate.— Laws of Neb., 1884, p. 79 ; By-Laws of Neb. 
Lodge No. 1, Sec. 28. See also Dig., Sees. 759, 1601-2. 



COMMON LAW. 149 

Lodges are assuming to themselves an unwarranted exercise of 
power, when they presume to direct the parliamentary practice 
of a Subordinate Lodge. 

A majority of a Lodge should always have the power to say 
when the meeting shall close. 

OFFICIAL EECEIPT. 

155. Its Office and Authority: The advent of the official re- 
ceipt gave rise to much misapprehension in respect to its office, 
and its authority, as an evidence of good standing, which has 
continued with some abatement of its consequence ever since. 
It is now coming to be better understood, and the decisions in 
the Digest, with their accompanying notes fully set forth the 
law as it is now interpreted. 

The official receipt was first regarded as an essential evidence 
of good standing, and in fact it was so held by the supreme 
executive head of the Order, at one time, and even as late as 
1883 the Grand Chancellor of Missouri so interpreted its char- 
acter, claiming, that the Supreme Lodge had held it to be the 
"only evidence of good standing," and therefore a Chancellor 
Commander could not communicate the pass-word without its 
production. 

In accordance with these views the Grand Chancellor sent 
his circulars to the District Deputies instructing them to see, 
that this requirement was observed. When the Grand Lodge 
came to pass upon this official act, the law was construed to be 
otherwise* This ruling of Missouri accords with the weight of 
authority upon this question, outside of the ruling of the 
Supreme Chancellor, but this decision of Missouri, as welll as 
the current of authorities conflicts with the interpretation given 
to the Law by the Supreme Chancellor. It must be conceded 
however, that the Supreme Chancellor, is in error, that his 
decision is unsound in law, as well as in theory and practice. 

156. Official Receipt: Construction of the Law: Authorizing issue 
of: The form of the official receipt was adopted in 1875.1 The 
resolution authorizing their issue, expressly declared : 

"That they shall be authoritative evidence to the Order throughout the 
world, not only of "membership, but of good standing in the Order." 

This is far from saying, that they shall be the only evidence 
of good standing. 

*Mo. 1883, 190, 201, 243. tDigest, Sec. 1787. 



150 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

There is scarcely any warrant for the misconstruction of this 
resolution. What is the significance of the term, "authori- 
tative evidence?" It is, simply, evidence that comes bearing 
upon its face, the seal of authority, that is, a member holding 
this receipt, need produce no other poof of his membership, or 
good standing; and no Lodge can deny or reject this proof. 
The Supreme Lodge devised this scheme as a source of rev- 
enue, and to ensure the sale of them, all other receipts were 
declared to have no authority prima facie, while these were to 
be conclusive, in two particulars, viz. : as evidence of member- 
ship, and of good standing, and this is the whole significance 
of the term "authoritative evidence." 

This construction, while it is the only reasonable one, that 
can be placed upon the resolution, discloses at once a glaring 
absurdity, supporting, as it does, a theory at war with the very 
fundamental principles of the Order. It is absurd to say, that 
a scrap of paper, acknowledging the payment of dues, is 
authoritative evidence of membership, and of good standing. 
If this were so, a Lodge would be obliged to admit any one pro- 
ducing this paper, without a question, without examination. A 
visitor could refuse to submit further proof of his membership 
and standing, he could say, this is authoritative, you cannot 
deny, neither can you question ; I am a member in good stand- 
ing ; my receipt is conclusive proof of this fact. If this were 
so, all our legislation about the Semi-Annual Pass Word, 
about the examination of visitors, about withdrawal cards, 
and relief shields, are extra and unnecessary precautions. If 
a member can have about him, in an authoritative form, the 
evidence of his membership and standing, which will also serve 
as a receipt for dues, this should be sufficient to gain him ad- 
mission into any Lodge in the country. 

This will be conceded at once, however, as at war with funda- 
mental principles. The first duty of a Lodge is to look to its 
self-preservation, to protect itself against imposition and fraud. 
To this end prudence teaches the exercise of watchful precau- 
tion in respect to those who demand recognition at our portals. 

A rigid examination can be, if not "authoritative," the only 
satisfactory evidence of membership. The evidence of good 
standing must, to some extent, be documentary ; but this, in 
the form of a receipt for dues, is not alone satisfactory, neither 
is it authoritative. The Semi-Annual Pass Word, or an au- 



COMMON LAW. 151 

thenticated order therefor, is authoritative and satisfactory at 
the same time. 

These are essential precautions, and when exercised the 
official receipt becemes an immaterial consideration. 

157. Official Receipt: Review of the Decision of the Supreme 
Chancellor : Soon after the introduction of the official receipt, 
the question arose as to the authority of a Chancellor Com- 
mander to communicate the Semi-Annual Pass Word to a 
visitor, without its production. In other words, as to whether 
a member, not in possession of this receipt, could visit, not- 
withstanding his ability to work his own way into the Lodge. 
Supreme Chancellor Davis held that a Chancellor Commander 
might communicate the Semi-Annual Pass Word without de- 
manding the production of the official receipt.* This was 
leaving the matter to the discretion of the Chancellor Com- 
mander, and the rule has become firmly settled, notwithstand- 
ing a later decision of the Supreme Chancellor over-ruling him- 
self upon this question. 

The rule, as now fixed by this decision was, that a Chancellor 
Commander could communicate the pass word, on an order 
therefor, and if he was satisfied of the standing of the member, 
the official receipt was of no consequence ; he could demand it, 
or not, as he saw fit. 

This is the practice to-day, and it is in consonance with the 
interpretation here given of the resolution authorizing the is- 
sue of the official receipt. 

In the following year the Supreme Chancellor saw fit to re- 
vise his decision, above referred to, giving to it a directly oppo- 
site meaning. By it, it is obligatory upon the Chancellor Com- 
mander to demand the official receipt, before communicating 
the pass word to visitorst 

It is quite plain that the Supreme Chancellor has miscon- 
strued the authority of the official receipt, as well as the law 
upon which it is founded. The decision is unwarranted in law, 
and is not supported by any legislation of the Supreme Lodge. 

Supreme Chancellor Lindsay in 1882 deciding upon the of- 
fice, and character of the relief shield, held incidentally that the 
Chancellor Commander might demand an official receipt in 
case of doubt, t This, according with the first decision of Su- 
preme Chancellor Davis, leaves his second unsupported by any 
legislation of the Supreme Lodge. 

♦Digest, Sec. 1788. tDigest Sec. 1789 and note. ^Digest, Sec. 2530. 



152 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

It may be conceeded, that a receipt is authoritative evidence?. 
that it would have that effect if produced, but the later decision 
of Supreme Chancellor Davis makes it essential evidence, which 
is not in accord with the theory of our Law. 

A member who can work his way into a Lodge, satisfying 
the examining committee, and giving the necessary pass words 
is entitled to admission, as a visitor, and the decision which 
holds, that a Chancellor Commander, not only may but must 
demand the official receipt in such cases is unreasonable, and 
without foundation in law. 

To permit even a Chancellor Commander to demand the re- 
ceipt, is clothing him with a discretion, which may be too of- 
ten abused. 

The many unwise and inconsistent decisions found upon the 
records of the Grand Lodges, in respect to the official receipt, 
may be attributed to this decision of Supreme Chancellor 
Davis, and the desire of the Jurisdictions to accord with it. 

158. Official Receipt: Not Essential: Some of the Results of the 
Supreme Chancellor's Decision: In attempting to follow the de- 
cision of the Supreme Chancellor, some of the Jurisdictions 
like Missouri,* have gone even further, and entirely beyond law 
and reason. 

In Ohio it was held, that 

In order to gain admission he must have the Semi-Annual Pass Word 
or an order for the same, properly executed, and accompanied by tne 
official receipt." 

And as to the qualification of a visitor it was held, that 

He must have the Semi-Annual Pass Word and traveling shield, or 
official receipt, or an order for the Semi-Annual Pass Word accompanied 
"by the official receipt, and a failure to possess the foregoing 'requisites' 
would disqualify a member for visiting, "f 

Taken together, these are certainly erroneous. The travel- 
ing shield, can in no instance, take the place of the official re- 
ceipt. It has no place whatever in the considerations touching 
a member's right to visit. It is a misnomer to call it a "travel- 
ing shield."! 

In Maryland Grand Chancellor Groome, in 1876, held , that 

"A receipt is intended to serve as evidence of payment, and is only 
available fur that purpose. The old fashioned receipt contained in your 
books, if given to the members of your Lodge, cannot be used either in 
your Lodge, or any other Lodge of the Order, as evidence of payment of 
dues, assessments, or other claims of the Lodge against a member of a 

*Sec. 155, ante. +Ohio 1878, 4G9. {Digest Sec, 2530. 



COMMON LAW. 153 

Subordinate Lodge, because the resolution of the Supreme Loage, as 
contained on page 8 of the last Report of the Grand Lodge of Mary- 
land, forbids the use ef receipts other than the official receipt, for any 
such purpose. Your forms of unofficial receipts therefore are worth- 
less."* 

This misconstruction of the Law, is too plain to require argu- 
ment to refute. 

On page 8 of the Maryland Journal, above referred to, will be 
found the resolution of the Supreme Lodge authorizing the 
issue of the official receipt, and, it is from this alone, that the 
Grand Chancellor assumes to say that the Supreme Lodge has 
forbidden the use of any other receipt. The resolution simply 
says that no other receipt shall be "authoritative evidence." 
It would be absurd to say, that a receipt taken for the pay- 
ment of money is no evidence of payment, even in a Knights 
of Pythias Lodge. 

The fact that it is not "authoritative" only throws the burden 
of proof on the brother offering it, in case of a controversy over 
his accounts. It cannot be offered at the door by a visitor, as 
an evidence of his good standing, and this constitutes the only 
difference between the "official," and any ordinary receipt. 

The Supreme Lodge has never forbidden the use of ordinary 
receipts. The Grand Lodge of Delaware in 1877 held, that a 
Chancellor Commander acted illegally in communicating the 
pass word to a brother from another Jurisdiction, who had an 
order for it, and a receipt for dues, but not an official receipt. t 
The receipt presented by this brother, not being official, and 
hence not authoritative, was no evidence of the brother's 
standing, but any reasonable mind, will concede at once, that 
it was prima facie evidence of the payment of dues. But here, 
presumably, this brother had passed a satisfactory examination, 
and had a properly authenticated order for the pass, upon 
which evidence, the Chancellor Commander communicated the 
word, and admitted him, but because he did not demand the 
official receipt his act was illegal. 

A series of decisions in California, on this question, present 
an inconsistency perhaps overlooked by the officer rendering 
them. It was held "that an official receipt is conclusive evidence 
of good standing." 

Conclusive! — Then why require the pass word, or an order for 
it ? The Grand Chancellor did not mean this, for in another 

*Maryland, 1877, 279. 388. +Del. 1877, 177. 



154 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

case he held, that the official receipt was not sufficient of itself 
to gain admission. This latter is correct, and, being so, proves 
that the official receipt is not "conclusive evidence."* 

In 1875, soon after the adoption of the official receipt, the 
Grand Lodge of Indiana was called upon to say, whether or 
not, their use was obligatory, and the committee on Law were 
inclined to the opinion that they were, and so reported, and the 
opinion was concurred in by the Grand Lodge.! 

This was another of the erroneous constructions of the Law, 
for while there was nothing, up to this time, in the legislation 
of the Supreme Lodge to warrant this decision, the Supreme 
Lodge, in 1878, expressly refused to declare them obligatory, 
or to prescribe a penalty for their non-use. t 

This detracts just so much from the force of Supreme Chan- 
cellor Davis' decision, for if their use is not obligatory, one could 
not be demanded of a visiting brother whose Lodge had not 
seen fit to purchase and issue them. 

There is no consistency in saying that a member must be pro- 
vided with a thing, the use of which is not obligatory. 

The one significant fact in respect to these decisions is, they 
were all rendered soon after the promulgation of the receipt, 
when it was the desire of every one to increase the revenue of 
the Supreme Lodge, and to relieve it from its financial embar- 
rassment. None of them are later than 1878, with the excep- 
tion of that of the Grand Chancellor of Missouri, which was 
overruled. The later decisions accord with the theory of the 
Law, and with the view contended for here, and are in conso- 
nance with reason, which cannot be said cf the early decisions. 

OKGANIZATION OF LODGES. 

159. The Practice in Respect To: The manner of organizing 
Lodges in the various Jurisdictions, and the question as to what 
constitutes "organization or institution," has caused some com- 
ment and controversy, although it would seem, at first glance, 
to be a question scarcely susceptible of serious conflicts of 
opinion. As to one phase of the question, to-wit : what con- 
stitutes the institution of a Lodge, there has been serious con- 
flict. 

Under the title "Taxation,"[| the decision of Grand Chancellor 
Monell, of Nebraska, as to the liability of a new Lodge for the 

*Cal. 1877, 1015, 1073, 1087. find. July, 1875, 211, 224. jDigest, Sec. 1799. 
II Expo. Sec. 227. 



COMMON LAW. 155 

Tank tax for the ranks conferred upon its charter members, by 
the instituting officer, is referred to. It is proposed here to 
notice more at length the theory upon which the Grand Chan- 
cellor sought to maintain his position, based, as it was, upon 
the question here involved. 

The object of the decision was to maintain the liability of the 
new Lodge for the rank tax, under the Law which provided that, 
Lodges should pay a rank tax to the Grand Lodge for each 
and every rank conferred. 

Under the strict reading of this law it will be seen that only 
Lodges were liable for this tax, so that, in order to hold a new 
Lodge liable for the payment of the tax imposed on the ranks, 
conferred at its organization, Grand Chancellor Monell saw 
the necessity of making it appear that the ranks were, in fact, 
conferred by the Lodge. Of course, a Lodge can confer no ranks 
until it is instituted, therefore the first step was to institute the 
Lodge, so that when the ranks were conferred, it could be said 
they were conferred by the Lodge, and its liability for the tax 
thus established. 

The theory of the Grand Chancellor is this, he instituted the 
Lodge by simple declaration, on assuming the chair, and then, 
with himself, as Chancellor Commander, pro tern, the Lodge pro- 
ceeded to confer the ranks on its members, and to instruct itself 
in the work. 

The following extracts are from the report of Grand Chancel- 
lor Monell on this subject : 

The principles appearing reasonably to arise from these enactments of 
the legislative power of our Order, as expressing and defining its will 
on such enactments, seem to me to he — 

1st. That the work of conferring the three ranks of our Order be- 
longs legitimately to the Subordinate Lodge, and ought, under all pos- 
sible circumstances to be done there. Thus far I fail to find, in any of 
our laws, any provision for the conferring of such ranks by any Grand 
Lodge as such, or by any Grand Lodge officers in, or for or in behalf of 
any Grand Lodge as such. Nor has this Grand Lodge as such, ritual, form- 
ula, properties or paraphernalia needful and essential for such work. 

It is in the Subordinate Lodge that we must look for these things, and 
to them alone is the secret work addressed, and I am not aware of any 
provision whereby admission to membership in this Order can be ob- 
tained except through the portals of a Subordinate Lodge. 

* * * * * * * * * * 

4th. That it is by special law made the duty of the Grand Chancellor, 
among his other duties, to institute new Lodges and install their officers 
in person or by Deputy duly commissioned, and therein he acts officially 
for this Grand Lodge as such, and as its chief executive officer, but I do 



156 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

not find any legislation which makes the conferring of the three ranks 
of the Order any necessary part of his official duty, as acting for and in 
behalf of this Grand Lodge as such. He may do so if such is his 
pleasure, or it may be done by others under his supervision. 

The power of the Grand Chancellor to confer such ranks is not ques- 
tioned that I am aware of ; on the contrary he may, and generally does, 
immediately after the institution of a new Lodge, confer the ranks, either 
for the purpose of aiding them, if primarily deficient in the requisite 
number of Knights, to thus qualify a sufficient number of their peti- 
tioners, to complete their officiary, or for purposes of exemplification. 
But while his exemplification or mode of doing tho work, is undoubtedly 
an official act for and in behalf of this Grand Lodge as such, the tvork 
itself is actually done in and for the Subordinate Lodge. It is properly 
to be entered in the records of such Subordinate Lodge as. a part of the 
regular work thereof, the same as though done by its own C. C. for 
whom and in whose behalf the G. C. acts. 

The Knight so made becomes thereby a member of such Subordinate 
Lodge, and the legal fee therefor passes into the Exchequer of such 
Subordinate Lodge', subject to the regular Grand Lodge Rank tax of §3. 
Were the law construed to mean that the occupancy of the C. C.'s chair 
of a Subordinate Lodge by the Grand Chancellor, and the filling of its 
chairs by his sssociate Grand Lodge Officers, either actual or appointed 
pro tern., would at once transform such Subordinate Lodge into the 
Grand Lodge, then aside from other embarrassing considerations, the 
record of such Subordinate Lodge could not properly contain any record 
of the ranks the Grand Chancellor might under such circumstances 
confer. Such proceedings would of necessity become part of and be- 
long to the record of the Grand Lodge, while the minimum legal fee of 
$15 would of necessity be paid to and pass into the Exchequer of the 
Grand Lodge as the receipt thereof would have to form part of any legal 
record of such proceedings. A Knight is supposed to belong to the 
Lodge in which he receives his ranks, but the logical result of the legal 
construction now under consideration, places the Knight so made in the 
embarrassing position of having no Lodge in which to find the member- 
ship necessary to legal standing in this Order, no Subordinate Lodge 
contains any record of his having received the ranks of the Order 
therein, while the mere conferring on him of the three ranks of the 
Order by the Grand Lodge would not and could not make him a mem- 
ber of that body, it being incompetent to receive into its membership 
any Knight of less rank than Past Chancellor. The Knight so made finds 
himself as stated in possession of the secrets of our Order, but without 
a Subordinate Lodge by whose records he can prove his title to them or 
his standing in the Order ; the Subordinate Lodge would lose the mem- 
ber it had elected and expected to receive, and its Exchequer would lose 
the entire fee of at least $15. 

Other and still more contradictory results follow every attempt to 
accept the construction of the law now under consideration as correct. 
On the contrary accept the theory which interprets the law to be, that 
all ranks conferred in any Subordinate Lodge by the Grand Chancellor 
and Grand Lodge associate officers or even appointees -pro. ton., shall 
be construed as work done by, in and for such Subordinate Lodge, by 



COMMON LAW. 157 

officers legally qualified to do the same, and all difficulty disappears. 
The Knight so made at once becomes a member of the Subordinate 
Lodge in which such ranks are so conferred, the record thereof properly 
appears on the Journal of such Subordinate Lodge, and the full legal fee 
passes into its Exchequer subject only to the Grand Lodge tax of $3. 

5th. That a Lodge must be instituted before the officers can be in- 
stalled, it seeming clear that the Lodge creates the offices and the 
officers, and not the officers the Lodge. I fail to see how it would be pos- 
sible to install the officers of a Lodge having no existence. 

Applying the existing legislation and the principles appearing rea- 
sonably «o be deducted therefrom as just set forth, to the facts in this 
case I find the result to which I am led to be as follows: 

That a petition in due and legal form, signed both by members of the 
Order, and profanes asking that there be granted to thern a Warrant of 
Dispensation for the institution of a Lodge of our Order, to be known 
as Friendship Lodge, K. of P., U. D., to be located in North Platte in 
this Grand Jurisdiction, and inclosing the legal fee of $25, was received 
b»y me some time in December, 1875, P. P. the XI. That after due and 
proper investigation, the Warrant of Dispensation as prayed for was 
duly granted and issued by me to said petitioners. 

That on or about the 27th day of December, A. D. 1875, P. P. the 
XI, I proceeded to North Platte aforesaid, where, aided by my associate 
Grand Lodge Officers, both actual and appointed by me to act pro. tern, 
as such, as also such of the petitioners before alluded to, as were members 
of the Order, I did first then and there institute Frendship Lodge U. _D„ 
K. of P., and duly declared the same instituted JJ. D., by official procla- 
mation, the chairs of such duly instituted Lodge being occupied by my- 
self and appointees pro. tern. That said Frendship Lodge U. D., being- 
open in the Knight's rank, and'it being ascertained that there were not 
a sufficient number of the petitioners members of the Order and Lodge 
to fill the chairs of its officers, I did then and there, in and for said 
Friendship Lodge U. D., and previous to installing its officers, and aided 
by the officers pro. tern, above alluded to, confer the three ranks of the 
Order, on such of the petitioners not members of the Order and then in 
waiting, as had been duly elected to become members of said Friend- 
ship Lodge U. D., being in number twelve or thereabouts. That the 
minimum fee of $15 for each and every Knight so made, should have 
been, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, was collected by and 
lodged in the Exchequer of said Frendship Lodge, U. D. 

That lastly, I duly installed the officers elect of said Frendship Lodge 
U. D. That the Constitution of this Grand Lodge accords to its Exche- 
quer a tax of one dollar on every rank of the Order conferred in every 
Subordinate Lodge, or the sum of three dollars for every Knight receiv- 
ing his three ranks in this Grand Jurisdiction. That said Frendship 
Lodge has received, or ought to have received, fifteen dollars for every 
member on*whom I therein conferred the three ranks as above described, 
and as the law declares that every such fee bears with it in whatever 
Subordinate Lodge Exchequer it may be received, an accompanying 
liability to the Grand Lodge of a rank tax of $3 ; therefore the demand 
of the Grand K. of Pv. and S. for a corrected report, showing rank tax 
due this Grand Lodge is just and legal. 



158 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

That the claim, that the payment of the Dispensation fee of $25, and 
expenses of the Grand Lodge Officers, entitle them to receive the ranks 
of the Order for their uninitiated petitioners free of rank tax, is not sub- 
stantiated by law, and is therefore void. 

That the claim, that the ranks of the Order conferred by me as herein 
set forth, were not conferred by me in and for Friendship Lodge U. D. 
but by the Grand Lodge, is not substantiated by the facts, as the law de- 
fines their meaning, and is therefore illegal and void. 

That the claim, that Friendship Lodge U. D., had no legal existence 
until after the installation of its officers, is erroneous and void, as my 
first step was to institute said Lodge previous to installation as herein 
set forth. 

It is therefore my decision that the demand of the Grand K. of R. 
and S., for a corrected Semi- Annual Report, for the term ending Decem- 
ber 31st, 1875, P. P. the XL so as to show rank tax due, must forthwith 
be complied with." 

This question went to the Supreme Chancellor, and the Su- 
preme Lodge, where the Grand Chancellor was sustained, he 
having been reversed by the Grand Lodge.* 

That this theory of Grand Chancellor Monell was upheld by 
the Supreme Chancellor in the face of the Law, and the prac- 
tice in other Jurisdictions, is somewhat remarkable. 

In 1873 Supreme Chancellor Berry rendered a decision — 
touching incidentally upon this question, as follows : 

" At the institution of Lodges the members must be initiated, proved 
and charged, the officers elected and installed, the dispensation de- 
livered to their executive officers, after which they can receive applica- 
tion and perform the work usual to a Lodge, but not before." \ 

This fairly implies that the institution of a Lodge is not com- 
plete until all these requisites have been complied with. 

Now the essential conflict in these cases, seems to be this— 
Supreme Chancellor Berry maintains that the Lodge is not a 
Lodge competent to work until the ranks have been conferred 
and the officers installed. When this is done, and so declared, 
it is qualified to do work and, as a matter of course, it assumes 
from that moment all the rights, duties and responsibilities of a 
Lodge. On the other hand, Supreme Chancellor Davis, and 
the Supreme Lodge, by upholding this decision of Grand Chan- 
cellor Monell, maintain that a Lodge is instituted by a simple 
declaration to that effect, by the instituting officer, on taking 
the chair. 

Further comment would seem to be unnecessary, but a glance 
at the practice in some of the other Jurisdictions may not be 
amiss. 

♦Digest Sec. 2237 ; also Neb. Jour. 1 87(3. 42S. tDigest, Sec. 1702. 



COMMON LAW. 159 

In Alabama the following in respect to the organization of 
Lodges is laid down : 

"After the reception of the dispensation and supplies, the regularly- 
appointed District Deputy Grand Chancellor is fully empowered to go 
alone and institute and organize a new Lodge, when it is impossible, or 
he deems it inexpedient to procure the assistance of a full 'Grand Lodge 
of Emergency.' He can proceed by pledging in each rank enough of the 
applicants to allow the working of the ranks in full upon some, or can 
pledge all present in the obligation of each rank. In either case he must 
thoroughly post the Lodgein the rank work, the secret work and general 
law before leaving or declaring the Lodge regularly instituted. When it 
is possible, or deemed expedient, to take with him a 'Grand Lodge of 
Emergency,' (a quorum of Past Chancellors as Knights acting as the rep- 
resentatives of the Grand Lodge,) he shall proceed and, with the assist- 
ance of the brethren, confer the ranks upon the applicants, in the full 
form, as laid down in the Ritual."* 

This theory of the "Grand Lodge of Emergency" is not a new 
one, and it has always been understood, that the ranks con- 
ferred upon applicants, at the institution of a Lodge, were so 
conferred, at the instance, and by the representatives of the 
Grand Lodge, but this theory, Grand Chancellor Monell, seeks 
to controvert, as has been shown. 

It will be observed, that the rule in Alabama, conforms in 
principle to the decision of Supreme Chancellor Berry, and is 
directly opposed to the theory of Grand Chancellor Monell. 

Another illustration of this point is found in the report of 
District Deputy Grand Chancellor J. A. Voorhees, of New 
Jersey. Keferring to the Lodges organized by him, he says : 

"I initiated sixteen persons as Pages, proved as Esquires, ten Pages, 
charged as Knights, ten Esquires, and then instituted Milton Lodge, 
No. 85." 

Again he says : 

"I initiated as Pages, thirty-one persons, proved as Esquires, fifteen 
Pages, charged as Knights, fifteen Esquires, and then instituted Lincoln 
Lodge, No. 36."f 

From this it will be seen, that the District Deputy was lab- 
oring under the impression, that the Lodge was not instituted 
until the ranks had been conferred, and it certainly was not a 
false impression. 

Perhaps the only decision recorded, as in any manner sup- 
porting the decision of Grand Chancellor Monell, is that of 
Pennsylvania, in 1872. The following question was pro- 
pounded to the committee on Law : 

*Ala., 1880, 252, 253. tN. J., 1874, 490. 



160 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

"Can a Grand Lodge officer initiate candidates into a new Lodge be- 
fore the Lodge has been instituted?" 

The decision was as follows : 

"No; it would not be a new Lodge before it was instituted. But 
should persons apply for a charter or dispensation who are not Knights, 
and have no Knight Lodge in their vicinity, in such case, Grand Lodge 
officers would first initiate, and confer the degrees, and institute the 
Lodge, after which, if they had not previously chosen their officers, 
they would proceed with the election of officers, and their installation."* 

This decision, however, proceeds upon the theory, that the 
Grand officers confer the ranks upon the applicants, and not 
that the Lodge confers them ; that the Lodge is not a Lodge 
until it is instituted, and that it is not instituted until the 
ranks are conferred and the officers installed. 

The decision of Grand Chancellor Monell, is entirely without 
the support of recorded authority, and, aside from the appar- 
ent acquiescence of the Supreme Lodge, it is entirely without 
support in Law. 

PAGE. 

160. Rights: Privileges and Liabilities of: The Law in respect 

to this question is becoming better understood, in these later 
years, and the principle involving the rights, privileges and 
liabilities of Pages, are becoming settled and firm. 

These include the right of advancement, at any time, or of 
withdrawal by card ; the right to visit and to benefits, while 
incident to the latter is the liability for dues, and to suspension 
for non-payment thereof; his liability to charges, trial and 
suspension for cause, and perhaps other incidental considera- 
tions which apply with equal force to the Esquire, and which 
will be noticed briefly in their order. 

161. Page: Right of to advancement. On the principle that 
charges may be preferred against Pages, and a trial had 
thereon, it is held that he cannot be disqualified for applying 
for advancement except by steps taken legally to that end.t It 
was also held in Illinois that he could not be thus disqualified 
except by proper ballot or trial and suspension.! Perhaps a 
Lodge cannot take a ballot that would disqualify a Page from 
applying for advancement, unless the ballot was taken pursuant 
to a judgment founded upon trial and conviction. If a Page 
has applied for advancement, a ballot may reject the applica- 

*Pa.. 1872, 382. {Digest Sec. 673, 709, 977. Jill. 1882, 820, 899. 



COMMON LAW. 161 

tion, but to disqualify him for applying, it would seem that there' 
must be charges, trial and sentence.* 

162. Page: May apply for advancement at any time, when; 
Unless then, the Page has been legally disqualified, he may 
apply for advancement at any time.f In this connection 
however, we note an extraordinary opinion of the Committee 
on Law in Indiana. An applicant for membership had re- 
ceived the rank of Page in 1873 ; before applying for advance- 
ment he removed from the jurisdiction of the Lodge, and 
nearly six years elapsed before anything further was heard of 
him, when the Lodge in which he was initiated, received a re- 
quest from a sister Lodge for the privilege of conferring the 
the remaining ranks on the Page. 

The Lodge, at a loss what to do in the premises, applied to 
the Grand Lodge, and the committee on law took the matter 
under consideration, and submitted the following report : 

"As the brother wholly failed for nearly six years, to proceed any 
further than the Page rank, it is to be presumed that he had abandoned 
the Order, and so, as a consequence of such action, has no standing in 
the Order, and hence, if he should desire to get into the Order, he should 
go in, in the regular way, by petition, and election, in a Lodge of our 
Order nearest his place of residence, making the necessary explanation 
of his former action, and hence, no consent of the Lodge, in which he 
obtained the Page rank, for such action is necessary. "J 

It does not appear that this report of the committee was 
either adopted or rejected, its appearance in the record, raises 
the presumption that it was adopted. The Lodge which asked 
the Grand Lodge for guidance in this matter, did so for the 
reason that it had been "unable to find any law or decision to 
guide us," The Supreme Lodge Digest was published two years 
before this opinion of the committee was written, and yet the 
Lodge was unable to find the decision of the Supreme Lodge, 
rendered in 1875, relative to the rights of Pages to receive the 
ranks in another Lodge. || This matter arose in Indiana, in 
1878, the very year in which the Supreme Lodge— extending 
the principle, decided in 1876 — held, that Pages and Esquires 
were entitled to withdrawal cards. § Neither this Indiana 
Lodge, nor the committee on Law of the Grand Lodge, it seems, 
knew of the decision of the Supreme Lodge in 1876, in respect 
to the right of Pages to the ranks, after a lapse of years.^f 

*This question is further discussed under title Admission; Expo., Sec. 29. 
fDigest Sec. 971. Jlnd., 1879, 134-5. IIDigeat, Sec. 1968. §Digest, Sec. 1969, 
1973. ITDigest, Sec. 2213. 

11 



162 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

This decision indirectly held, that it was a matter for local 
legislation. In view of all these decisions, rendered before 
the question arose in Indiana, this opinion of the committee 
is the more remarkable. These decisions were rendered for 
the special guidance of Lodges in such cases, and, while the 
Grand Lodges may legislate concerning the matter as they 
may see fit, principle and precedent, long ago, fixed the status 
of Pages and Esquires, under all these conditions, so that, 
there was no excuse for this extraordinary opinion of the com- 
mittee of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. 

163* Page: Ballot for Advancement of: Construction of Con- 
stitution: There has been not a little misapprehension, as well 
a misconstruction of law, in respect to this question. A re- 
ference to a decision of Grand Chancellor Carnahan, of Indi- 
ania, will illustrate the point. The following questions were 
propounded to him. 

"In the event of an applicant, in a Lodge of Indiana, of a Page or an 
Esquire, for advancement, receiving one or more black-balls, shall the 
application lie over one month, or one week?" 

"Are either our Grand or Subordinate Lodge Laws on the forgoing 
subject in contravention or conflict with the Supreme Lodge Constitu- 
tion?" 

The Grand Chancellor held : 

"That in such a case, should one black ball appear on the first ballot 
the ballot should be renewed immediatly; should one or more appear 
on the second ballot, he should be declared rejected and no other ballot 
shall be had for the period of six months thereafter. Section 10, Article 
VIII. and Article XIII., Supreme Lodge Constitution. 

As to whether the Laws of Indiana are in conflict with the 
Supreme Lodge Constitution, he says : 

"Under existing Constitution of Supreme Lodge it is my opinion that 
so much of Section 11, Article IV., Grand Lodge Constitution, as 
provides that a ballot may be renewed should a black ball appear on the 
second ballot, in one month thereafter, is inoperative, and that, should 
an applicant receive one or more black balls on the second ballot, that 
then he musthe declared rejected and the ballot cannot be renewed for 
six months thereafter."* 

The Grand Chancellor cites for his authority the Constitu- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge. It is quite plain however, that he 
is in error in this, and that the provisions of the Consti- 
tution referred to, do not support him in this position. The 
paragraph of Article VIII. cited, refers simply to candidates 
for initiation. 

*Ind. 1881, 15, C3. 



COMMON LAW. 163 

The Constitution nowhere attempts to regulate the ballot for 
the advancement of Pages and Esquires, and, that this is the 
general understanding, and interpretation placed upon it, is in- 
ferred from the legislation of the Grand Lodge on this subject. 
The Constitution of Indiana, referred to by the Grand Chancel- 
lor, regulates the ballot for advancement and is similiar to the 
constitutional provision in perhaps every Jurisdiction. Grand 
Lodges have always legislated upon this subject, and it being 
a matter peculiarly within their province, it cannot be said to 
be a violation of the Supreme Lodge Constitution as contem- 
plated by Article XIII, referred to by the Grand Chancellor. 
This provision in Indiana is not even so liberal as that of some 
other Jurisdictions. 

In Pennsylvania an applicant is elected if not more than two 
black balls appear on first ballot. If three appear the ballot is 
renewed ; if they appear on second ballot, the applicant is re- 
jected for six months.* It cannot be held that this is in con- 
flict with supreme Law. 

While we do not approve of the policy which leaves the gate- 
way open for these conflicts on general principles, nevertheless 
in the present state of the Law, there is no help for it, and until 
our "Common Law" shall be universal and its principles fixed 
and determined, these conflicts will continue to mar the har- 
mony of our otherwise consistent Jurisprudence. 

164. Page: Right to Withdrawal Card: Although Rejected for ad- 
vancement: Since the Supreme Lodge has established the fact 
that Pages are entitled to withdrawal-cards, as other members, 
upon application, there can be no controversy on that point. 
It has been held, further, however, that the right to withdraw- 
al-card is not forfeited even when the Page has been rejected 
for advancement.! This seems to be sound in principle, 
and perhaps, no valid objection could be urged against it. As 
it has been well said, a rejected Page may find a Lodge willing 
to accept him, in which case it should be permitted to do so. 

165. Page: Right of to Benefits: It has been shown that the 
authorities clearly negative the right of a Page to benefits, I 
and these perhaps, accord with the theory of the Law in re- 
spect to the duties of Pages, under their peculiar condition of 
membership, but inasmuch as the theory of the Law is ig- 
nored and set aside in many of the Jurisdictions, it cannot be 

*Const. Sub. Lodges Pa. Sec. 3, Art xii. till. 1880, 521, 546. JExpo. Sec. 62, 
Benefits. 



164 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

said that this denial of benefits in such Jurisdictions is equita- 
ble or just. 

166. Page: Liability of for Dues: On this question there is a 
great lack of uniformity, as well as a great diversity of opin- 
ion. It is the practice in some Jurisdictions to impose this 
liability upon Pages and Esquires, and to subject them to the 
same penalties, for non-payment, to whith other members are 
subjected. 

Notwithstanding this practice is an early one, this fact does 
not lend it force of reason, especially when these members are 
denied the advantages of membership, including the right to 
benefits. This question is fully discussed, and the authorities 
collated under the title "Dues."* 

167. Page: Right of to Attend Lodge and to Visit: Considering the 
present generally accepted views on this subject, and the sup- 
port of the authorities, it is perhaps unnecessary to dwell upon 
it at any length. 

It is universally conceded that Pages and Esquires may at- 
tend their Lodges, when the same are open for work in the rank 
which they have attained, and this is so, even where they have 
been barred advancement. They, of course, have not the 
Semi- Annual Pass Word, but they may be admitted on the 
order of the Chancellor Commander.! 

168. Page: Subject to Charges and Trial: Charges may be 
preferred against Pages and Esquires, the same as other mem- 
bers, and they may be tried and subjected to the same pen- 
alties. In this way, their right to apply for advancement, 
may be forfeited, and their progress barred. + 

169. Page: Subject to Suspension: The question as to the 
right of a Subordinate Lodge to suspend Pages and Esquires, 
who refuse to apply for advancemet, or who, from any cause, 
became amenable to the penal laws of the Lodge, was a matter 
of controversy, until 1884, if indeed it is not yet so. 

However, the Supreme Lodge attempted to settle it by ex- 
pressly declaring the right to be in the Grand Lodges. That 
the Journal of 1884 does not show the action taken, is not con- 
clusive, that the action was not in fact taken. This question is 
more fully discussed, however, under the title " Suspension." || 

170. Page: Liability of Lodge for Per Capita Tax on: The ques- 
tion as to whether a Lodge is liable for the per capita tax on 

:i Expo. Sec. 100; also Digest Sec. I960. tDigest Sec 903, 1989. jExpo. ante, 
Sec. 101 et seq. ||Expo. Sec. 213. 



COMMON LAW. 165 

its Pages and Esquires, has been discussed under the title 
"Taxation," It may be only necessary to remark here, that 
the more reasonable view seems to negative such liability, not- 
withstanding the late decision of Supreme Chancellor Linton.* 

PAST OFFICIAL BANK. 

171. Incongruities of Legislation: It was Supreme Chancellor 
Berry, who first took occasion to discuss elaborately, and to 
decide peculiarly, in respect to the rights and privileges of 
past officers, in connection with their past official rank, and to 
discover, what he was inclined to designate, an "incongruity in 
legislation."! The importance of the legislation in respect to 
this matter, as denning the rights of past officers by service, 
and by creation, will be recognized at once. Much of the leg- 
islation of the Supreme Lodge, in the early years, was confin- 
ed to this question, in some of its various phases, and while, 
perhaps, there may have been some "incongruities" of leg- 
islation, the Law may be said to be fairly settled now, as to 
the rights of retiring officers to their past rank. The question, 
however, is not entirely free from doubt. 

172. Past Official Rank : Of the Past Chancellor and Past Grand 
Chancellor : The Supreme Lodge, in 1872, established this 
rule : That a retiring Chancellor Commander may wear a Past 
Chancellor's collar in the Lodge room, but that he was not a 
Past Chancellor in full until he had been obligated as such.t 

At first glance, there does not appear to be anything incon- 
sistent in this. In fact it had been, and is now generally con- 
ceded, that a retiring Chancellor Commander, although recog- 
nized as a Past Chancellor, is not, in fact, a Past Chancellor 
until he has received the rank which clothes him with all the 
honors of Past official service, and this can only be conferred 
by the Grand Lodge. By his passing the chair he becomes 
entitled to the rank, and during the time intervening between 
his service and the session of the Grand Lodge, he wears the 
jewel of a Past Chancellor, by virtue of his right thereto by 
service. 

Apparently this is the full extent of the decision of Supreme 
Chancellor Read, but a great deal more has been made of it, 
and it has resulted perniciously, as will be seen. On the prin- 
ciple of this ruling, there should be no difference maintained in 

. : . ■ 

*Expo. Sec 225, also Digest Sec. 2,019. IS. L. Jour., 1874, 845. JDigest, 
Sec. 584 and note. 



166 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

respect to the right of a retiring Grand Chancellor to his past 
official rank, acquired by service. In both cases it is the same. 
Nevertheless, in 1873,* the same body declared that a retiring 
Grand Chancellor became a Past Grand Chancellor by virtue of 
service in office. It may be remarked here that the committee, 
to whom the question was referred, was not disposed to com- 
mit the Supreme Lodge to a complete endorsement of the doc- 
trine disclosed by the question. The question was this : 

"At the installation of Grand Lodge officers, does not the retiring 
Grand Chancellor become the V. G. P. and pass to the rank of Past 
Grand Chancellor, by virtue of service in office, though he be not present 
at the time of the installation of his successor?" 

The Committee simply say : 

"That each V. G. P. is by virtue of his office a Past Grand Chancellor." 

It is a matter of remark that the Supreme Lodge so late as 
1873 should have been called upon to give positive expression 
to this self-evident fact, and yet it seems to have been necessary, 
for the questions which called forth the annunciations, had 
given rise to much comment, and elaborate opinion from the 
highest executive officer in the Order. It was contended that a 
distinction was made here, in respect to the status of the two 
retiring officers, which was in fact, the case, as will be seen 
from an examination of the two decisions. The effect of the 
decision of Supreme Chancellor Kead was that a retiring 
Chancellor Commander might, after the installation of his 
successor, be recognized as a Past Chancellor, wear the jewel, 
and occupy the chair of that officer in the Lodge room, but 
was not eligible to the office of Grand Representative, and the 
Lodge could not elect him to that office until he had been 
obligated and received the rank of Past Chancellor in the Grand 
Lodge. It meant all this, and Supreme Chancellor Berry, so 
construed it, both as Grand Chancellor of his State, (Illinois) 
and as Supreme Chancellor, giving an elaborate opinion as to 
the wisdom, not to say expediency, of the holding. Supreme 
Chancellor Berry even went further and held that both a re- 
tiring Grand Chancellor and Chancellor, Commander must 
actually be present at the installation, and be officially inducted 
into their respective offices and serve a full term there or they 
would not be entitled to any of the rights of a past officer. t 
To say the least of it, this was administering a questionable 
doctrine to the utmost confines of reason and justice, but it 

♦Digest, Sec. 1856. +S. L. Jour. 1874, 845. 



COMMON LAW. 167 

r stood as the Law until 1875. It was then, that the question 
arose as to whether, in fact, the principle of the rule in respect 
to retiring Chancellor Commanders, would or should apply with 
equal force to a retiring Grand Chancellor. In the mean time 
Supreme Chancellor Davis, who succeeded Supreme Chancellor 
Berry, had attempted to enforce the latter's decisions, because 
the Supreme Lodge had not reversed them, but he did so 
apparently much against his conviction, and with the frank 
admission that he believed they had been disregarded. The 
manner in which he forced this upon the attention of the 
Supreme Lodge elicited decisive action, and thus settled the 
Law as to the rights of a retiring Grand Chancellor to his past 
official rank, and his eligibility to the office of Supreme repre- 
sentative.* 

By this action the decision of Supreme Chancellor Berry was 
completely overturned, so far as it related to Past Grand Chan- 
cellor, but, so far as positive action is concerned, the force of 
the decision in respect to Past Chancellor's was left unbroken. 
Upon what principle of reason these can be reconciled, it is 
difficult to determine- It may be safe to assert, however, that 
the latter question has been firmly settled by the practice of 
the various Jurisdictions, if not by indirect legislation of the 
Supreme Lodge itself. It has been frequently held that the 
creation of Past Chancellors was a matter for local legislation.! 
In 1877 the Supreme Lodge held that where the records failed 
to show that a Chancellor Commandor-elect, had been install- 
ed, if in fact, he had been, and had served his term, he was entit- 
led to his rank as Past Chancellor, J It has -also been held that 
it is clearly within the province of a Grand Lodge to confer 
the rank of Past Chancellor upon all such candidates for the 
rank as may be recommended to it by the Subordinate 
Lodges. || It will be seen from this that the Supreme Lodge 
has virtually receded from the position taken in 1872, and has 
left it entirely to the Grand Lodges to say upon whom, and for 
what reasons they shall confer the rank of Past Chancellor. 
In view of this, it would be extremely difficult for the Supreme 
Lodge to attempt to enforce a contrary rule. That a retiring 
Chancellor Commander is eligible to the office of Grand Ee- 
presentative after the installation of his successor, and before 
his obligation as a Past Chancellor, is supported by the weight 

*Di«est Sees. 1336, 1853. tDigest Sees. 1903-4. {Digest Sec. 585. IIDigest 
Sec. 1924. 



168 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

of authority, and is too well settled to be any longer a 
mooted question.* 

PAST GRAND CHANCELLOR. 

173. Eligibility of to Office of Supreme Representative: The 

Law and practice in respect to the eligibility of the retiring 
Grand Chancellor to the office of Supreme Eepresentative, — as 
shown in the preceding section — are founded upon the same 
principle as that defining the eligibility of the retiring Chan- 
cellor Commander to the office of Grand Eepresentative, and 
the question is well settled. 

The Grand Chancellor of Delaware in 1876 held, that he was 
eligible to the office of Supreme Eepresentative, before the in- 
stallation of his successor, t It may be unnecessary to say 
that this ruling is not borne out by the Law. 

The retiring Grand Chancellor is not thus eligible, until after 
the installation of his successor, or if he is re-elected, then 
after his own installation. 

In 1882 the Supreme Lodge re-affirmed its decisions of 1874 
and 1875,by holding that a Grand Chancellor is eligible to the 
office of Supreme Eepresentative after the installation of his 
successor, + so that those decisions, found in the earlier years 
denying his eligibility until after his obligation as Past Grand 
Chancellor, in the Supreme Lodge, have been effectually neg- 
atived, thus putting an end to all controversy on this point.!! 

174. Past Grand Chancellor: Rights and Privileges of in Grand 
Lodge: The rights and privileges of a Past Grand Chancellor 
in his own Grand Lodge, are matters more of practice, policy 
or judgment, than of Pythian Law, and so are of no special 
interest, excepting in so far as they evidence the non-conform- 
ity of procedure in the various Grand Lodges. 

In some Jurisdictions where the representative system is 
practiced, they are denied all the privileges of the floor. In 
others, they are denied the right of speaking and of voting, ex- 
cept by permission. § In still others they are not only allowed 
to speak and vote, but to receive mileage and per diem for at- 
tending the session the same as officers and representatives.^" 

In 1873 the Grand Chancellor of New York ruled, on a question 
propounded, that a created Past Grand Chancellor, who had not 
yet received the rank was entitled to vote in the Grand Lodge. 

♦Digest Sec, 1356. +Del. 1876,65,66. tDigest Sees, 1336, 1853. ||Expo. Sec. 172. 
SUL 1882, 783. UConst. Neb. 1883. Sec. 39. 



COMMON LAW. 169 

This decision was first overruled, but afterward reconsidered 
and affirmed.* So that, at this time, it would seem that Past 
Grand Chancellors in New York, could vote in the Grand Lodge, 
the question of his having been obligated as such, being im- 
material as affecting his right. 

On this question the Grand Lodges have a precedent in the 
practice of the Supreme Lodge. Past Supreme Chancellors 
have the right to discuss any question, and Past Grand Chan- 
cellors, while sitting in the Supreme Lodge, may speak with 
permission, but neither have the right, nor can they be permit- 
ted to vote.t 

As before stated, these are matters of practice, but there 
would seem to be no good reason why, either the Supreme or 
Grand Lodges, should distrust their past officers, as this prac- 
tice seems to imply. On the other hand, it is suggested, that 
the better policy would be, to lend every inducement to them 
to attend the session and to contribute to its deliberations the 
result of their experience in the field of actual labor. 

175. Past Grand Chancellor: Creation Of Restricted: The law 
as to the creation of Past Grand Chancellors is now so well set- 
tled that it presents no phases susceptible of misconstruction. 
As the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge over the creation of 
Past Chancellors, is local and absolute,! so is the jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge over the creation of its Past Grand Chan- 
cellors, and it has very properly reserved to itself the right to 
say Jiow, and in what manner, they shall be created. 

There are but three channels open to the creation of Past 
Grand Chancellor, and they are : first, by service as Grand 
Chancellor ; second, service as District Deputy Grand Chan- 
cellor for German Lodges ; and third, by election at the insti- 
tution of a new Grand Lodge. || 

Notwithstanding the positive declaration of the Constitution 
and the conformatory legislation of the Supreme Lodge had in 
this connection, the Grand Lodge of Colorado in 1883, created 
a Past Grand Chancellor by resolution. This was a case 
where, the recipient of the proposed honor, had been District 
Deputy Grand Chancellor for one German Lodge for three con- 
secutive years. § 

The honor conferred in this instance must necessarily be an 

*N. Y. 1873, 14, 25. tConst. S. L., Art. II. Sees. 2, 3, app. jSee following Sec- 
tion. HDigest Sec. 1846, also, S. "L. Const. Art. xxi app. §Colo. 1883, 156. For ob- 
servation on the Law respecting the sitting Past Grand Chancellor, see Expo., Sec. 197. 



170 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

empty one in view of the determined stand taken by the 
Supreme Lodge in this matter. 

PAST CHANCELLOB. 

176. The Law in Respect to the Creation Of : The matter of 
the creation of Past Chancellors, in so far as it involves the 
right and the source of power to create, has given rise to some 
remarkable opinions, as well as some equally remarkable legis- 
lation. 

The proposition has been denied by the Supreme Lodge itself, 
but it is none the less true that, under certain circumstances, 
Lodges may create Past Chancellors, and, aside from a question 
of policy or expediency, Grand Lodges are not restricted in the 
conferring of the rank. This is certainly the practice, *as well 
as the Law, in many Jurisdictions. A glance at the decision 
will more fully exemplify the position here taken. 

In 1872 the Grand Lodge of Missouri held that a member, 
who had been elected to the office of Chancellor Commander, 
but before installation resigned, and was thereupon created a 
Past Chancellor to fill a vacancy in the original number of Past 
Chancellors, was entitled to the rank and to sit in the Grand 
Lodge.* The compiler of the Missouri Digest, an eminent 
Pythian jurist, takes occasion to comment on this decision and 
says, in a note : 

" The foregoing is bad law, and has been frequently reversed. A 
Lodge cannot elect a Past Chancellor."! 

The same Grand Lodge, two year's later, virtually overruled 
its former decision, by holding to the view advanced by Brother 
Cowan, that "a Lodge cannot elect a Past Chancellor."! 

If the law of Missouri expressly prohibited the creation of 
Past Chancellors, then this latter decision was correct. But 
in support of it the compiler of the Missouri Digest cites a ref- 
erence to the Supreme Lodge proceedings which, upon exami- 
nation, fails to bear out the construction placed upon it. It 
seems to present the following facts. 

The Grand Lodge of California adopted a recommendation of 
the Grand Chancellor to the effect that, when a Lodge re-elect- 
ed a Chancellor Commander, it shall have the right to elect 
one of its number upon whom the rank of Past Chancellor shall 
be confered.|| An appeal from the action of the Grand Lodge 

*Mo. 1872, 30. f Cowan's Dig. of Mo., p. 16, Note. JMo. 1874, 96, Mo. Dig. 
Sec. 95. ||S. L. Jour. 1874. 927. 



COMMON LAW. 171 

was sustained, the committee on appeals, giving as a reason 
that : 

"Subordinate Lodges have not the right to elect a Past Chancellor, 
said power belonging to the Grand Lodge" 

A mere glance at this decision, at once discloses its utter 
fallacy, yet it was upon this that the Grand Lodge of Missouri 
reversed its former decision, which was in all respects in accord 
with the Law and present practice. Subsequent legislation of 
the Supreme Lodge has virtually overruled this decision of 1874. 

The fact is, no Grand Lodge has ever yet elected a Past 
Chancellor. It could not elect one if it desired to do so. By 
what process could it effect the election of a Past Chancellor ? 
Certainly it could not operate upon its own members, because 
they are already in possession of the rank, it could not go into 
a Subordinate Lodge and attempt to exercise such right. 

Eminent jurists have confounded elementary principles. The 
right to confer the rank, and the right to recomend, nominate 
or elect to receive it, are two separate and distinct rights, to 
be exercised by two separate and distinct bodies. The Subor- 
dinate Lodge, having immediate jurisdiction over the individ- 
ual members, is the proper tribunal in which to elect a mem- 
ber to be presented to the Grand Lodge for the rank of Past 
Chancellor. The Supreme Lodge has held that Grand Lodges 
may, and they have the authority to confer the rank of Past 
Chancellor without restriction, and on whomever the Lodge 
may recommend to it.* 

It is quite possible that the Supreme Lodge, as well as the 
Grand Lodge of Missouri, and the compiler of its Digest, over- 
looked the decision of 1873 on this subject. A resolution was 
introduced authorizing Lodges to elect a Knight from the floor 
to receive the rank of Past Chancellor in cases where the Chan- 
cellor Commander is re-elected, or a Past Chancellor is elected 
to the office of Chancellor Commander. On this the commitee 
on Law report that : 

"It is a matter of local legislation. "f 

The effect of this is, that Grand Lodges may say, whether or 
not, Subordinate Lodges may elect members to receive the rank 
of Past Chancellor. This is a reasonable, rational and a sensible 
rule, and it is precisely what California sought to do, but which 
was overruled by the committee on appeals as above shown. 

*Digest Sec. 1924. tDigest Sec, 1535. 



172 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

This rule of 1873 has not been repealed, directly by any sub- 
ordinate legislation, and may therefore be taken not only as 
the Law, but as good law on this subject. 

177. Past Chancellor: Creation of: The Law Concerning furth- 
er Considered : It does not seem possible that there can be any 
doubt as to the effect of the legislation of 1873, above referred 
to. It is susceptible of but one interpretation. 

There, it was proposed that the Supreme Lodge regulate the 
matter of the creation of Past Chancellors, but it was deter- 
minedto be a jurisdictional question, and one entirely without 
the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. Under this the Su- 
preme Lodge has denied to itself the right to say even how 
Grand Lodges shall make, or authorize the making, of Past 
Chancellors. It cannot say that Grand Lodges must make, or 
that Subordinate Lodges cannot make Past Chancellors. The 
action of 1873, plainly and expressly delegates to Grand Lodges 
the right to say how Past Chancellors shall be made. So that, 
it will be seen, that the ruling in the California case in 1874 
was made under misapprehension, and enunciates what the 
Supreme Lodge never intended to say. 

The effect of the decision of 1873 was to give Grand Lodges 
the right to authorize Subordinate Lodges to create Past Chan- 
cellors and recommend them for the rank, and now after vest- 
ing, or rather confirming this right in the Grand Lodges, it is 
contended that, at the very next session, they were divested, or 
at least restricted in the exercise of it ; that is to say, in 1874, 
in adopting the personal views of a committee, the Supreme 
Lodge said to the Grand Lodges, you have no right to permit 
Lodges to create Past Chancellors, or recommend them to you 
for the rank, you must create them yourselves. It is not admit- 
ted, however, that the Supreme Lodge attempted to do any- 
thing of the kind. A misconstruction of the Law by the com- 
mittee on appeals in the California case, has made the Supreme 
Lodge say what it did not intend to say, while the whole course 
of subsequent legislation, (except the same error repeated in 
1880), has been to the effect, that, the creation of Past Chan- 
cellors is a local subject, and that Grand Lodges may provide 
therefor as they see proper. 

178. Past Chancellor: CreationOf: The Errorof 1880 Considered: 
In 1883 the Grand Lodge of Illinois denied to itself the right to 
authorize its Subordinate Lodges to create Past Chancellors. 



COMMON LAW. 173 

This is characterized as an absolute misapprehension and mis- 
construction of the legislation of the Supreme, Lodge, It was 
proposed in the Grand Lodge of Illinois to amend the Subord- 
inate Lodge constitution, so as to permit Lodges to create a 
Past Chancellor at the close of the term of a Past Chancellor 
who had been elected Chancellor Commander, or at the close 
of the second term of a Chancellor Commander. The commit- 
tee on Law reported adversely on the ground that : 

"The Supreme Lodge having repeatedly decided that it was improper 
for Grand Lodges to give to Subordinate Lodges the power of creating 
Past Chancellors, that power "belonging alone to Grand Lodges."* 

The first issue to be taken with this is a denial of the main 
fact. The Supreme Lodqe has never decided that it was improper 
for Grand Lodges to give to Subordinate Lodges the power of 
creating Past Chancellors. Nowhere in the history of its 
legislation can such a construction be placed upon anything it 
has ever enacted in respect to this question, with the single 
exception of the action of 1880, which it is now proposed to 
consider. The action of the Illinois Grand Lodge, is undoubt- 
edly based upon the legislation of the Supreme Lodge in 1880, 
touching this question. Not that the Supreme has decided 
it "repeatedly," but, that the error of 1874 was repeated in 
1880, which can be attributed only to inconsiderate action on a 
report founded in misapprehension of the Law. 

The Committee on Law of the Supreme Lodge at this session, 
numbered among its members some of the ablest jurists of that 
body, and their report on this question is worthy of notice. 

Having under consideration the Constitution of Iowa, they 
recommend the striking out of Section 3, Article XIII, and say : 

"This Supreme Lodge has already, in the case of appeal from Califor- 
nia, (845 of 1874) decided that it was improper for Grand Lodges to give 
to Subordinates the power of electing Past Chancellors, that power be- 
longing alone to Grand Lodges." 

There is evidently an error in the above reference. The case 
from California referred to is undoubtedly the one reported on 
page 927 of the Journal of 1874, and is the case referred to and 
considered in the previous section. 

It will be noticed that the committee of the Illinois Grand 
Lodge has adopted, almost verbatim, the language used by the 
Supreme Lodge committee, and it has been shown that the Su- 
preme Lodge did not go to the extent claimed by these opinions. 

*IU. 1883, 1015, 1034. 



174 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Another significant fact also appears. The action of 1880 is 
not a reaffirmation, so to speak, of any decided principle. The 
committee say that inasmuch as this Supreme Lodge did hold, 
in the California, case, etc., therefore we recommend the strik- 
ing out of this section. So it will be observed that no new facts 
were presented, to induce a positive expression, and the Supreme 
Lodge relying, as it was justified in doing, upon what the com- 
mittee reported as a fact, when the truth is, it was not a fact, 
and the Supreme Lodge was thereby misled, innocently, of 
course, but none the less egregiously. 

Instead, then, of having a repetition of this holding, we have, 
in fact, but the one decision, that in the case from California, 
in 1874, and in that case the exact words of the committee are : 

" Your committee hold that the Subordinate Lodges have not the right 
to elect a Past Chancellor, said power belonging to the Grand Lodges." 

Admitting it to be true, all that can be claimed for this re- 
port, what is the effect of it? It may be readily admitted 
that the right is not inherent in the Lodge, and that it does not 
exist except by express authority. It may also be admitted 
that this power belongs only to the Grand Lodges, so that 
there is nothing wrong with the decision after all. There is 
absolutely nothing in it to warrant the assumption that Grand 
Lodges cannot delegate the power. This decision, with the 
previous and subsequent legislation, places the power entirely 
in the hands of the Grand Lodges and the inference even, can 
not be reasonably drawn therefrom, that the Supreme Lodge 
intended after having declared it to be a matter for local legis- 
lation, to restrict the Grand Lodges in the exercise of the 
power. Had the Supreme Lodge attempted to thus restrict 
the Grand Lodges ; that is, to say to them, you may make 
Past Chancellors, but you cannot authorize your Lodges to 
recommend to you suitable persons under given circumstances, 
on whom to confer the rank; had the Supreme Lodge thus 
attempted to interfere with the jurisdiction of the Grand 
Lodges over their membership, it would have been an exercise 
of power not reserved under the Constitution, and hence a 
usurpation. But the question of power in the Supreme Lodge 
to control the creation of Past Chancellors, is not in issue, 
inasmuch as a direct exercise of it, has not been attempted by 
that body. 

It must be conceded that both the Grand Lodges of Illinois, 



COMMON LAW. 175 

and Missouri, were in error as to their construction of the Law 
laid down in the California case. All that California proposed 
to do was, to authorize its subordinates, under certain restric- 
tions, to present to it the name of a Knight upon whom it 
would confer the rank of Past Chancellor, and this was all 
that was proposed by the section of the Iowa law, stricken out 
in 1880. That the Grand Lodges have this right, must be 
considered the Law, as it is undoubtedly the practice, and the 
legislation of the Supreme Lodge fully bears out the construc- 
tion. Grand Lodges construing the legislation have accepted 
this as a local matter, and with some exceptions, perhaps, 
have provided in their laws for the creation of Past Chan- 
cellors.* 

It is quite true that Grand Lodges may prohibit the creation 
of Past Chancellors, by express constitutional enactment, or 
may permit it with, or without restriction. 

The Grand Chancellor of Tennessee held that a Lodge had 
k no right to elect a Past Chancellor from the floor except by 
[authority of the Grand Lodge. This seems to be the correct 
rule.t 

Thus it will be seen that the election of any member, to re- 
ceive the rank of Past Chancellor, is an exercise of power, which, 
if not inherent, may be granted to the Subordinate Lodges, 
and that to the Grand Lodge is reserved the right, at its option 
confer the rank or not, as it may will, 

It is also true, that Grand Lodges may and have conferred the 
rank on members, who have not been elected or otherwise created 
Past Chancellors. It has been conferred perhaps too frequently 
for meritorious services.! 

In Maryland, it seems, there is no law by which a Knight can 
be made a Past Chancellor, except by service. || 

The law of Alabama permits the creation of Past Chancellors 
but the rule under this Jurisdiction is discussed under the title 
'• Sitting Past Chancellor," which see.§ 

179. Past Chancellor: Entitled to Certificate Without Service 
When: Under the title Past Official Rank,^ will be found a dis- 
cussion of this question, so that a brief reference to it here will 
suffice. As late as 1883, and in face of the decision to the con- 
trary the Grand Chancellor of Texas ruled, that : 

♦Const. Sub. Lodges Neb., Sec. 18. fDigest Sec. 1901. tSee Criticism of Com. 
on For. Cor. of Kan,, on the practice in North Carolina, as to creating P. Cs., Kan. 
Jour. 1882, 26. ||Md. t 1883, 322, 334. £§Expo., Sec. 201. ITExpo. Sec. 171, et. seq. 



176 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

"A retiring Chancellor Commander, who has not been installed as 
Past Chancellor, or filled said chair, is not entitled to his certificate as 
Past Chancellor excepting in the case of the re-election of a Chancellor 

Commander."* 

This principle of our Pythian Law is now firmly settled, and 
it is universally conceded, that it is the service as Chancel- 
lor Commander, or if created, then, the vote creating him, 
which dignities, and clothes him with the right to the title, and 
it is not merely the occupancy of the past official chair, that 
this is not even essential. If the contrary were true, then 
there must, of necessity, be a distinction between Past Chancel- 
lors of service, and by creation, but it has been held that such 
distinction does not exist, nor can any be made, as to their 
rights and privileges. t 

180. Past Chancellor: Eligible to Office of Grand Representative: 
Before Admission to Grand Lodge: It is not proposed to discuss 
the eligibility of a Past Chancellor to the office of Grand Eep- 
resentative, before he has been obligated in the Grand Lodge, 
for two reasons, viz : First — The theory upon which Supreme 
Chancellor Berry proceeded in dealing with this question has, 
as a matter of historical interest, been noticed at length, under 
the title of "Past official Bank," and Secondly — The question 
having been affirmatively determined by the Supreme Lodge. I 
Since the decision of the Supreme Lodge however, there have 
been contrary decisions rendered which seem to demand a pass- 
ing notice. 

Inasmuch as it has been clearly shown that a Past Chancel- 
lor is entitled to his certificate, even though he may not have 
served in the office of sitting Past Chancellor, and, aside from 
the affirmative opinion of the Supreme Lodge, it would seem 
to follow naturally that he is eligible as Grand Eepresentative. 
But mark the distinction made by New Jersey. This Jurisdic- 
tion, as late as 1878, made an attempt to infuse new life into 
the dead doctrine so earnestly, but impractically, contended for 
by Supreme Chancellor Berry. It was held that, even if he has 
served in the office of Sitting Past Chancellor, he is not eligible 
to the office of Grand Eepresentative until he has been obligated 
as Past Chancellor.|] 

In 1882 the Grand Chancellor of Connecticut, laboring under 
the impression that this was still the law, but fully convinced 

*Max. Elser. G. 0., Texas ^883, 59. 60. IDigest Sees., 1391, 1890, 1940. tDi- 
gest. Sec., 1356. ||N. J., 1878, 966. 



COMMON LAW. 177 

of its fallacy, and glaring impracticability, assumed to decide 
the question as dictated by his own sense of right and justice, 
which happened to be strictly in accordance with the supreme 
will, as promulgated in 1875.* 

181. Past Chancellor : Rights of When Not Clothed in Regalia of 
Ranks : A question of perhaps immaterial importance, never- 
theless, it may be well enough to refer to it, inasmuch as there 
has been some diversity of opinion in respect to it. An early 
opinion of Grand Chancellor Pearson, of New Jersey, was to the 
effect that : 

" A Past Chancellor must be clothed in his proper regalia, according 
to his rank and station, to be entitled to the privilege of the floor in his 
own Lodge." f 

Grand Chancellor Brady, of Delaware, four years later, held 
the same.t 

However well supported these may have been in the early 
years of the Order, they certainly lack any substantial founda- 
tion now in our Pythian Law. 

Instances like the following might, and undoubtedly do, exist : 
A Past Chancellor is not the possessor of a private collar or 
jewel ; the Lodge is unable to furnish one ; having outworn the 
old style regalia it finds itself financially incapable of furnish- 
ing its Past Chancellors with jewels. || This is not drawing on 
the imagination, but what is the Past Chancellor to do in such 
case ? Eemain away from his Lodge ? He cannot sit there 
without regalia or jewel; or if he chooses to don the insignia 
of a Knight, must he remain a silent spectator of the proceed- 
ings, in which he may be deeply interested ? 

Denied the "privileges of the floor," simply because he is 
without a Past Chancellor's jewel, and unable to get one? 
This is not justice, neither is it the Law. 

A better rule though somewhat harsh is that enunciated in 
Texas§ when it was held that a Past Chancellor may be 
clothed as a Knight, but while bearing this insignia, is recog- 
nized only as a Knight, but is entitled to every right and 
privilege of such a member. 

Perhaps the more reasonable rule in this respect is that 
declared in Nevada.^ 

It cannot be the Law, as it is certainly not reason, that a 
member having attained exalted rank in the Order, is thereby 

*Conn. 1882, 17. +N. J., July 1870. 117, 140. {Del., 1874, 123, 154. HDigeat, 
Sec. 2074. §Digest Sec. 1937. HDigest Sec. 1938. 

12 



178 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

compelled to obtrude that rank, whatever it may be, upon the 
notice of his brothers whenever he may desire to meet with 
them.* 

As to his right to do so none will question. 

A somewhat different phase of this question is presented in a 
case arising in Pennsylvania. A member of a Lodge who was 
a Past Chancellor announced himself at the inner door, simply 

as brother . He was admitted wearing a jewel, which 

proved to be his official jewel as the Grand Master of Ex- 
chequer. Objection was made, on the ground that he was not 
properly clothed, but they were overruled by the Lodge. On 
appeal to the Grand Lodge several points were raised, upon 
which the committee reported that : 

" The brother should have been clothed and announced himself as 
a Past Chancellor."! 

This was holding that an officer of the Grand Lodge is not 
properly clothed when wearing only his official jewel. In 1880 
the Grand Lodge of Kentucky held to a directly opposite view.! 

Officers of the Lodge, of course, should be clothed in their 
official regalia or jewel, but in Nebraska it was held that if, for 
any reason, the regalia could not be got at, a Lodge need not 
forego a meeting on that account. || 

182. Past Chancellor : Right of to Wear Regalia Before Obliga- 
tion : The early decision of Supreme Chancellor Berry in re- 
spect to the nonentity of a Past Chancellor before obligation, § 
has worked some pernicious effects; among them may be 
noticed the holding in some of the Jurisdictions, denying to a 
Past Chancellor by service, the right to wear the regalia of the 
rank, before his admission into the Grand Lodge. 

In 1873 the Grand Chancellor of Indiana rendered a qualified 
decision on this subject, giving to a Past Chancellor, who had 
served a full term as Chancellor Commander, and who. had 
passed the chair of Past Chancellor on the 1st of January, the 
right to wear the regalia from that date, "in his own or any 
other Lodge." This was modified by the Grand Lodge restrict- 
ing such Past Chancellor in the wearing of the regalia to "his 
own Lodge."!" 

*Digest Sees 2071, 2072. +Pa. Aug 1879, 618, 644. {Kentucky, 1880, 662, 
704. Under the title "Regalia" this question is incidentally touched upon in the dis- 
cussion of the general question, as to the wearing of the Regalia, and the rights and 
privileges of members in that respect. Expo. Sec. 194. || This was decided by a 
recognized authority on Pythian Law, in determining the legality of a meeting, opened 
without regalia, owing to the fact thnt it was locked up. and could not be got at by 
reason of the absence of the janitor.— J. Q. Goss. G.C. Neb., 1871, 80, 90. §Expo. 172. 
Hind, Jan. 1873, 38, 46. 



COMMON LAW. 179 

Possibly some of the other Jurisdictions may have erron- 
eously established this rule. The true rule is, when a Past 
Chancellor, either by service, or by creation, becomes entitled 
to receive the rank, he is from that moment, entitled to all the 
privileges of a Past Chancellor in full, except that of sitting in 
the Grand Lodge, It is the actual conferring of the rank that 
secures him this latter privilege. He is not only entitled to 
wear the regalia, but is eligible to any office in the Subordinate 
Lodge to which a Past Chancellor is eligible. 

There is a contrary rule in Alabama, but it is not supported 
by the weight of authority.* 

183. Past Chancellor: Rank of Conferred only in Grand Lodge: 
It would scarcely seem necessary to advert at any great length 
to this question, especially since the decision of the Grand 
Lodge, holding that the rank is ritualistic, and must be con- 
ferred in the Grand Lodge with its attendant ceremonies. t As 
in a great many more serious questions, ignorance of the Law, 
has given rise to some erroneous decisions on this question. 

The Grand Lodge of Washington Territory in 1884 by mo- 
tion authorized the Grand Chancellor to "confer the Grand 
Lodge rank on a sick brother at his home."! And Ehode 
Island in 1880 actually ordered the conferring of the rank in 
the ante-room, so as to relieve the Grand Lodge of the tedium 
of that business. || utterly disregarding the Law of the Su- 
preme Lodge in this particular. 

184. Past Chancellor: Seniority in Rank, How determined: The 
question of seniority in rank has been a subject of official de- 
cision^ It is referred to here in its connection with the Past 
Chancellor only. The decision was made in Mississippi, and 
owing to the fact that it has been criticsed — perhaps unjustly 
— by an eminent authority, it is noticed here for what value it 
may have as a principle of Pythian Law. 

The committee on foreign correspondence of Illinois, refer to 
this decision, and characterize it as "being neither in accord- 
ance with the Law, nor sound judgement."!" 

This criticism was undoubtedly made without due considera- 
tion of the question in its various bearings. 

The gifted chairman of the Maine committee, takes this criti- 
cism in hand, and says : 

"If there be one thing which more frequently than another, the Su- 
preme Lodge has declared a matter of local legislation, it is the local 

*Expo. Sec. 201. fDigest Sec. 1925 fWash. Ter. 1884, 22. ||R. I. 1880, 23. 
§Digest See., 2563. fill.. 1882, 861- 



180 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

matters pretaining to the Past Chancellor's rank. Hence we repeat 
our criticism, and say, Mississippi was within the Law in her decision, 
as Illinois would also be by making one of opposite effect. The ques- 
tion of 'sound j udgruent', they may argue, and we will be for the present 
lookers on."* 

There could not be a more evenly tempered criticism than 
this, but the action of Mississippi may be defended on a broader 
ground than the mere excuse of the right of ''local legislation." 

That the decision is sound both in judgment and Law, may 
also be demonstrated. Perhaps there is not a corroborating 
decision in the whole range of Pythian Jurisprudence, but un- 
doubtedly the decision can be founded on the Law of Mississ- 
ippi, in fact it seems to be so, from the following provision in 
the Subordinate Lodge Constitution. 

Section 7, Art. I. provides, 

"Every Lodge shall be opened at the appointed time, and in the absence 
of the Chancellor Commander the Vice Chancellor shall preside, and in 
the absence of both, the senior Past Chancellor present, but if no Past 
Chancellor be present, a Knight may be called to the chair by a majority 
of the members present." 

Here it is provided that, in a certain contingency, the senior 
Past Chancellor present, shall preside at the opening of the 
Lodge, hence there must be some way of determining the 
seniority of such officials. To this end, it is clearly the duty 
of every Lodge to keep some sort of a record showing the 
seniority of its past officials and its Past Chancellors. A 
comparison of the laws of thirty odd Jurisdictions discloses 
this provision in respect to the senior Past Chancellor, and if 
there were no other reasons, for making some provision or 
pointing out some manner by which the seniority of rank may 
be determined, this requirement alone in the Subordinate 
Constitutions establishes the soundness, both in Law and in 
judgment, of the decision of Mississippi. 

PER CAPITA TAX. 

185. The Rules and Practice Concerning: Under the general 
ti f le of "Taxation" will be found a full discussion of the nature 
of the per capita tax, together with some observations on the 
rights of Grand and Subordinate Lodges to levy. It seems to 
be unnecessary to refer to it further here. This tax is the 
ordinary source of revenue of the Grand Lodges ; it is charged 
directly to the Lodges, and while there are different rules in 

*Me., 1883, 349, 



COMMON LAW. 181 

respect to its collection, the better practice seems to be to 
hold the Lodges responsible for it, and that it be paid out of 
the general fund ; that is, it should not be charged to the indi- 
vidual member, in addition to their regular dues.* 

PBOPEKTY. 

186. Of Defunct Lodges: Reversion of, in Respect to Real Estate: 

Perhaps every Grand Jurisdiction provides for the reversion of 
the property of its defunct Lodges, to the Grand Lodge. Under 
this provision of the Law, a question has arisen as to whether a 
Grand Lodge can claim the real estate owned by Lodges at the 
time they become defunct. It was held, in Tennessee, that the 
castle hall building of a Subordinate Lodge would not revert 
to the Grand Lodge, t while in Alabama it was held that 
a castle hall, built by the funds of the Lodge, or by sub- 
scription of its members, but managed by the Lodge, would so 
revert. t 

In respect to securing title to real estate of defunct Lodges 
appears the following, in the Journal of Colorado for 1883 : 

"It appearing that there exists a quit-claim of a certain lot of ground, 
in Alvorado, Colorado, in favor of the trustees and their successors, of 
Columbia Lodge, No. 7, defunct, therefore be it 

".Resolved: That the Grand Lodge take such steps as will vest war- 
ranty title to said real estate in the Grand Lodge." || 

It was proper enough, perhaps, for the Grand Lodge to take 
this action, but, after all, the question as to whether the Grand 
Lodge may acquire and hold real estate, depends altogether 
upon the laws of the state, and if the Grand Lodge is incorpo- 
rated, then upon its charter rights. 

On the general question of the reversion of the property of 
defunct Lodges, where the laws of the Grand Lodge provide 
for such reversion, there is an authoritative decision recorded 
in Kentucky, which furnishes additional evidence that the 
courts are inclined to uphold and enforce the laws of societies, 
as between the Lodges and the members thereof. In the Digest 
of Kentucky, published in 1879, under the title "Defunct 
Lodges" is reported the following : 

"The Grand Lodge is the custodian of all the property of defunct 
Lodges, and where the members of Zenith Lodge — on the night of its 
dissolution donated to each his share, pro rata the Grand Lodge recov- 
ered judgment against each member for the amount he so received — 
Grand Lodge vs. Uhrig, Lou. Chan. Court." 

*Expo. Sec. 226. {-Digest, Sec. 2044. I Digest. Sec. 2047. ||Col. 1883, 157. 



182 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

It appears from this that the Grand Lodge brought suit in 
the Court and recovered at the hands of the law, that which 
the member's sense of his obligation would not induce him to 
yield. It is to be inferred here that this action of the Grand 
Lodge of Kentucky, and the decision of the Court, referred 
solely to personal property, whether it would have been the 
same had real estate been involved, is to some extent a matter 
of conjecture. 

There are numerous instances of Lodges dissolving and of 
dividing the common property, but this action of the Kentucky 
Grand Lodge seems to be the only instance of a resort to the 
courts to recover it. 

QUESTIONS. 

187. Practice as to Putting, in Certain Cases: It is generally 
understood to be the dnty of the Chancellor Commander to 
put all questions to the Lodge. In the matter of appeals from 
his decisions, however, it is the practice in some Jurisdictions — 
being regulated by Law — to require the Vice Chancellor to put 
the question.* 

The practice is not uniform on this subject, and the decis- 
ions are conflicting, but the better rule, seems to be, in such 
cases to permit the Vice Chancellor to take charge of the ques- 
tion, t 

REINSTATEMENT. 

188. Mode of: Rule Concerning: The mode of regaining mem- 
bership after suspension, varies in the several Jurisdictions, 
but this should not be so. There is, perhaps, less reason for 
conflict, in the rule of practice concerning this question, than 
perhaps, any other principle of Pythian Law. The mere modus 
of regaining membership, is a matter that should be common 
and universal. Suspension from membership occurs always 
for cause ; that is, either for non-payment of dues, or infrac- 
tion of the Laws, and in both cases the suspension is in the 
nature of a penalty, so that, when the penalty is satisfied, 
membership is regained. When the arrears causing suspen- 
sion are paid, the member should be considered rein- 
stated, as a matter of course, and so, it follows as well, in 
cases where the sentence of suspension has been fully served. 
The different rules in this respect, however, seem to be foun- 

*In Neb. it appears in the rules of oivler recommended by the Grand Lodge 
for the use of Sub. Lodges. tDigest Sec. 137 ; also Expo. Sec. 28, Appeals. 



COMMON LAW. 183 

ded on constitutional provisions. It was held in Iowa that a 
formal application for reinstatement was necessary, where a 
member has been suspended for non-payment of dues.* In 
Illinois also, it was held that where a member suspended, pays 
money on his dues, it must be held subject to his order, and 
he must be notified that an application is necessary. t It is 
provided also in some Jurisdictions, that members suspended 
for cause other than non-payment of dues, can be reinstated 
only, by consent of the Grand Lodge ; and, acting upon this 
idea, the Grand Lodge of Connecticut reinstated a member 
by resolution, into full membership and good standing in his 
Lodge.! 

It cannot be said that these decisions represent the true rule 
in this respect, no formal application is, or should be neces- 
sary when the delinquent dues are paid, or the sentence has 
been served out. In respect to suspension for non-payment of 
dues, this was the ruling of the Supreme Lodge as early as 1872. || 
Where a member has been indefinitely suspended, there can 
be no serving out of the sentence. In such cases it would 
seem that an application is necessary, if the brother desires re- 
instatement, unless the Lodge sees fit to act upon its own mo- 
tion, which it may do unquestionably. The decision of Su- 
preme Chancellor Linton§ does not oppose this view. He held 
that in indefinite suspension, a member may be reinstated up- 
on application and ballot. It, perhaps, will not be contended 
that the Lodge would not have the right to take up the matter 
without application. In such cases however, it requires the 
action of the Lodge to terminate the suspension. 

Aside from indefinite suspension, the view here stated is 
supported by the weight of authority .1" There are decisions 
cited in the Digest opposed to this view, but these are founded 
on constitutional provisions, and are given as constructions of 
those instruments. For instance, in Georgia in 1874, it was 
held, that in reinstatements of members suspended for non-pay- 
ment of dues, a ballot was necessary, as the Constitution 
seemed to require it.** In 1874 Grand Chancellor Caldwell of 
the District of Columbia held, that in the absence of all posi- 
tive law to the contrary, usage made the law, and that it re- 
quired a two thirds vote to reinstate a member.! t He also de- 

*Iowa 1880, 468. +U1. 1879, 388, 448. jConn. 1883, 30, 31. ||1872. 588, 589. 
§Digest Sec, 2124. HDigest, Sec. 2128, et seq. **Digest, Sec. 2127 and note. 

JtDigest, Sec. 2134. 



184 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

cided in the same year, that after definite suspension no ap- 
plication or action of the Lodge was necessary.* 

This accords with the weight of authority, and is in analogy 
with the decision of Supreme Chancellor Linton in respect to 
reinstatement in the Uniform Bank, no action being necessary, t 

It is provided also in some Jurisdictions that a member sus- 
pended for cause, other than non-payment of dues, can only be 
reinstated by consent of the Grand Lodge. There never was 
and never can be any valid reason for this. This Lodge itself, 
is the only competent judge of its membership, and, inasmuch 
as, it has the sole power to suspend a member, it should also 
have the sole power to say when, under what conditions and for 
what reasons, it may choose to permit reinstatement in such 
cases. The Grand Lodge can only act upon a statement of the 
facts, which may naturally afford controversy, and so, *is un- 
satisfactory at best, while the Lodge personally, and the mem- 
bers individually, are cognizant of all the circumstances, and 
are in a condition to decide justly. A Grand Lodge, having no 
right to reinstate a member, should not be given a discretion in 
such matters. The Grand Lodge of Connecticut, however, as 
late as 1883, unanimously declared a member reinstated, who 
had been suspended by his Lodge, after trial and conviction. 
The committee on appeals and grievances found that the 
charges against the brother were based apparently on personal 
grounds, and that all concerned were agreeable to such leniency 
as the Grand Lodge might see fit to extend to the brother, 
whereupon they offered a resolution to the effect that the 
brother 

"Be and he is hereby reinstated into full membership and in good 
standing in said St. Bernard Lodge, any action of said Lodge on July 
31st, 1883, to the contrary notwithstanding.'' 

There may have been constitutional authority on the part of 
the Grand Lodge of Connecticut for this action, but even in 
such case it is certainly without precedent. The Grand Lodge 
could have reversed the action of the Lodge, and may have 
gone so far as to order the Lodge to reinstate the brother, but 
to go further than this, it is difficult to understand upon what 
ground the Grand Lodge assumes the authority. 

189. Reinstatement: After Suspension for Non-Payment of Dues, 
Amount of Payment Necessary: There has been some question 
as to the amount necessary to be paid, in order to regain mem- 

*Digest, Sec. 2135. tDigest Sec. 2168. 



COMMON LAW. 185 

bership, where suspension has followed non-payment of clues. 
Some Lodges have followed the practice of charging dues to 
members beyond the time when they should have been declared 
suspended, and have denied reinstatement until the full amount 
charged has been paid. The Supreme Lodge, in 1874, held 
that the matter of reinstatement was a subject for local legisla- 
tion,* and this accounts for the varying practice in the several 
Jurisdictions. Supreme Chancellor Davis, deciding this ques- 
tion, established a precedent which, while it applied only to 
Lodges under the control of the Supreme Lodge, may also have 
had its effect on other questions. His decision was, that a 
member should pay the amount of one year's dues, and all as- 
sessments charged against him, and beyond that it was dis- 
cretionary with the Lodge.! This clearly leaves the inference 
that Lodges may require an additional payment, as precedent 
to the right of reinstatement. Grand Chancellor Roper, of 
Illinois, in 1882, rendered a decision on this question, which, 
although somewhat ambiguous, is susceptible of a construc- 
tion in accord with eminent authority. He held that a mem- 
ber must pay the amount causing suspension, notwithstanding 
the Lodge may have increased the amount of the annual clues, t 
This decision may be construed as holding that the brother 
must pay one year's dues, (as that is the amount causing sus- 
pension) whatever that may be, at the time payment is made. 
It may also be construed as referring to the actual amount 
causing suspension, regardless of the fact that the Lodge may 
have increased its annual dues during the time of suspension. 
It seems to be the rule, now, that a member must pay the 
amount of one year's dues, whatever that may be, at the time 
reinstatement is desired. That is, if the amount of the annual 
dues has been increased during the time the member has been 
under suspension, he must pay that increased amount ; that 
it is not sufficient that he pay the actual amount causing sus- 
pension. This is, perhaps, what Grand Chancellor Eoper 
meant. || In New Jersey it is held that, to be reinstated, there 
must be an application in writing, and referred to a com- 
mittee of investigation^ In Pennsylvania the same rule is 
observed, with the addition, that there must be a ballot,!" that 
the applicant must pay such fee as the By-Laws prescribe,** 

*Digest, Sec. 1574. tDigest, Sec. 2126. till. 1880. 818. 899. ||Digest, Sec. 
2139, et seq. §N. J. 1883; 1391,1884, 1475. 1TPa. 1880, 114, 119. **Pa. 1879, 
613. 



186 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and that a two-thirds vote is necessary.* In Nebraska it is 
provided, by Constitution, that a brother desiring reinstate- 
ment must pay all arrearages causing suspension, and make 
application (not necessarily in writing) through the proper 
officer, at a regular meeting, when he may be reinstated by a 
two-thirds vote of the members present.! Perhaps the rules 
here cited represent those of a majority of the Jurisdictions, in 
respect to the manner of. reinstatement. They are wrong in 
principle, however, inasmuch as they deprive the Lodge of the 
exercise of an inherent right. 

BENOUNCING THE OEDEE. 

190. Effect of ? In Respect to Benefits and Privileges: This 
matter of renouncing the Order, and its effect upon member- 
ship, rights and privileges in the Order, is receiving some at- 
tention, and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia has 
been called upon to give an expression of its will in respect to 
it. I In view of the fact that some doubt existed as to the au- 
thority of a Subordinato Lodge to deny benefits to a member, 
who should renounce the Order under the pressure of solicita- 
tion of the priesthoQd,the Supreme Lodge,in 1884, was induced to 
expressly declare the existence of such authority, upon proof of 
such renunciation.|| There can be no doubt of the authority 
of the Lodges in this respect now. The action of the Supreme 
Logde was, perhaps, unnecessary, but these expressions of the 
supreme will seldom come amiss. 

The Supreme Eepresentatives of Nebraska, in their report 
to the Grand Lodge, refer to this action of the Supreme Lodge 
in the following terms : 

"This report created a spirited discussion, and in the minds of a major- 
ity, there seemed to be a necessity for the legislation. Several instances 
were cited where members, upon their death-beds, had renounced the 
Order, and the Lodges were prohibited .from taking any part in the fu- 
neral services; the relatives, however, would invariably demand the 
benefits, and in some instances it was known that these benefits went 
directly to the church, as the price of complete absolution, and the prom- 
ise of consecrated rest. 

"On a call of the yeas and nays the measure was adopted by a vote of 
59 to 18."— Neb. Jour. 1884, 286. 

*Pa..l871, 181. tConst. Neb. Sub. Lodges. Sec. 57. {Digest Sec. 455. HDigest 
Sec. 2245. 



COMMON LAW. 187 

EESIGNING MEMBEESHIP. 

191. Practice of, Obsolete: This term cannot have the sig- 
nificance to the members of the present day, which it had to 
those in the earlier years. 

There are actual instances of Lodges permitting a member 
to resign his membership, and of creating him a life mem- 
ber.* What is meant here, by creating one a life member 
seems to be, that of exempting him from the duties and ob- 
ligations incident to active membership, including that of the 
payment of dues. 

This is simply "honorary" membership, and there may 
be no stretch of power in a Lodge in maintaining an hon- 
orary list, especially so far as the payment of dues is con- 
cerned, t 

To do this, however, it is neither necessary nor lawful for a 
member to resign his membership. 

In 1874, West Virginia passed upon this question, the facts 
being these : A member resigned his membership and was 
granted a "certificate of resignation," the question was, had 
the Lodge any claims on the member, or had he the authority 
to join any other Lodge. 

The Grand Chancellor held, that the only way the member 
could re-unite with the Order, was to obtain a withdrawal-card, 
which he was entitled to upon paying the fee required. The 
committee reporting upon this decision say : 

"While a brother can withdraw, there is no such thing as a resignation 
certificate. A Lodge can grant a withdrawal-card, or a brother can 
resign." 

The committee further held : 

"That granting a withdrawal-card, or resigning, does not sever the 
connection of the member with the Order, that the only effect of grant- 
ing a cardi or of resigning, is to extempt a member from dues and ben- 
efits. "J 

It is unnecessary to refute the absolute erroneousness of this 
holding of the committee, in respect to the effect of taking a 
Card. The later decisions settle that beyond question. As to the 
effect of resigning, that is immaterial, as the practice must 
now be considered obsolete, as well as unlawful. 

There is no doubt, however, that there was more or less 
clamor for authoritative legislation recognizing this right of 

*Md. 1873, 33. tExpo. Sec. 92, Dues. JW. Va., 1874, 13, 31. 



188 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

resignation, inasmuch as Supreme Chancellor Davis, in 1876, 
mentions, and seems to advocate the policy in his report,* it 
does not appear, however, that the Supreme Lodge took any 
action in the matter. 

There was no consistency in West Virginia holding, that a 
member could resign, but there could be no such thing as a 
certificate of resignation. If resigning was proper, it was also 
proper that the member should have some evidence of his 
peculiar status in the Order, and it would seem that nothing 
would be more appropriate than a "certificate of resignation." 

The practice of resigning however, was never recognized by 
the Supreme Lodge, it was never widely extended, and perhaps, 
is not now indulged in anywhere. There is no reason for it, 
now that the withdrawal-card does not expire. 

EEMOVAL. 

192. From Office: Causes for: Th^ Law in respect to re- 
moval from office may now be said to be settled. There are, 
however, some differences of opinion, as regards the various 
causes for removal and particularly that in respect to absence 
from the state. On this particular issue however, the weight 
of the authorities agree that mere absence from the state is not, 
of itself, cause for removal. This was held in Nebraska, in a 
case where the Chancellor Commander had left the state to 
be gone permanently. In such a case the office could not be 
declared vacant without notice, nor unless the continued 
absence was a violation of Law, which must be inquired into, 
in the regular way.t In 1881, the Grand Chancellor of Missis- 
sippi, rendered a somewhat singular opinion on this question. 
He was asked, 

"Can the seat of an officer, who has removed from the state, be declared 
vacant ? and if so how shall it be filled?" 

He answered : 

"Yes ; the vacancy shall be filled in the manner of the original selec- 
tion, to serve the residue of the term. This answer is in accordance 
with the decision of Supreme Chancellor D. B. Woodruff in the Crystal 
Springs case, but its correctness is not concurred in by me, unless 
charges have been preferred and an opportunity for defence given.".: 

It does not appear what the "Crystal Springs" case was, but 
in all probability the Supreme Chancellor was correct. An 
office may be declared vacant for absence, undoubtedly, if there 

*S. L. Jour., 1876, 1230. +Digest Sec. 2120. JMiss. 1881, 9, 68. 



COMMON LAW. 189 

is a By-Law providing for it, but, a mere resolution to remove, 
without notice, is not sufficient, even under a By-Law providing 
for removals, for absence. To this extent the opinion of the 
Grand Chancellor of Mississippi is correct. There must be an 
opportunity for defence given.* 

BEGALIA. 

193. Wearing of in Public, Prohibited: It has been understood 
from a very early period in the history of the Order, that the 
official regalia must not be worn in public, t 

.Notwithstanding, however, the decision of the Supreme Lodge 
in this respect, there have been some violations, and 
some exceptions created which have amounted to violations. 
Grand Chancellor Dungan, of Ohio, held in 1878, that the re- 
galia could not be worn in public, and this was in accordance 
with the well established rule, but his Grand Lodge overruled 
him. I In 1880, however, the same Grand Lodge held that it 
could not be worn at funerals.!] This was a virtual overruling 
of its decision in 1878. There may be decisions in other 
Jurisdictions as vacillating as this, but the authoritative rule 
in this respect, is that laid down by the Supreme Lodge. The 
official regalia should not be worn in public. 

There is perhaps, not so much need for this rule after all. 
The official regalia cannot be considered as a part of the secret 
paraphernalia, no more than the Masonic apron, or Odd 
Fellows' collar, which are often seen in the streets, and now 
that the official jewels are fast supplanting the old style regalia, 
there is still less force of reason for the rule, and there is no 
question that it will ultimately become a dead letter. 

194. Regalia: Rights and Privileges of Members in Respect to 
Wearing: In the discussions under the title "Past Chancellor'^ 
the question involving the right of a grand officer to appear in 
his Subordinate Lodge wearing* the insignia of his Grand 
Lodge office, is referred to. 

There, two decisions are cited directly in conflict with each 
other, the one holding that a Past Chancellor is not properly 
clothed, wearing only his official jewel as a Grand Lodge officer, 
the other holding that he is. 

It would seem to be unnecessary to dwell on this principle 
here, were it not for the conflicting decisions. In view of this 

*Digest Sec. 1712, Removals. tDigest Sec. 2068. tOhio, 1878, 468, 513. ||Di- 
gest Sec. 2077. §Expo. Sec. 181. 



190 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

it may not be amiss to offer some suggestions, in the nature of 
an inquiry, into the meaning and proper use of the terms, 
"properly clothed," "clothed in regalia of rank" and other 
kindred terms, so often used in the Laws and decisions. 

In the case cited from Pennsylvania, where the member ap- 
peared in his Lodge wearing, in lieu of regalia, the jewel of the 
Grand Master of Exchequer, and in which it was held by the 
Lodge, on appeal from the Chancellor's decision, that he was 
"properly clothed," the following, among other points, were 
raised : 

" 1. It is the duty of the Outer Guard to see that the members clothe 
themselves in proper regalia in the ante-room, ***** 
2. It is the duty of the Inner Guard to allow no members to enter 
who are not properly clothed. * * * * 3. Neither the In- 
ner Guard nor the Outer Guard are supposed to have any knowledge of 
the standing, or the insignia of the office, of the Grand Lodge officers. 
4. The work of the Order calls for the members to clothe themselves 
in the regalia of the rank they have attained. 5. The office of the Grand 
Master of Exchequer is not a rank."* * * * * 

One of the points raised in the case, as will be observed, was, 
that the office of the Grand Master of Exchequer is not a rank, 
and for this reason the Past Chancellor was not clothed in the 
regalia of any rank. 

There can be no question as to the soundness of this point, 
when it is fully and carefully considered. To be "properly 
clothed,'" or to be "clothed in the regalia of his rank," must be 
considered, as having separate and distinct meanings, and yet 
the error of regarding them synonymous in effect, is a very 
common one, and undoubtedly, is the result of the prevalent 
misapprehension, which has led to this misconstruction of the 
Law. There is a distinction then, between the terms "properly 
clothed" and "clothed according to rank." A decision of 
Grand Chancellor Brady, of Delaware, in 1874, serves to illus- 
trate to some extent, this distinction. He was asked his official 
opinion as to the propriety, or legality, of a past Chancellor 
appearing in the Lodge during its session clothed in the regalia 
of Knight's rank. The Grand Chancellor's opinion was : 

"It being a plain question of Law, I referred them to the Constitution 
where the different grades of rank are described, and also, to the duties 
of Subordinate Lodge officers, viz : to see that all brothers that enter 
the Lodge, or are in its sessions, are clothed in the proper regalia accord- 
ing to rank."f 

*Pa. Aug. 1879 ; 618,G44. +Del. 1874, 123, 154. 



COMMON LAW. 191 

Construing the Constitution, the Grand Chancellor, while 
apparently recognizing the fact, that the Past Chancellorship is 
a rank, as contradistinguished from an office, he plainly inti- 
mates that to be properly clothed according to rank, means 
according to the highest rank. But of this hereafter. 

It is to be inferred, from this decision, that the Constitution of 
Delaware, assumes to require all the members to be clothed 
in regalia according to their rank. 

A decision of Grand Chancellor Blackwell, of Kentucky, is 
conclusive of one of two things, to wit: That the Law of 
Kentucky is peculiar in its wording, or that the Law itself is mis- 
construed by the Grand Chancellor. He was asked whether an 
officer of the Grand Lodge had the right to wear his Grand Lodge 
regalia in his Subordinate Lodge. The Grand Chancellor's 
opinion was, that a Grand Lodge officer has an unquestionable 
right to wear the regalia of his station in any Knights of Pythias 
Lodge.* This, it will be observed, is directly opposed to the de- 
cision of Pennsylvania. This decision may be a correct in- 
terpretation of the Law of Kentucky, in which case the Law 
is peculiar. The word "station," as here used, plainly refers 
to official station, that is, an office. So that, the effect is, a 
member may sit in any Lodge and be properly clothed, if 
wearing the insignia of any office he may hold. This is cer- 
tainly wrong, and is not the Law out side of Kentucky. 

It is fair to presume, however, that the Grand Chancellor, 
has been led into the common error of overlooking the signifi- 
cance of terms. Station, and rank, are to some extent, corelative 
terms. Station in the Order, will fairly imply rank, but station 
in the Lodge, whether it be Subordinate or Grand, refers soley 
to office, and in this sense it is generally, and commonly used, 
and appears to have been so used by Grand Chancellor Black- 
well. Owing to this restricted use of the word "station," it is 
not ordinarily used in the Constitution, in defining the appro- 
priate regalia to be worn by members. Eank, implies honor 
attained by official service, and this is the term ordinarily 
used, and wherever it is used, in respect to wearing the regalia, 
or official insignia, it has no reference to station merely, and 
should not be so construed. 

On the other hand, to be "properly clothed" does not neces- 
sarily refer to any particular rank. A member may be "prop- 

*Ky., 1880, 662, 704. 



192 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

erly clothed" if wearing the insignia of any rank he may have 
attained. A Past Chancellor is also a Knight, and therefore, 
if he wears the insignia of a Knight, he is properly clothed.* 
When the Law expressly says that a member sir 11 wear the 
jewel, or regalia of his rank, or be clothed according to rank, 
this must be done to fulfil the Law ; this, however, will exclude 
the wearing of official jewels, as these can, in no sense, be con- 
sidered as insignia of rank. 

It may be contended that this theory is in conflict with the 
Constitution of the Supreme Lodge. The object of the amend- 
ment to Article XXX., as it now appears, was to supercede the 
use of the old style regalia. In the enumeration of the members, 
in this article, it is provided that grand officers, wearing the 
"jeivel af their rank" etc., "shall be considered in full regalia." 

A Grand officer may not have any rank in the Order, above 
that of Past Chancellor, or he may have attained the highest 
rank attainable in the Order. In such case it is to be presumed 
that he may exercise his judgment or taste, as to what jewel 
he may choose to wear, but it cannot be possible that this 
article contemplates the right of a Grand officer to wear the 
jewel of his office in hL Subordinate Lodge. 

EITUAL. 

195. Custody Of, and Duty of Members to Memorize: The law 

makes the Chancellor Commander virtually the custodian of 
the rituals, that is, it is the duty of this officer to see that they 
are kept in a secure place in the Lodge room, and he shall see 
that they are not taken therefrom, t The duty of the members, 
and especially of the officers, to memorize the ritualistic work, 
is generally conceded, but to the fact that the books are not to 
be taken from the Lodge, may be attributed much of the indif- 
ference of the members in this respect. 

The impossibility of studying the Eitual during a Lodge 
meeting is patent to every one. 

Nevertheless, in some Jurisdictions this duty is sought to be 
enjoined with assiduous attention. As to some of the rules and 
decisions in respect to memorizing the work, see that title. + 

SEMI-ANNUAL PASS WOED. 

196. Some Considerations Concerning : The Law in respect to 
the Semi- Annual Pass Word, is pretty fully set forth in the de-* 

fDigest, Sees. 2071, 2072. tDigest, Sec. 2087. JExpo. Sec. 153. 



COMMON LAW. 193 

cisions cited in the Digest, under that title. There are some 
few points, however, which may properly claim attention here. 
It is settled that the word may be communicated outside the 
Lodge by the proper officers.* That the Grand Lodge may 
legislate concerning a brother's right to it.f 

That it cannot be denied to a member for failure to pay dues 
in advance. I 

Kentucky has properly held that an examining committee 
cannot demand it from a visitor. || 

The following question was propounded to Grand Chancellor 
Hicks, of New York : 

"Can a District Deputy Grand Chancellor give a visiting brother the 
Semi- Annual Pass Word, he only being in possession of the traveling 
shield?" 

The Grand Chancellor answered : 

" No ; the brother must be in possession of the official receipt, and an 
order for the pass word signed by the Chancellor Commander and 
Keeper of the Hecord and Seal of his Lodge." § 

The Grand Chancellor has stated the general proposition 
very correctly, but it is difficult, even under these circum- 
stances, to conceive the right or authority of a District Deputy 
Grand Chancellor to communicate the Semi-Annual Pass 
Word to a visiting member. The authority of a District 
Deputy is limited in this respect. He is the medium through 
whom the pass words are communicated to the Lodges, and 
when he has communicated the new pass-word to the Chancel- 
lor Commanders of the Lodges under his charge, he has 
accomplished his full duty, and has exhausted his authority in 
this respect. He has no more right to communicate the word 
to the visiting brothers, than he has to any other member of the 
Lodge, and any other member has as much right to communi- 
cate it to visiting brothers as has the District Deputy Grand 
Chancellor. 

A singular decision, by Grand Chancellor Young, of New 
Jersey, is recorded. The question was asked, can a Past 
Chancellor, or a Chancellor Commander acting as Chancellor 
Commander in another Lodge, not his own, give the pass-word 
to a brother, and, if so, does he not violate his obligation ? The 
Grand Chancellor held, that a member communicating the 
pass-word, under the circumstances, violates his obligation-Tf 

*Digest, Sees. 2448,2429, 2473, 2474 and note. tDigest, Sees. 560, 2436. 

jDigest, Sec. 938. ||Ky. 1873, 16, 17. §N. Y. 1882, 12, 40. UN. J. 1876, 732, 799. 

13 



194 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

At first glance there appears to be some reason for this decis- 
ion. The member is acting as Chancellor Commander in a 
Lodge not his own ; he gives the pass-word to a brother of still 
another Lodge. 

From all that appears, it is presumed that the brother was 
entitled to the word, so that the only question is, as to the 
legality of the channel of communication. It has been held 
that a Chancellor Commander pro tern, is clothed, for the time 
being, with all the functions of a Chancellor Commander in 
fact; he may sign orders, and render decisions binding the 
Lodge.* 

This being so, had the member acting as Chancellor Com- 
mander been a member of the Lodge, there could be no ques- 
tion as to his right to communicate the pass-word to a visiting 
member, properly qualified. If a Chancellor Commander, pro 
tern, is clothed with these powers, and if a brother of another 
Lodge has the right, at all, to so act, is he not, for the time be- 
ing, clothed with these powers as well ? 

Under these circumstances the violation is not very serious, 
if, in fact, there is any violation at all. 

As to the right of a brother to sit in the Lodge without the 
pass, that question is also well and firmly settled in the nega- 
tive. 

Under the title "Admission" the insubordination of Penn- 
sylvania, in respect to this latter question, is noticed at length.! 

SITTING PAST GKAND CHANCELLOR 

197. The Law in Respect to Holding Over on Re-Election of Grand 
Chancellor : The Law on this question, as expounded by the 
Supreme Lodge in the early years, is much the same as that in 
respect to the sitting Past Chancellor. The principle, of course, 
is precisely the same, and the Law and the reason are not more 
cogent in the one than in the other. The principle is fully 
discussed in the following section, so that it will only be a mat- 
ter of historical interest to refer to the early decision of the 
Supreme Lodge, and briefly to some of the decisions and the 
practice contravening this doctrine. Under the old regime, 
before the revision of the Ritual, the retiring Grand Chancel- 
lor passed to the office of the V. G. P., to which only Past 
Grand Chancellors were eligible, and which office he held 
until the presiding Grand Chancellor served his term, and 

*Digest, Sec. 629. tExpo. Sec. 32, Admission. 



COMMON LAW. 195 

passed to it in the order of succession. This was the theory 
from the foundation of the Order, and under it, in 1871, the 
Supreme Lodge held that the V. G. P. held over on the 
re-election of a Grand Chancellor.* This seems to be the 
only decision of the Supreme Lodge on this question. It has 
never been reaffirmed since the creation of the office of Past 
Grand Chancellor, but while the principle may be said to be the 
Law of the Supreme Lodge, it is virtually a dead letter in a 
majority of the Jurisdictions, for, as in the case of the Sitting 
Past Chancellor, the practice is to elect a Past Grand Chancel- 
lor to fill the office when a vacancy occurs by the re-election of 
a Grand Chancellor. 

The Grand Lodge of Illinois, in 1877, for the first time seems 
to have awakened to a realization of the Law, and to have 
abandoned its former practice. Grand Chancellor Willett 
brings the subject before the Grand Lodge in his report, as 
follows : 

" I desire to call your attention immediately to the S. P. G. C. Before 
the Journal was printed the G. K. of R. and S. asked me who was P. G. 
C. I could not answer him at once, but informed him I would examine 
and report. I found that upon the re-election of a Grand Chancel- 
lor, it had been the custom of the Grand Lodge to elect from among 
the P. G. C.'s one to fill the chair of P. G. C. This had been omitted at 
the last election, and consequently a doubt existed. I made inquiry 
upon the point and found conflicting views, upon which I determined 
to leave the chair, as vacant, until the Grand Lodge convenes." 

The committee on appeals, to whom this was referred, say, 

in their report : 

" In reporting on this question your committee feel that the authori- 
ties are very clear on the subject, and to such an extent that your com- 
mittee deem it unnecessary to enlarge on the question. The P. G,C.who 
filled the past official chair in this Grand Lodge at the time of the re- 
election of Grand Chancellor holds over with that officer and no 
vacancy exists, "f 

The decision, as applied to this particular case, is perhaps a 
sufficiently clear exposition of the Law, for, there can be no 
doubt that if the Grand Lodge should adjourn without elect- 
ing its officers, or any particular officer, there would be no 
vacancy or vacancies, as the officer not succeeded, would un- 
doubtedly, hold over, and this applies to the Sitting Past Grand 
Chancellor as well; so that the "doubts" and the "conflicting 
views" discovered by the Grand Chancellor, were really un- 
founded, inasmuch as they were not warranted by the facts 

*Digest, Sec. 558 and note. fill., 1877: 165, 199. 



196 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

involved. It is to be presumed from this, as has been inti- 
mated, that Illinois has abandoned its former practice of elect- 
ing a Sitting Past Grand Chancellor to fill the vacancy occur- 
ring by the re-election of a Grand Chancellor. It certainly has 
the right to do this, but it has no right to found the practice 
upon an erroneous hypothesis. When the office of Sitting Past 
Grand Chancellor, and the rank of Past Grand Chancellor , came 
to be regarded as two separate and distinct functions, the one 
in no wise depending upon the other ; that the Past Chancel- 
lor's chancellorship may be acquired, completely and fully, 
without occupancy of the office of Past Grand Chancellor ; in 
fact, when members shall come to regard the chair of Sitting 
Past Grand Chancellor as it really is, an office of . the Grand 
Lodge, then will this hazy tissue of theory respecting it be dis- 
solved, and the current of legislation will take a more rational 
tendency.* 

SITTING PAST CHANCELLOB. 

198. Sitting Past Chancellor: Office and Duties Of : This, in its 
various phases, has been a vexed question, and one productive 
of a vast amount of conflicting and contradictory legislation. 

It is, indeed, singular that the office of Sitting Past Chancel- 
lor, and its comparatively insignificant duties, should have 
given rise to such a contrariety of opinion, founded, for the 
most part, in theory and the veriest sophistry. 

In some quarters it is sought to attach a sort of sacredness 
to the office, giving to it a dignity and an exclusiveness nowhere 
warranted in Pythian Law, outside the early decisions of Su- 
preme Chancellor Berry, t All recognize the fact that the 
office of Sitting Past Chancellor was created to accommo- 
date the retiring Chancellor Commander, being the medium 
through which he attained the full honors of a past officer. 
There are meagre duties attached to the office, but they are 
defined in the ritual. 

It is essentially, and in fact by positive declaration, an office 
of the Lodge, subject to the same conditions of tenure as other 
offices ; that is to say, the occupant may be removed and the 
office vacated ; it may be filled pro tempore or permanently, by 
other means than by the retiring Chancellor Commander ; it may 
be resigned at will, and the laws in respect to fines and penal- 

*Digest, Sec. 1899. +Expo. Sec. 17. Past Off. Bank. 



COMMON LAW. 197 

ties apply as to other officers. These propositions are fully 
sustained by the authorities, as it will be the endeavor to show. 

199. Sitting Past Chancellor: The Law as to Holding Over in 
Re-Election of Chancellor Commander : First, it is proposed to 
notice some of the decisions in respect to the theory advanced, 
that the Past Chancellor must hold over, in case the Chancel- 
lor Commander is re-elected. This theory has gained a preva- 
lence somewhat remarkable, notwithstanding the eminent 
authorities in support of it. 

In 1877, Supreme Chancellor Davis made a ruling, from his 
chair, to which must be attributed much of the theory and in- 
consistent legislation connected with this question.* His 
declaration that the retiring executive officer shall till the office 
and chair of the past officer, was but the announcement of a 
universally conceded fact, but it was mere dictum, the an- 
nouncement that, in the absence of the retiring officer, the 
junior past officer should fill that position. This latter prin- 
ciple, however, gained some foothold in the Order, but the prac- 
tice, custom and the weight of authority have declared the Law 
to be otherwise, There can be no more reason supporting the 
right of the junior past officer to fill the chair, than that of any 
other Past Chancellor. The following decision is recorded in 
Illinois : 

" The sitting or Junior Past Chancellor is an officer of the Lodge ; he 
cannot vacate the office by resignation. This office, in this respect, dif- 
fers from all other offices in the Lodge. It must be filled by the retir- 
ing Chancellor Commander, if he is present; and during the time that 
he is Sitting Past Chancellor he is not eligible to any other office. 
Death or withdrawal alone vacate the chair of Sitting Past Chancellor."! 

This contains enunciations truly remarkable. This theory, 
if carried out, would render the Chancellor Commander ineli- 
gible to re-election, which is certainly not the Law. The facts 
upon which this decision is based are as follows. A retiring 
Chancellor Commander was elected to the office of Master of 
Exchequer ; the District Deputy held that he was ineligible ; 
being the retiring Chancellor Commander, he must fill the office 
of sitting Past Chancellor. It was that, or nothing, for he 
could not resign, neither could he decline to serve ; his death or 
withdrawal alone could vacate the office. The Grand Chancel- 
lor and the Grand Lodge sustained this holding.! 

There are some other decisions which tend in this direction, 

♦Digest, Sec. 2012. tSupplement HI. Digest, Sec. 292, a. Jill. 1881 ; 660, 720, 



198 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

but perhaps this one goes further, in its theoretical sophistries, 
than any other yet recorded. To admit that it is an office in 
the Lodge, and yet declare that it cannot be resigned, and can- 
not be vacated, even for cause, is as incomprehensible as it is 
indefensible, and yet it is not without the support of eminent 
authorities. 

As a strictly legal proposition, no one will deny the right of 
Illinois, or any other Jurisdiction, to make these declarations, 
and to enforce them, so far as it may be possible, considering 
their impracticability, for in respect to the status of "officiat- 
ing Past Chancellors" the Supreme Lodge has declared it to be 
a matter for local legislation.* 

The decisions, however, which tend in this impracticable direc- 
tion cannot be considered the Law, nor any part of our Pythian 
Jurisprudence, in view of the opposing decisions of a more 
reasonable and practicable tendency. 

The decision in Illinois, noticed above, is in keeping with a 
previous decision of the same Jurisdiction in respect to the 
holding over of the Sitting Past Chancellor. In 1879 W. A. 
Schmitt, Grand Chancellor, held that : 

"Should a Chancellor Commander be re-elected, the Past Chancellor, 
who filled the past official chair at the time of such re-election of the 
Chancellor Commander, holds over with that officer; no vacancy exists 
in the chair of Past Chancellor."f 

This is the Law inlllinois, as first expounded by H. C. Berry, 
as Grand Chancellor, and afterward as Supreme Chancellor. 

It would be useless to deny that Illinois has a respectable 
following on this question, numbering among them Jurisdic- 
tions alive in the interests of Pythian Knighthood.! 

These decisions, however, do not all go to the extent of the 
Illinois rule. While agreeing on the main proposition, that 
is, under the circumstances stated, the Sitting Past Chancellor 
holds over, they are at variance on other essential points, 
which has the effect to destroy, utterly, the theory advanced, 
as a principle of Pythian Law. For instance, the decision cit- 
ed from Maine, in the note,holds,that the Past Chancellor is not 
an officer of the Lodge ; that he holds the office by reason of 
having served a previous term as Chancellor Commander, he 
cannot resign, or be suspended, or removed from office ; at the 
opening of the Lodge, the station may be filled by any Past 

*Digest, Sec. 1894. fill., 1879; 388, 448. tArnong the Jurisdictions -which 
have held to this view may be mentioned the following : Mass.. 1879, 1058,1090; 
Kaii,, 1H79, 7; N. J.. 1878, 906; Pa., Feb. 1874, 730; Me., 1881, 154, 155. 



COMMON LAW. , 199 

Chancellor present, but in confering the ranks any member can 
fill the office. In the case cited from Massachusetts, it is held 
that while the sitting Past Chancellor must hold over, he is de- 
clared to be an officer of the Lodge ; can resign, or be removed 
or suspended. In Kansas it was held that if it is not an office 
of the Lodge ; that it cannot be declared vacant, but in case of 
vacancy can only be filled by appointment pro tern.* 

This Jurisdiction has even gone further, and held that, at the 
institution of a new Lodge, the first Past Chancellor is not en- 
titled to the honors of a past officer, until he has actually 
served in the office of Chancellor Commander, f 

Keviewing and commenting upon the decision, cited above 
from Illinois, the writer of the report of the Maine committee 
on foreign correspondence, makes this timely observation. 

"We suppose this may be 'good Law' under 'local legislation' of Illi- 
nois. It is certainly not based on any Supreme Lodge enactment, and 
we so far question its justice, or its good policy that, we should deeply 
regret to see it adopted in Maine.";]: 

And yet in the year following this expression by Brother 
Stevens, Maine came very near the verge of adopting this prin- 
ciple as shown above. 

200. Sitting Past Chancellor: Holding over: Some Contrary Opin- 
ions: The decisions holding to the more reasonable rule are 
perhaps sufficiently noticed in the Digest. A glance at them 
here will suffice by way of comparison. 

In Kentucky the Grand Chancellor was reversed in a decis- 
ion on this question, so that a Sitting Past Chancellor in this 
Jurisdiction does not hold over.|| 

In Iowa it was held that the Sitting Past Chancellor does not 
hold over, and so, is not fineable as for absence. § 

In Alabama it was held that on the re-election of a Chancel- 
ler Commander, the Lodge should elect, from among the legal 
Past Chancellors, one to act as Sitting Past Chancellor, but in 
the event of a failure to do so,the Sitting Past Chancellor, of the 
preceding term, must occupy the station for a second term also, 
or until his successor is installed ; that at the institution of a 
new Lodge, the person elected to fill the office of Past Chancel- 
lor is entitled to the rank as soon as his credentials are acted 
upon by the Grand Lodge.!" This same Grand Lodge has made 
other decisions conflicting with this, and some adhering to the 

*Kansas, 1877, 8, 36. fKan. 1874, 61, 62. JM. L. Stevens, review of 111. Jour. 

1879, 388; Me. 1880, 556. ||Digest Sec. 1936 and note. §Digest See. 1899. UAla. 

1880, 270. 



200 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

old rule, as will be seen by a reference to the Journal cited in 
the note. 

In 1881 the Grand Chancellor of Mississippi held, that a 
Chancellor Commander may be re-elected to that office, and the 
Sitting Past Chancellor maybe elected from among the Past 
Chancellors, or from the Knights of the Lodge, and in the same 
way, it may be filled at the institution of a new Lodge, and in 
case of the temporary absence of the Past Chancellor, it may 
be filled by temporary appointment, from among the Past Chan- 
cellors, or if none be present, then from among the Knights.* 

The Grand Chancellor certainly overstepped the limits in this 
decision,and for this reason it was overruled by the Grand Lodge. 
It is correct in the main however. A Knight may be placed 
permanently in the Past Chancellor's chair by election, that is, 
if the Lodge is entitled under local Law, to create a Past Chan- 
cellor, by reason of having re-elected a Chancellor Comman- 
der, and he has served a second term, or by reason of the elec- 
tion of a Past Chancellor to the office of Chancellor Comman- 
der, it may elect a Knight from the floor to receive the rank, 
who, having been thus elected, is, to all intents and purposes, 
a Past Chancellor, and he may then be elected to fill the office 
of Past Chancellor. If this is what the Grand Chancellor 
meant, then his decision is entirely correct. It is an explod- 
ed idea that, one must be a Past Chancellor in full, that is, 
shall have had the rank actually conferred upon him, before he 
is eligible to the chair of Sitting Past Chancellor, or that a 
created Past Chancellor is not eligible to that position.! In 
overruling this decision, the Grand Lodge of Mississippi made 
a ruling to the effect, that, upon a dispensation granted for that 
purpose, a Knight could be elected to the office of Sitting Past 
Chancellor. This is unsound, however, and contrary to Law. 

Probably a great deal of the confusion and contradictory leg- 
islation has resulted from losing sight of this distinction, a 
Knight must be a Past Chancellor, or be entitled to the rank, 
either by service or creation, and unless these conditions exist, 
a dispensation will not cloth him with eligibility. 

201. Sitting Past Chancellor: Eligibility of before Obligation: 
In a preceding section it was declared that a Past Chancellor, 
the moment he becomes entitled to the rank is eligible to any 
office in the Lodge, to which a Past Chancellor is eligible. J 

*E. T. Sykes, G. C. Miss., 1881, 7, 11. 68. ^Digest, Sec, 1882, et seq., also 
Expo., Sec, 171. JExpo. Sec 182. 



COMMON LAW. 201 

This question recurs now, specially, in the consideration of 
the eligibility of a Past Chancellor to the office of Sitting Past 
Chancellor, who has not actually received the rank at the hands 
of the Grand Lodge. 

Can a Lodge, which has lawfully created a Past Chancellor, 
elect such Past Chancellor to the office of Sitting Past Chan- 
cellor, and can he hold the office before he has received the rank 
and been obligated in the Grand Lodge ? 

This question has been answered in the negative more than 
once, but as an exponent of this latter view, the following case 
is cited from Alabama. The question propounded to the Grand 
Chancellor was : 

"According to the Grand and Subordinate Lodge Constitution a Lodge 
has the right at the end of the second term of a Chancellor Commander 
to elect a Knight to receive the rank of Past Chancellor. Query — Is the 
member so elected to receive the rank, the Sitting Past Chancellor? If 
not whqis? 

It is somewhat singular that such a question should have 
been propounded. Under the Law of Alabama, it seems that, 
the Lodge was authorized to create a Past Chancellor, under 
the circumstances cited, and this authorization, as has 
been shown, is a power inherent in the Grand Lodges.* The 
Lodge, pursuant to this Law, created a Past Chancellor, that 
is, he was elected as the choice of the Lodge, to be presented 
to the Grand Lodge for the rank. His election then, simply 
made him a Past Chancellor. Under the practice, and the 
Law as it has been interpreted, the office of Sitting Past Chan- 
cellor is filled by the person last leaving the executive chair of 
the Lodge, that is to say, the Chancellor Commander, regard- 
less of the number of terms he has served, or the number of 
Past Chancellors created by reason of his service, assumes the 
chair of Sitting Past Chancellor, and that office. So that, the 
Grand Chancellor of Alabama might have answered the ques- 
tion, in a very few words. He might have said : 

"The election of a Knight to receive the rank of Past Chancellor does 
not make him the Sitting Past Chancellor, your retiring C. C. assumes 
that office." 

The answer of the Grand Chancellor, however, was far more 
elaborate. He says : 

"The Supreme and Grand Lodges have held that no one but a Past 
Chancellor — except in the case of new Lodges, (S. L. Digest 201, 288,) can 

*Expo. Sec. 176, et seq. 



202 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

"be direcly elected to fill the office of Past Chancellor in the Lodge in 
case of a vacancy for any cause, (S. L. Digest 283, G. L. Jour. 1879, 460, 
515. G. L. Digest 136, 139). 

In case of an election as above stated, the member is not a Past Chan- 
cellor until the recommendation of the Lodge and his credentials are 
acted on favorably by the Grand Lodge, and when so acted on, said 
member is entitled to be recognized as a Past Chancellor, and entitled 
to receive the Grand Lodge rank. 

He is not a Past Chancellor in full until the ritualistic part of the rank 
is conferred upon him at the Grand Lodge session. In addition to el- 
ecting such member, and recommending him to the Grand Lodge to 
have the rank of Past Chancellor conferred upon him, the Lodge must 
also select and elect from among its Past Chancellors — who are legally 
suchby reason of previous service as Chancellor Commanders, and by 
virtue of having had the rank conferred upon them by the Grand Lodge 
—one Past Chancellor to occupy the station of Junior Past Chancellor 
for the term, said Past Chancellor so elected and installed as such is the 
sitting Past Chancellor of the Lodge.* 

In so many words, the decision holds that, a Past Chancel- 
lor, either by service or by creation cannot be directly elected to 
the office of Sitting Past Chancellor, until he has attended a 
session of the Grand Lodge, and there received the rank. We 
have shown that jfchis was the theory on which Supreme Chan- 
cellor Berry proceeded in 1873, t but which has since been 
exploded. 

It is a fact that none but Past Chancellors are eligible to the 
chair of Sitting Past Chancellor, it having been so held by the 
Supreme Lodge. I 

The writer of the reporrt of the committee on correspodence 
for Maine in 1876, notices a decision on this point in Mary- 
land ; he says : 

"It was held that a Chancellor Commander cannot appoint a Knight 
to fill the chair of Past Chancellor pro tern. Past Chancellors only, are 
qualified for that position. The decision is a timely one and receives 
our full assent. It touches a point on which there is, in some of our 
Lodges, a too great looseness of practice." || 

The question presented in this criticism, is too plain to re- 
quire extended comment, but the position taken by the Grand 
Chancellorof Alabama, is certainly not the Law. A Past Chan- 
cellor by creation is just as eligible to the office of Sitting Past 
Chancellor as a Past Chancellor who has acquired that rank 
by service. A Knight cannot of course, be appointed or elect- 
ted to the position as has been shown. § 

*Geo, F. Taylor, G. C. Ala. 1880, 89, 90, 220. -lExpo. Sec. 172. |Digest, Sees. 
1893, 1894. || Me. 1876, 131. §Digest, Sees. 1890, 1939. 



COMMON LAW. 203 

202. Sitting Past Chancellor: Entitled to Honors without Ser- 
vice as such, when: When the Chancellor Commander is re- 
elected, and thus prevented from actually serving as the Sit- 
ting Past Chancellor, the question has arisen as to whether he 
is entitled to the honors of a past officer and on this, the de- 
cisions are conflicting. 

The Grand Chancellor of Ohio, held that in such a case, the 
Chancellor Commander was not entitled to his certificate as 
Past Chancellor. This was equivalent to holding, that a Chan- 
cellor Commander could not be re-elected. It does not require 
argument, or authority to refute this doctrine. The Grand 
Lodge reversed the decision as well it might.* 

It will not be seriously contended, perhaps, that a re-elected 
Chancellor Commander is not entitled to the honors immedi- 
ately upon his second installation. A decision, cited in a pre- 
vious section, t from Mississippi, illustrates the Law upon this 
question, and is supported by numerous other decisions to the 
same effect, t and especially the decision of Grand Chancellor 
Morris, of Kentucky, who held that, a Chancellor Commander 
could be re-elected before passing through the chair of the Sit- 
ting Past Chancellor, and that upon his resignation as Chan- 
cellor Commander, he was entitled to the honors of Past Chan- 
cellor, by virtue as having served one term as Chancellor Com- 
mander. || This decision of Grand Chancellor Morris confirms 
an early decision of Grand Chancellor Cotter of the same Ju- 
risdiction, but which was overruled at the time by the Grand 
Lodge.§ 

203. Sitting Past Chancellor: Office of may be Declared Vacant 
for Cause: The tenor of the decisions on this general question, 
thus far, has been to establish the fact that, the office of Sitting 
Past Chancellor is, like the other officers of the Lodge, subject 
to its Laws. 

Authorities however, have been cited, collaterally, to the ef- 
fect that the Lodge has no power to create a vacancy for any 
cause in this office, by removal or suspension of the occupant. 
Coming now to this phase of the question directly, we cite, per- 
haps the latest decision involving that view. 

The Grand Chancellor of Ohio, in 1883, held that a Lodge 
could not vacate the office of Sitting Past Chancellor, for non- 
attendance.^f The decision of the Grand Chancellor in 

*E. L. Closse, G. C. Ohio, 1882, 763, 806. fAnte. Sec. 201. {Digest, Sees. 
588, 1356. ||Ey 1881- 746, 809. §Digest, Sec. 636. IT J. F. Shumate, G. C. 
Ohio, 1883, 928. 



204 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the case cited, may be correct, for, unless the By-Laws of the 
Lodge provide for a forfeiture of office for this cause, the Lodge 
would not be warranted in taking such action. 

All the severer penalties, must, ordinarily, be provided for in 
the By-Laws,* that is, they cannot usually be inflicted by reso- 
lution. 

If the By-Laws provide for a forfeiture of office for non-at- 
tendance, and the Sitting Past Chancellor being an officer of 
of the Lodge, may his tenure of office be effected by a violation 
of the provision ? 

A Sitting Past Chancellor may be fined for non-attendance, 
under a By-Law providing for fines,! and the non-payment of 
fines may work a forfeiture of office. A contrary decision was 
rendered in a neighboring Jurisdiction, on precisely the same 
question.! 

This decision has been adversely criticised by an eminent 
authority, the tenor of which, is simply an evidence of the 
wide-spread misapprehension in respect to the office of Sitting 
Past Chancellor, as contradistinguished from his rank. 

The decision in Indiana — directly in conflict with the decision 
in Ohio — holds, that a Lodge may vacate the office, for non- 
attendance. The critic, after stating the case says : 

"If however, it is intended that the member's rank, as Past Chancellor, 
can be in anywise impaired, or that his right to occupy the chair of Sit- 
ting Past Chancellor, whenever he may he present during the term fol- 
lowing his occupancy of the chair of Chancellor Commander, may be 
abrogated, we very seriously question the legality, or the propriety of 
the decision. We are aware that some legislation of the Grand Lodge 
has looked toivard making the Sitting Past Chancellor amenable to 
the general laws governing the Lodge officers, but every such effort has 
been met with the consideration that the Past Chancellorship is a rank, 
and not an office, and that, when attained, it is perpetual like other ranks 
in the Order." || 

Perhaps there is no proposition, or principle of Pythian Law 
more absolutely self-evident, and so, more firmly settled, than 
this in respect to the perpetuity of a member's rank when once 
attained. It cannot be taken away ; there is no power in the 
Order, any where, to deprive him of it. A member may be so 
far degraded, as that his rank may be of no avail, but by no 
means, known to the Law, can it ever become lost to him. So 
far, the able chairman of the Maine correspondence committee, 
is in accord with the reason aud the policy of the Law. There 

*Digefit, Sec, 1211, et seq. {Digest, -tec. 1898. JInd., Jan., 1ST! , 26. ||M. L. 
Stevens, Cha. Com., on For. Cor. Me., 1878, 323, 324. 



COMMON LAW. 205 

Is a distinction however, between depriving one of office and of 
divesting him of his rank, which has been lost sight of too 
generally, in the discussion of this question. The error is a 
common one, but this is no justification for one who has devoted 
so much time to the discussion of Pythian Law, as has the 
w r riter of the above quotation. The error consists in regarding 
the office of the Sitting Past Chancellor, as in some way insep- 
arably connected with the rank of the person filling it. It 
would be well to keep in view the fact, that a retiring Chancellor 
Commander would be entitled to his rank, of Past Chancellor, 
(though he never occupied the chair of Sitting Past Chancellor.* 
True, the "Past Chancellorship" is eminently a rank, and so 
is not an office, but one merely occupying the chair of Sitting 
Past Chancellor, is nothing more nor less than an officer of the 
Lodge. This is a reasonable view to take of it, and has not 
the Supreme Lodge so held?t 

Being an officer of the Lodge, he is certainly amenable to its 
Laws. This is the view taken of it by the Grand Lodge of 
Indiana, while the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Lodge of 
Ohio, have fallen into the common error here pointed out. 

Let it then be remembered, that actual service in the chair of 
Sitting Past Chancellor, is not essentially requisite to entitle one 
to his "Chancellorship," and that his removal from office, for 
cause under a penal law, does not affect his rank, or his title 
thereto. This is founded upon the same principle, that, a 
member suspended from the Order does not thereby lose his 
rank, but on reinstatement assumes whatever rank he may 
have attained in the Order, with all its attendant rights and 
privileges. A decision to this effect is recorded in Indiana.! 

204. Sitting Past Chancellor : As To Whether He May Be Elected 
To Any Other Office : As a general proposition, it will be con- 
ceded that a Sitting Past Chancellor cannot hold any other 
office. There are, however, decisions which must suffer some 
modifications in order to entitle them to weight as authorities 
in our Pythian Law. Noticeably, in this connection, is a de- 
cision recorded in Pennsylvania, where it was held that the 
Sitting Past Chancellor, after installation as such, could not 
be elected and installed into any other office, prior to the end 
of his term as Sitting Past Chancellor. || 

*Digest Sees. 588, 593, 1913. {Digest Sees. 1898, 2541. {Digest Sec. 1947. 
||Pa., Aug. 1876; 477, 478. 



206 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

The decision of Illinois, noted in a previous section, is to the 
same effect.* 

The effect of these decisions is to compel a Sitting Past Chan- 
cellor to serve a full term as such ; that he cannot resign for 
any cause, prior to the end of his term. They bear this con- 
struction, and are erroneous for this reason. 

It must be a fact patent to every one familiar with Pythian 
Law that, ordinarily, two or more offices cannot be filled by the 
same person, at the same time ; but nowhere in the Law is 
there anything to prevent an officer from resigning one office 
to accept another, and this is so in respect to the Sitting Past 
Chancellor. The question has been raised as to his right to 
resign, but that carries with it no serious doubt, as is shown in 
the following section : 

Another phase of this question, presenting a new idea, is 
represented in a decision by the Grand Chancellor of Alabama, 
as follows; 

"A Sitting Past Chancellor cannot be elected or appointed to an office 
if, by so doing, this station of the Junior Past Chancellor would be left 
vacant. He must serve as Sitting Past Chancellor until his successor 
is installed, "f 

This is unsound, inasmuch as it, in effect, prevents the sit- 
ting Past Chancellor from resigning until he had found some 
one to succeed him. Such a requirement should not be ex- 
acted of any officer who might desire to resign. 

205. Sitting Past Chancellor: May resign his office: Authori- 
ties have been cited, incidently, to the effect that the Sitting Past 
Chancellor may resign his office, and a decision to this effect 
by Grand Chancellor Lee, of Massachusetts, is cited in the Di- 
gest!. We refer to the decision in this connection with the 
criticism thereon, by brother M. L . Stevens, of the Maine commit- 
tee on foreign correspondence. We have taken occasion to notice 
the criticisms of this reviewer of Pythian Law, in these discus- 
sions, and we have done so, owing to his widely read articles, 
and the general soundness of his views. The opioion of such 
writers, backed usually by force of reasoning, must necessarily 
exert an influence, for good or evil as the case may be. They 
are therefore worthy of notice, especially where such opinions 
seem to merge error and truth, in the treatment of important 
principles. 

The decision of Grand Chancellor Lee, above referred to, 

*Expo. Ante.. Sec. 199. |G. F. Taylor, G. C. Alabama, 1880; 89, 220. {Digest, 
Sec.2542. 



COMMON LAW. 207 

was to the effect that a Sitting Past Chancellor may resign, and 
in the same connection also, that he could be removed, or sus- 
pended from office. These are objected to by the Maine reviewer 
in the following terms : 

"These decisions were evidently made with the Supreme Lodge de- 
cision, that a Sitting Past Chancellor is an officer of the Lodge * * 
* * in mind, but neither brother Lee, nor the Supreme Lodge 
decide whether the rank of Past Chancellor is affected by his removal 
or resignation. 

Our views are already expressed (see G-. L. Jour. Maine, 323), and 
need not be repeated here.* Brother Lee's ruling is not in harmony 
with that of Grand Chancellor Drummond. (Jour. G. L. Me., p. 167.) 
We do not understand the Supreme Lodge ruling, is by any means a 
settlement of the real status of the Sitting Past Chancellor, certainly 
not in the sense in which Brother Lee seems to accept it."f 

Aside from the question as to whether the Supreme Lodge 
has settled this matter, the authorities certainly have. But 
has not the Supreme Lodge in fact settled it ? The one decis- 
ion of the Supreme Lodge alone, that the Sitting Past Chan- 
cellor is an officer of the Lodge, settles the principle in all its 
phases. 

The decision of Grand Chancellor Drummond referred to, is 
directly opposed to Grand Chancellor Lee's, and the current of 
authorities. It holds, that the Sitting Past Chancellor "is not 
an officer of the Lodge who may be removed from office for non- 
attendance," that he cannot be removed or suspended, nor 
can he resign. In the same decision, however, he admits that 
the Sitting Past Chancellor may be suspended for non-payment 
of dues, or unknightly conduct, which will vacate the office. I 

It must be admitted that the decision of Grand Chancellor 
Drummond is not consistent ; that the better rule is to recog- 
nize the fact that the Sitting Past Chancellor is an officer, this 
done, there need be no difficulty in determining his status, 
and in fixing his rights and liabilities. 

206. Sitting Past Chancellor: Summary of the Law in its Various 
Phases: From the foregoing discussion, it will be discovered 
that, while the decisions have been somewhat conflicting, the 
law in its various phases may be said to be fairly, and definitely 
settled, as to the office, as well as to the rank of the Sitting Past 
Chancellor. 

This discussion does not purport to comprehend all the ques- 
tions raised and decided, but it has been confined to the more 

*Expo. ante. Sec. 203. fMe. 1880, 567. }Me. 1877, 167. 



208 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

important principles about which there seemed to be.the great- 
er controversy, and the greater need of uniformity. It is be- 
lieved that a careful review of the Law establishes these salient 
principles ; that the Sitting Past Chancellor does not necessar- 
ily hold over on the re-election of a Chancellor Commander ; 
that a Past Chancellor is eligible to that station before his ob- 
ligation ; that service in the chair of Sitting Past Chancellor, is 
not essential to convey the honors of Past Chancellor : that 
the office may be declared vacant for cause, or the holder there- 
of may resign ; that he is an officer of the Lodge, and as such, 
amenable to its laws ; that in the absence of any prohibitory 
statute, the office may be filled by election. Now in concluding 
this topic, it may not be altogether amiss to venture the asser- 
tion that the time is coming when all these visionary, and hy- 
percritical notions concerning the exclusiveness of the office of 
Sitting Past Chancellor, will be dissolved, and the light of prac- 
tical reason will illumiuate the way to a more rational as well 
as reasonable conception of the rights, duties, liabilities and 
obligations of the Sittting Past Chancellor. It is noticeable 
already, that much of the sanctity and inviolability with which 
the office was hedged about, has given a way before the advanc- 
ing spirit of progress in the later years, an evidence of the 
gradual development of our Pythian Common Law. 

SUPEEME EEPEESENTATIVE. 

207. Duties of in Respect to Obeying Instructions of Grand Lodge: 

The question as to whether it is optional with a Supreme 
Kepresentative to obey the instructions of his Grand Lodge, 
was passed upon in New York in 1878, where it was held, that 
it is not optional. " Supreme Eepresentatives are bound to carry 
out any instructions given by this Grand Lodge. It would be 
an act of discourtesy not to do so."* This conflicts with a de- 
cision in Delaware in 1874, involving the same principle. There 
it was held that a Lodge might instruct its Grand Eepresenta- 
tives, but could not compel them to obey the instructions,! The 
ruling in New York was perhaps made without fully consider- 
ing the nature of the office of the Supreme Eepresentative, his 
powers and duties. And this calls up the question as to 
whether the Supreme Eepresentative is an officer of the Grand 
Lodge, and to what extent he may be so considered. In Nevada 

*N. Y. 1878, 32. tDigest Sec. 1464. 



COMMON LAW. 209 

a ruling having been asked, Grand Vice Chancellor Jones, (in 
the chair), ruled that the Supreme Eepresentative was an of- 
ficer of the Grand Lodge, and amenable to the Laws as such. 
Upon appeal, this ruling was not sustained by the Grand Lodge. 
By the overturning of this ruling, the Grand Lodge virtually 
held that the Supreme Eepresentative was not an officer of the 
Grand Lodge, but, immediately following this action the Grand 
Lodge permitted a vote to be taken on a resolution declaring 
the seat of a Supreme Eepresentative vacant for cause.* The 
resolution did not carry, but the attempt was nevertheless 
made to declare vacant a seat, which it had just declared, was 
not an office of the Grand Lodge. 

That the office of Supreme Eepresentative is practically an 
office of the Grand Lodge cannot be denied. It is not a ritu- 
ualistic office to be sure, but it is an office as much so as that 
of the Trustee! or Grand Eepresesentative in the Subordinate 
Lodge. 

It is created by the necessities of the Law and the usages of 
the Order. It is true the office is created by the Supreme 
Lodge and, it may, and does properly exercise a jurisdiction 
over the Supreme Eepresentative as a member of that body, 
but the office itself is filled by the Grand Lodge, and in certain 
cases, it may be vacated by it, and to this extent it is an of- 
fice in that body. In cases where mileage and per diem are 
paid to officers, this is made to include Supreme Eepresentatives, 
in some Jurisdictions by law. I This is equitable, inasmuch as, 
they are required to attend and report. 

The Supreme Eepresentative being a member of the Su- 
preme Lodge, the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge over him 
is of course restricted. He is certainly amenable in some 
sense, to the laws of the Grand Lodge, the one exception per- 
haps, is in the matter of instruction, while, as in the case of a 
Grand Eepresentative, the Grand Lodge may instruct, it can- 
not compel obedience, although it may be true that, to disobey 
would be an act of discourtesy. || 

SPEAKING. 

208. The rule in respect to: Certain rights of officers and mem- 
bers considered: The rule, in all deliberative bodies, is well 
understood, that a member addressing the chair upon a ques- 

*Nev. 1877, 206, 207. tDigest Sec. 2570. ;Neb. Const. G. L. Sec. 39. UDigest, 
Sec. 2294, etseq. • 

14 



210 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

tion, or at any time, for any purpose, should do so from his 
seat. To fail to observe the rule is simply discourteous to the 
chair. 

This simple rule is usually observed in Lodges of our Order, 
perhaps, in some quarters, not so much so, as ordinary court- 
esy demands, while on the other hand, the application of the 
rule has been extended in some Lodges, even to prohibiting 
officers from speaking under any circumstances while away 
from their official station. This rule as to speaking is not an 
arbitrary one, and so is not without its exceptions. Its appli- 
cation must necessarily be circumscribed by the limits of 
reason. Officers, without violating parliamentary usage, or 
any rule of propriety, or courtesy, may be permitted to speak 
upon a pending question, or address the chair for any purpose 
when not actually occupying their official station. This is so 
always, where an officer has been granted permission to leave 
his place, or is away from it, under orders from the Chancellor 
Commander. Under these circumstances it would be unjust 
to cut off any right or privilege he might otherwise have as a 
member.* 

SPECIAL MEETINGS. 

209. Of Subordinate Lodges : Law Concerning : That Lodges 
may hold special meetings will not be questioned ; in fact, the 
laws of the various Jurisdictions generally permit, and the By- 
Laws of Lodges ordinarily prescribe, the conditions upon which 
such meetings may be held. The nature of the business, how- 
ever, which may be transacted at these meetings, is a question 
not so free from doubt and conflicting legislation. The parlia- 
mentary rule of restricting the business to that specified in the 
call is generally observed in the Laws of the Order, but if this 
were all, any further remarks upon this question might be con- 
sidered superfluous. Lodges, both Grand and Subordinate, 
have not been content with enforcing a rule against which in- 
superable objections might be raised, but they have gone fur- 
ther, and interposed restrictions which virtually nullify the 
usefulness of special meetings. This is not so, generally, for 
while the decisions have been conflicting, the authorities, as 
collated in the Digest, seem to represent the current of our 
Pythian Law, and about which there ought not to be any ques- 
tion. 

*Digest Sec. 1738. * 



COMMON LAW. 211 

210. Special Meeting: What Business May Be Transacted At : 

The Constitution of some of the Jurisdictions seem to make no 
provision for special meetings. This is so in respect to Penn- 
sylvania. It would seem that where the Constitution is thus 
silent, Lodges may make such provision in their By-Laws, in 
this respect, as they desire. Where, however, the Constitution 
prescribes that certain specified business shall be transacted 
only at stated or regular meetings, the power of Subordinate 
Lodges, to transact business at special meetings, is to this 
extent restricted. As to whether ranks may be conferred at 
special meetings, in any Jurisdiction, will depend altogether 
upon the existence of any Constitutional prohibition. In Penn- 
sylvania, while, as has been said, there is no reference to special 
meetings, it is provided that : 

" The ranks of the Order shall be conferred only at stated meet- 
ings."* 

This practice was resorted to quite generally in the earlier 
Constitutions, but, perhaps, without considering its real neces- 
sity. Why Lodges should have been denied the privilege of 
working at special meetings, has never been satisfactorily, or 
even plausibly explained. We cite specially, the Pennsylvania 
Constitution for the purpose of referring to a case arising under 
it. It requires, as has been shown, all ranks to be conferred at 
"stated meetings." Under this, it seems that a member had 
been initiated at a special meeting. He became a member in 
full, but how long he had been recognized as such, does not 
appear from the record. He was, however, taken sick, and 
being in good standing to all intents, made a claim for benefits. 
The question now arose as to the legality of his membership, 
as affecting his right to benefits. The matter coming before 
the committee on Law, they say : 

"It is clear whatever wrong was done, if any, was on the part of the 
Lodge, and consequently if any disadvantage resulted to the Lodge, the 
Lodge must bear it."f 

This, of course, was the only way out of the predicament. 
The member had been illegally taken in, but being m, without 
fault of his, there was no help for it, and the law must be a 
dead letter so far as the claimant was concerned. This was 
in 1877, and the Lodges were admonished to observe the Law, 
but with little effect it seems, for another violation of the same 
kind occurred in the same Jurisdiction in 1880. The Lodge 

*Const. Pa. Sec. 4, Art. xii. tPa. 1877 ; 66. 



212 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

sought to avoid the Constitutional provision, by nolding an ad- 
journed meeting, at which it conferred the rank of Page. This 
was construed to be a violation of the Constitution,* but it 
will be seen, that the result must be the same as in the 
former case, if the Page is without fault, and is a member in 
good faith, his standing in the Lodge is not affected by the 
violation of the Law. The soundness of any Law, which 
places restrictions upon Lodge work, may be questioned. It is 
safer always that the Grand Lodge be sparing of such legisla- 
tion. There are other decisions supporting the Pennsylvania 
rule, notably in Louisiana and New York.t It may be 
said that the structure of our Pythian Common Law is found- 
ed upon the numerous exploded ideas which have from 
time to time, found utterance, here and there, and that the* 
foundation thus builded is receiving its accretions from the 
same source, slowly but continually. To this end is coming 
ultimately, this idea of the special meeting. 

Opposed to the decisions above cited, are those of Ohio and 
Alabama!. 

It will be observed that the decision in Alabama, is to the 
effect, that, "if there is nothing in the Law to the contrary a 
Lodge may hold special meetings to confer the Banks," thus 
upholding the assertion made at the opening of this section, 
that a Lodge may provide for special meetings unless ex- 
pressly prohibited. This accords with reason, inasmuch as 
a Grand Lodge may prohibit special meetings, or, permitting 
them, may prohibit the conferring of the ranks thereat. To 
point out the unwisdom of such restrictions, is the object, 
mainly, of this discussion. 

In New Jersey it was held, that a dispensation was necessary 
to confer the rank at a special meeting. || Dispensations, in our 
Pythian Law, in one respect, are like appeals, in the civil law, 
they are simply statutory rights, and unless the right is expressly 
granted by statute it does not exist, so that, in New Jersey, 
it is to be inferred, from the decision, that the Law requires 
a dispensation be granted in such cases, otherwise the decision 
is erroneous. Such a law, however, has nothing in reason or jus- 
tice to support it, and, aside from a mere source of revenue to 
the Grand Lodge, it is entirely without foundation. It must 
be admitted, that it is the wiser policy, to leave matters of 

*Pa. Aug. 1880. 27, 176. +La. 1881, 36 ; N. Y. x873, 12. jDigest Sec. 2464. 

||N.J. 1883,1392. 



COMMON LAW. 213 

Lodge work to the Lodge itself. It understands best its needs, 
and requirements, and in all such matters should be left to 
consult its own tastes and convenience. It is often conven- 
ient for a Lodge to call special meetings for work, and in a rapidly 
growing Lodge it is often really necessary, and that it should 
not be restricted, is evident from the manner in which the re- 
striction has been violated. 

SUSPENSION. 

211. Statement of the Law Concerning: There are a great 
many collateral questions growing out of this general question 
of suspension, but there are, comparatively, very few, over 
which serious controversies can arise, under the presenb well 
settled state of the Law. Some of the decisions, however, may 
be noticed here, as showing the drift of the earlier views. 
There were controversies over questions which are now so well 
settled as to require no comment; that for instance, of the 
time within which a member may be suspended for non-pay- 
ment of dues. In 1878 Wisconsin held, that a member could 
be suspended for an amount less than one year's dues.* 

In 1833 the question was propounded to the Grand Lodge of 
Virginia as to whether a Lodge could suspend a member in- 
definitely, but it does not appear that the Grand Lodge an- 
swered it.t There can be no doubt of the • authority of the 
Lodge to suspend indefinitely. 

Indefinite suspension is tantamount to expulsion, and there 
is an impression among the membership, that expulsion is 
prohibited. To this impression then, 'may be attributed the 
inquiry propounded to the Grand Lodge of Virginia. As to 
whether or not expulsion is prohibited by our Laws, is a question 
worthy, at least, a passing notice, and is therefore, made the 
subject of a brief discussion under that title. i The status of 
suspended members, while it ought not to be so, is now clearly 
a matter for local legislation ; and Grand Lodges may fix it as 
theymaydetermine.il The decision of the Grand Chancellor 
of Pennsylvania, holding that it was necessary to vote on the 
suspension of a member for non-payment of dues, was very 
properly overruled by the Grand Lodge. § All these questions, 
except that of expulsion, as above stated are now well settled 
as a reference to the decision in the Digest will show. 

*Wis. 18^8, 129. tVa.,1883. 38. I See ante., Sec. 130. ||Digest, Seo. 2342, 
1571. §Digest, Sec. 2345. 



214 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

212. Suspension for Non-payment of Dues: Declaration of Nec- 
essary: It is now clearly settled that in case of suspension for 
non-payment of dues, a declaration of the suspension is nec- 
essary and is the only action necessrry.* Until a member has 
been actually declared suspended he may pay his dues at any 
time, and regain his standing without a formal application for 
reinstatement, t It was held, however, in Georgia, that a mem- 
ber suspended for non-payment of dues could not regain his 
standing by paying his indebtedness without a ballot. I While 
this may have been the early rule, it certainly is not the Lav/ 
now, except in cases where the Constitution so provides.!! 

213. Suspension: Of Pages and Esquires: Right of Grand Lodge 
to Provide for: The carrying of Pages and Esquires on the books 
of the Lodge for months, and even years, has always been a 
source of annoyance, but this has been borne owing to the pre- 
vailing impression that there was no alternative. They were not 
generally regarded as members, and except in a few instances, 
were not charged dues,§ and so could not be suspended. It had 
been expressly declared that they could not be suspended for 
merely neglecting to apply for the ranks,^[ hence the question, 
what should be done with them ? 

In 1877, Nevada held, that a Page found unworthy might be 
suspended, and further, that a Lodge is not required to carry 
him indefinitely.** In 1880, Michigan held, that by a majority 
vote, a Page could be dropped, ft Thus the breaking away from 
old ideas commenced, and in 1884 the Supreme Lodge gave voice 
to the matter, by which it was intended to set forever at rest 
the question as to the right of the Grand Lodges to provide for 
the suspension of Pages and Esquires in their respective Ju- 
risdictions. 

The question, which had been so long a source of trouble, it 
was thought, was now definitely settled. 

It is unfortunate that in printing the Journal of 1884, this 
action of the Supreme Lodge does not appear. The proposi- 
tion is in the nature of a resolution,andis found on page 2939, 
in the following words : 

"Resolved, That the committee on Law and supervision is hereby in- 
structed to enquire into the expediency, and present to this supreme 
body a provision whereby Pages and Esquires who do not present them- 
selves for advancement within one year after receiving the rank of Page 

*Digest Sec. 23G8 et seq. +IMgest, Sec. 2371, 2372. iGa. 1874, 93, 96. |;Expo. 
Reinstatement, Sec. 188. §Digest, Sec. 19(3(5. ITDigest Sees. 971, 2222. ^Di- 
gest Sec. 2400. -HDigest Sec. 2401. 



COMMON LAW. 215 

or Esquire, except for good cause shown, may be suspended, and their 
names stricken from the roster of the Lodge." 

This, the Journal shows was referred to the committee, and 
as a matter of fact the report of the committee was, that the 
matter was a subject for local legislation, that is, Grand Lodges 
might provide, themselves, for the suspension of Pages and 
Esquires, that it was a matter peculiarly within their province.* 

This may be taken as the will of the Supreme Lodge, and no 
doubt the error will be corrected at an early day. Eminent 
precedents, however, are now established, and Lodges need 
have no further trouble on this score. It is the duty of Grand 
Lodges to see to it that this matter is provided for in their 
Constitution for Subordinate Lodges. 

214. Suspension: Of Members Cannot Occur While Lodge is In- 
debted to Member: There have been decisions to the effect that 
benefits will not offset dues, and further, that claims generally, 
will not have this effect, but that suspension may follow non-pay- 
ment of dues, even while the Lodge may be indebted to the 
member. These are harsh rules and, under the light of the 
later decisions, they are not supported. A Lodge cannot, in 
equity, suspend a member so long as it is indebted to him. f 
The question of constructive and actual payment of dues, is 
discussed more fully under the titles of Benefits, and Dues, f 

215. Suspension: For Fines and Assessments: The question 
may now arise, whether it is affirmatively settled, that non- 
payment of dues and assessments will work suspension, or 
whether it does not still require some actions of the Grand 
Lodges. From the foundation of the Order, the Supreme 
Lodge had studiously refused to permit it.|| 

The Jurisdictions, very generally, were inclined to acknow- 
ledge the will of the Supreme Lodge in this respect, neverthe- 
less, some have openly ignored it, or evaded it by permit- 
ting charges to be preferred, upon which might follow, trial 
and suspension.!" 

There is no question, that, during all this time,Lodges might 
legally fine their members, or levy assessments for different 
purposes,** and the Law, which prevented the enforcement of 

*The writer being a member of the Supreme Lodge, and present at the session of 
1884, distinctly remembers this fact, and his memory is refreshed by reference to 
his private notes taken at the time, and which show this disposition of the matter. 
fDigest Sec. 2390. lExpo. Sees. 96, 97. |!S. L. Jour. 1873, 705, 768 ; Jour. 1876. 
1222, 1296; Jour. 1877, 1432, 1444, 1449. TWis. 1878, 130, 174; 41a. 1875, 75, 77. 
95 ; Va. 1872, 49, 50, 69. **As to the difference between fines and asessments, se£ 
Expo, ante Sec. 142. 



216 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

their collection was an anomally, as has been before remarked.* 
In 1884, however, the Supreme Lodge attempted to settle this 
question, by listening for once to the demands of reason, and 
the clamoring of Lodges for this grant of essential power. t 
But, as has been intimated, there may be some question, 
whether it was in fact settled. By the reading of the Law, how- 
ever, one fact is positively certain, that Grand Lodges may au- 
thorize Subordinate Lodges, by Constitutional provision, to 
suspend members for the non-payment of fines and assessments, 
and it would seem that Lodges are not clothed with this right, 
except by positive grant of the Grand Lodges.! 

SUNDAY. 

215. Institution of Lodge, and Lodge Work on: Illegal: Up 

to this time.l| the question of prohibiting the institution of 
Lodges, Lodge work, the giving of balls, and of entertain- 
ments, in the name of the Order, on Sunday, had never been 
past upon by the Supreme Lodge. There are instances per- 
haps, of the institution of Lodges on Sunday, but the practice 
of doing Lodge work, and giving balls and entertainments on 
Sunday, while confined to certain Lodges and certain localities, 
principally, is indulged in to a greater or less extent, and these 
things have been matters of frequent occurence in the history 
of the Order. There are local actions and decisions upon the 
the question, but these occurences undoubtedly have been 
more frequent owing to the lack of authoritative decision, than 
they otherwise would have been, While there are Lodges and 
individual members, who have, in these matters, disregarded the 
generally concieved notion of the sanctity of the Sabbath, there 
can be no doubt that a great majority of the membership, espec- 
ially the officiary, both Grand, and Supreme, denounce the prac- 
tice of Sabbath breaking in connection with the name of the 
Order, and where the question has been raised that has been the 
will expessed. 

It may be said, however, that all have now an authoritative 
opinion upon this matter, which must definitely settle the 
practice for the future, in all the Jurisdictions. 

217. Sunday: Work of Lodge on, Illegal: Decision of the Su- 
preme Chancellor: The present Supreme Chancellor, the Hon. 
John Van Valkenburg, is the first of the Supreme Chancellors 

*Expo. Sec. 137, et seq. tDigest Sec. 1192. {For a discussion of this phase of 
the question, see Expo, title Fines. ||Sess. of 1884. 



COMMON LAW. 217 

ever called upon to give official utterance on this question, least- 
wise, his appears to be the first recorded opinion on the subject, 
and it is here given in full, with the correspondence which call- 
ed it forth. 

The Grand Chancellor of New York desired an authoritative 
opinion for his guidance, and so addressed the Supreme Cnan- 
cellor the following communication : 

"Jno. Van Valkenburg, Supreme Chancellor, Fort Madison, Iowa, 
My Dear Sir and Brother: 

I am in pursuit of knowledge, and possibly it may be under difficult- 
ies, but I trust that from the source which I have selected to gain that 
knowledge I may not be disappointed. The information whieh I desire 
is involved in a question of vital importance to the young and rapidly 
growing order of the K. of P. It is desirable that I obtain from the 
Supreme Head of the Order a decision in reference to the legal or 
moral right of a Grand Lodge, or a Grand Chancellor, to permit the in- 
stitution of new Lodges, or granting to Subordinate Lodges the privi- 
lege to hold their regular conventions for the transaction of ordinary 
business and work of a Lodge of this Order, or to sanction the holding 
of balls or other amusements on the first day of the week, which is 
known and recognized throughout the land as Sunday. Believing that 
in this matter you can aid me in the discharge of my duties as Grand 
Chancellor of the State of New York, I shall await your reply with 
patience, anticipating that your ripe experience and matured judgment 
will yield to the Order a decision which will reflect a brilliancy upon 
its name; and add lustre to its glorious principles, showing to the world 
that we are loyal to the laws of both State and General Government, and 
rich in fealty to the teachings of the Order of the Knights of Pythias. 

With highest regards in Friendship, Charity and Benevolence. 

I am yours truly and fraternally, 

John F. Van Nort, 
Grand Chancellor of the State of New York." 

To this, the Supreme Chancellor sent the following reply : 

"Hon. JohnF. Van Nort, Grand Chancellor, K. of P., Newburgh, JST. Y.: 
My Dear Sir and Brother: 

Yours of the 24th inst., received. The question which you submit to 
me is a novel one, but it does not seem to me difficult of solution. 

As an Order we recognize the Bible as *'Our Book of Law," and al- 
though under no sectarian control, still those rules of action which are 
recognized by the whole civilized world, ought to be of sufficient and 
moral force to bind our consciences to the right. There is no civilized 
race of men that does not recognize one day in the week as a day sacred 
to rest. In other words, this is the law governing the whole civilized 
world. 

It does not seem to me to be right and proper for any body of men to 
violate this recognized rule of conduct, and especially a charitable Order 
that requires all those who apply for admission to its mystic circles to 
have a stainless moral character, and teaches its members to act in har- 
mony with the reputable rules of society. 



218 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

I therefore unhesitatingly decide that a Grand Lodge or a Grand Chan- 
cellor has no legal or moral right to permit the institution of new Lodges, 
or to permit Subordinate Lodges already instituted, to hold regular con- 
vocations to transact their business and work of a Lodge of the Order of 
Knight of Pythias, on the first day of the week, which is known 
throughout the world as "Sunday." The prohibitory rule established 
in relation to the institution of new Lodges, or permitting Subordinate 
Lodges to hold their regular meetings for the transaction of ordinary 
business on Sunday, applies with much stronger force to the holding of 
balls or other amusements in a Lodge capacity, or using any of the em- 
blems of the Order whatsoever on the Sabbath, in connection therewith. 
The rule is based upon the further reason that we inculcate loyalty to 
government, both State and National, and also on the ground of public 
policy. * 

Our declaration of principles if properly construed, would place the 
seal of condemnation on an open violation of the Sabbath, by the trans- 
action of ordinary Lodge business or the holding of balls or other 
amusements in a Lodge capacity, and using in connection therewith the 
emblems of the Order on such day. 

We have expressly declared that "toleration in religion, obedience to 
law and loyalty to government, are the cardinal principles." 

This is not a new doctrine with me, but it is a view that controlled my 
official action from the moment that I assumed control of the Grand 
Jurisdiction of Iowa as its Grand Chancellor. 

With highest regards, I remain, 

Sincerely and fraternally, 

Jno. Van Valkenbueg, 

Supreme Chancellor 

This decision will appear in the Journal of the Supreme 
Lodge for 1886 and there can be but little doubt that the Su- 
preme Lodge will confirm it. 

218. Sunday: Work on Illegal : Coroborating Decisions: The 
Supreme Chancellor remarks that the "question is a novel 
one." In respect to the Supreme Lodge this is, perhaps, so; 
but the question, in fact, is not so novel as these words would 
lead one to infer. It has agitated several Jurisdictions, and 
has been decided a number of times. Illinois, both in 1880 
and 1881, decided againet the desecration of the Sabbath in 
the name of the Order. One of these decisions was the result 
of the controversy growing out of the invasion of Wisconsin by 
a division of the Uniform Eankof Chicago, in which the Grand 
Chancellor of Wisconsin took such a decided stand against the 
attempt of the Chicago division to conduct a Sunday demon- 
stration within his Jurisdiction.* Kentucky, in 1873, and 
again in 1883, put its seal of condemnation on the practice of 
Sabbath breaking in the name of the Order, as did also Massa- 

*Wis. 1882, 501. 



COMMON LAW. 219 

chusetts, in 1873, West Virginia, in 1874, and Maryland, in 
1880.* Grand Chancellor H. M. Kutchin, of Wisconsin, in 
1880, gave his unqualified disapproval of Sunday demonstra- 
tions. 

TAXATION. 

219. As to the Right of Taxation Generally : One of the in- 
herent principles of every secret society, or organization, and 
that which presents a self-evident proposition, is the principle 
of self-preservation, or rather self-perpetuation. When men 
enter into a compact for a common purpose, the power is in- 
herent in the organization to devise means to perpetuate its 
existence, and this is so even where there is no express grant 
of power. But where the power of the organization in any 
given direction is defined and limited, then the question as to 
the exercise of such power becomes a constitutional one, and, 
although inherent, can be exercised only within the prescribed 
limitations. So it is in respect to the right of taxation as a 
means of maintaining an existence. The right to tax, is one of 
the inherent rights of every organization. It may be specifi- 
cally limited by fundamental enactments, but where it is not, 
its exercise, whether for good or evil, is controlled by the actions 
and caprices of the governing power. 

220. Taxation: As to the Limit of the Right: This inherent 
power of course includes the right of the head, or governing 
body, to levy taxes in one or more of the various forms, directly 
or indirectly upon its subordinates, or upon its members indi- 
vidually. This, as applied to our Pythian Order, refers to the 
Supreme Lodge. 

Then, we have another governing body, the Grand Lodge, 
In respect to this, the right to impose and exact payment of 
taxes in certain forms will not be denied. Then again we have 
the Subordinate Lodge, and in this, reposes the real power of 
the organization. From this, emanates, primarily, every 
granted power, from its dictation the policy of the organization 
is promulgated and pursued. That it may tsx its members, with 
a far less restricted power, no possible question can be raised. 

It seems then, that the only question in this respect is, as to 
the limit of the power of taxation ; that is, to what extent may 
it be safely and constitutionally exercised. 

Grand Lodges have met this question in various forms, as 

*Digest, Sec. 25o3. et seq. 



220 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

well also the Supreme Lodge,so that the Law may be said to be 
settled so far as the important phases of the question are con- 
cerned. 

221. Taxation: The Right of the Supreme Lodge to Levy a Per 
Capita Tax: The exercise of this right directly has never been 
attempted by the Supreme Lodge, and there are even graver 
reasons opposed to it, then exists in respect to the right of a 
Grand Lodge to assume that power. In effect, however, the 
Supreme Lodge has assumed to itself the right to levy a per 
capita tax, and did so levy it as a charge upon the Jurisdictions. 

As a purely legal question perhaps no one will insist on the 
absolute right of the Supreme Lodge to levy a direct per capita 
tax. The tax levied was a financial measure ; the last resort 
in a great and pressing emergency. It does not appear that 
the matter of right or authority was at all relied upon, the 
measure was resorted to as an appeal for help and not with 
the sanction of Law. A call upon the membership at large 
was made ; it was put in the form of a levy per capita that it 
might be adjusted equitably, and uniformly, thus stripping it 
of all semblance of an arbitrary exaction. 

Only in this sense could it be said to have been a levy or a 
tax. It did not import authority in the Supreme Lodge to en- 
force its collection. 

The defalcation of the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal, 
left the Supreme Lodge not only penniless, but hopelessly in- 
volved, so far as its own resources were concerned. It was a 
desperate situation, requiring desperate measures. The Grand 
Lodges were simply requested to pay into the exchequer of the 
Supreme Lodge a sum equal to twenty cents per capita on 
their membership. Upon the immediate realization of funds 
depended the life of the Supreme Lodge, and to the credit of 
the Grand Jurisdiction, be it said, their fealty precluded all op- 
position to the measure, and to this rather than to its authority 
to make a levy of this nature, the Supreme Lodge owes its life 
and its financial standing to day. 

The Supreme Lodge has its legitimate sources of revenue, 
among them, are the profits from the sale of supplies ; the Grand 
Lodge tax ; dues from Subordinate Lodges under its control, 
&c, and so long as these are sufficient or can be made so, a 
resort to a direct per capita tax would lack the support of au- 
thority to make it, and so, would be an unwarrantable exercise 
of power. 



COMMON LAW. 221 

The position is here assumed, that notwithstanding the pos. 
ession of the right of taxation, by granted or inherent power 
the exercise thereof, is to be restricted to those formes which 
bear the least heavily upon the subject, that only in emerg- 
encies are more arbitrary forms premissible, 

As will be shown hereafter, the principle seems to hold good 
that neither the Supreme, nor the various Grand Lodges, are 
justified in resorting to the direct per capita tax, so long as the 
other less arbitary forms provide a sufficient revenue. 

222. Taxation: The Right of the Grand Lodge to Levy a Per Capita 
Tax: As a strictly equitable principle there seems to be no 
difference between the rights of the Supreme Lodge and the 
Grand Lodges in respect to the exercise of this power. The 
same questions of doubt and inadvisability, arise in the one case 
as in the other, and are attended with the same measure of 
gravity ; but it may be remarked that so far as the question of 
policy or expediency is concerned, they may be adjusted upon 
the same basis. 

The legal aspect of the case, under the light of the decision, 
presents some conflicts which should be reconciled before the 
question becomes a serious one, or has evolved serious con- 
sequences. 

The authority of a Grand Lodge to levy a direct per capita 
tax upon the Past Chancellors, and upon the membership, for** 
special purposes has been asserted, and in some instances the 
attempt actually made to exercise it. 

The Grand Lodge of New York levied a tax upon Past Chan- 
cellors for the purpose of creating a fund to meet the expenses 
of the Grand Lodge, and to enforce the collection, those who 
refused or neglected to pay the tax were denied admission to 
the Grand Lodge. To test the question, it was brought to the 
Supreme Lodge on appeal, where it was held that a Grand 
Lodge had no authority to levy such a tax upon its Past Chan- 
cellors.* There may, possibly, be some distinction in principle 
between the right to levy such a tax upon Past Cnancellors, 
and the right to levy it indiscriminately upon the membership. 

The Grand Lodge of Nebraska furnishes an example of an 
attempt in the latter direction. In this state a direct tax of 
one dollar was levied. It was to be charged to the Lodges and 
the duty enjoined upon them to collect it. It was expressly de- 

*Digest Sees. 7, 8, 1309. 



222 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

clared, however — by a decision of the Grand Chancellor, and by 
the action of the Grand Lodge — to be a direct per capita tax, and 
not a tax upon the Lodges. The question at once arose as to 
the right and authority of the Grand Lodge to impose the bur- 
den and it was fairly met. It did not hesitate to declare its 
authority, and to insist upon the payment of the tax.* 

This case did not go to the Supreme Lodge, but the legality 
of the tax was strongly affirmed by the committee, and their 
report upon it was adopted by the Grand Lodge. 

That the Grand Lodge was inclined to look upon this au- 
thority as, at least, questionable, is inferred from the fact that 
no attempt was made to enforce the collection of the tax. 
The only delinquent Lodge was admitted to representation, 
and the charge against it finally remitted.! 

This action of Nebraska, is supported to some extent by the 
Grand Lodge of Louisana, which, in order to raise funds to 
meet an indebtedness, levied a per capita tax of $1'.00 upon 
the membership. 1 

This, it will be observed, was a direct per capita tax, that is, 
levied upon the membership and not upon the Lodges. 

It does not appear that the Grand Lodge was called upon to 
affirmatively assert its right to levy, and collect this tax, and 
in this respect only, differs from the action of the Nebraska 
G/and Lodge. The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin levied a per 
capita tax, similar to that levied in Nebraska. Here upon 
recommendation of the committee it was provided. 

"That a tax be levied upon each Subordinate Lodge of $1.00 for each 
Knight, who is a member of said Lodges, respectively, said $1.00 per 
capita to be paid on or before April 1st, next.|| 

This it will be observed was not a direct tax, but a charge 
against the Lodges. 

It is believed that there is no recorded decision of the 
Supreme Lodge, determining the right of the Grand Lodges to 
levy this kind of a tax. The only questions taken up for ad- 
judication, have been those involving the right to tax its Past 
Chancellors, and it has uniformally held that this cannot be 
done. "Where a Grand Lodge levied a per capita tax, and re- 
served one-fifth thereof, for building purposes, the action was 
sustained on appeal. § 

The right of the Grand Lodges to require Lodges to pay 

*Neb. 14th Ses. 591 , 15th Ses. 597, 600, Gil ; 17th Ses. 712. -fNeb. 18 Ses. 2 
Vol. 49. jLa. 1882, 76, 77. ||Wis. 1877, 102. §Digest Sec. 2032. 



COMMON LAW. 223 

dues, in the nature of a per capita tax, is not in question, and 
this undoubtedly is what was meant by the Supreme Chancel- 
lor in his reply to the Grand Chancellor of Mississippi,* 

The Grand Chancellor in his report says that, under the de- 
cisions of the Supreme Lodge in 1870, t Past Grand Chancellor 
Hussey, contended that Subordinate Lodges would not be re- 
quired to pay dues to the Grand jjodge for their Past Chancel- 
lors, but that ne took issue with him and made inquiry of the 
Supreme Chancellor, as to the force and meaning of the de- 
cision of 1870. 

The Supreme Chancellor replied ; 

"This refers only to assessments on them simply as Past Chancellors 
and members of the Grand Lodge; as members of the Subordinate 
Lodges the Grand Lodge can assess them, and they must pay it." 

It does not appear the Supreme Chancellor ever reported 
this decision to the Supreme Lodge. 

It is evident, to say the least of it, that the Supreme Chan- 
cellor was carelessly unguarded in the verbal expression in 
which this opinion was clothed. He certainly did not mean 
that Grand Lodges could levy assessments on the individual 
members, or Past Chancellors, and that they must pay it. 

The Grand Chancellor of Mississippi, in his inquiry, referred 
solely to the Grand Lodge dues, as this was the question be- 
tween him and Past Grand Chancellor Hussey, and to this 
only, the attention of the Supreme Chancellor was directed. It 
seems that in Mississippi the Grand Lodge requires dues to be 
paid on the Past Chancellors. It does not appear that the Past 
Chancellors were required to pay these dues, individually, into 
the Grand Lodge exchequer ; the contrary is at least inferred 
from the proposition of Past Grand Chancellor Hussey, that : 

" Under the decision of 1870 the Lodges would not be required to pay 
dues on its Past Chancellor." 

It is evident that this was the ordinary per capita tax of the 
Grand Lodge of Mississippi, restricted, it is true, to the Past 
Chancellors of the Jurisdiction, but charged to the Lodge. This 
is the usual and most common source of revenue. It is a tax 
on the Lodge, the collection of which may be enforced. It is 
not an assessment, specially upon the Past Chancellor, and 
could not be collected if it was. 

There can be no doubt as to the state of the legislation on 
this question, as well as the whole theory of the Law, that Grand 

*Miss., 1875, 12. f Digest Sec. 7. 



224 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Lodges must deal directly with their Subordinates, and not 
with individual members. On the same principle that Lodges 
may tax their members, for legitimate and necessary purposes, 
so may a Grand Lodge tax its Subordinates, either for the pur- 
poses of regular revenue or for any special purpose, which may 
be legitimate and proper.* 

223. Taxation : The Authority of Subordinate Lodges to Tax Their 
Members : Aside from the regular monthly or quarterly dues, 
fines and assessments are the only methods of taxation to which 
a Subordinate Lodge may resort. The extent to which they may 
exercise this right, for any purpose, has been a subject of much 
controversy and legislation. 

There is, even now, a great diversity of opinion in respect to 
the authority of a Subordinate Lodge to levy fines and assess- 
ments in certain cases. 

In the earlier years it seemed to be a generally conceded 
proposition that a Lodge had no authority to levy assessments 
for any purpose,! while its power to impose fines was restricted 
to those sanctioned by the penal code. Latterly the legislation 
of the Supreme Lodge has marked out in some measure, the 
course by which Grand and Subordinate Lodges are to be 
guided in the matter of taxation. 

As early as 1872 the Supreme Lodge, in the appeal of Phil- 
lips vs. the Grand Lodge of Virginia, held that the taxing pow- 
ers of a Subordinate Lodge was derived from the Grand Lodge, I 
and its action on an appeal case, coming up from New York, 
would seem to leave it almost entirely to the wisdom and dis- 
cretion of the Grand Lodges, || while its action of 1884 swept 
away the last vestige of doubt in respect to this question.§ 
Grand Lodges may grant or refuse to Subordinates this power, 
and it follows that it may prescribe the manner and extent of 
its exercise. 

224. Taxation: The Per Capita Tax so Called: While neither 
the Supreme nor the Grand Lodges, as has been shown, may 
levy a direct per capita tax, yet in respect to the Grand Lodges 
a per capita tax, so called, is a legitimate source of revenue. 
It is uniform, and at the same time an equitable method of tax- 
ation, hence is more generally resorted to than any other 
method. 

By this means Lodges contribute to the support of the Grand 

*Digest, Sec. 2019, etseq. iPa. Digest, 1882, Sec. 22. {Digest, Sec. 2581. 
||S. L. Jour., 1880 ; 2058. §Digest, Sec, 1192. 



COMMON LAW. 225 

Lodge, their just proportion of the demands of that body upon 
their menbership, which cannot be otherwise than equitable, 
under all the circumstances. The authority of the Grand 
Lodge to impose this tax, is nowhere doubted. 

There are certain restrictions however, within which the au- 
thority must be exercised, among them the following : 

1. The tax must be uniform in its operation, bearing equita- 
ble upon all, and this involves the question of the rights of 
Pages, Esquires, and suspended members, as well as of the 
Lodge. 

2. It must be chargeable to the Lodge, else it becoms a di- 
rect tax, with its objectionable features, heretofore referred to.* 

Under these restrictions Grand Lodges may enforce the pay- 
ment of this tax, by such penalties as it may devise, affecting 
directly the delinquent Lodges. 

225. Taxation: The Per Capita Tax: Upon Whom Payable: 
As has been said, the tax must be uniform, bearing equitable 
upon all. If this is not so, it savors of discrimination, and 
hence is unjust. The Laws of the various Grand Lodges usual- 
ly require the tax to be paid on the "membership," and in some 
Jurisdictions this has given rise to the question, as to what 
constitutes "membership" for the purpose of this tax. 

Are Pages and Esquires, and delinquent or suspended mem- 
bers, to be considered as members in determining, the liabili- 
ty of the Lodges, is the direct question, and one that has given 
rise to much conflicting legislation, and many erroneous deci- 
sions. 

An examination of the laws and decisions of the various 
Grand Lodges however, would seem to give weight to the more 
consistent rule, as advocated by Supreme Chancellor Eead, in 
respect to charging dues to Pages and Esquires, t 

By the decision of Supreme Chancellor Linton, Lodges un- 
der the control of the Supreme Lodge are chargeable with the 
per capita tax upon Pages and Esquires, on the broad ground 
that they are members.! 

In 1880 the Supreme Lodge declared this to be a matter for 
local legislation, || and in consequence there must naturally 
follow conflicting legislation. California, Alabama and Michi- 
gan have declared in accordance with the views here expressed, § 

*See Expo. Sec, 226, for observations on the question of Lodges charging mem. 
bers with the Grand Lodge tax. tDigest, Sec. 952, and note. {Digest, Sec. 2020. 
HDigest, Sec, 2019. §Digest, Sec. 2021. et seq. 

15 



226 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

while many of the Jurisdictions have settled the question by con- 
stitutional provisions. It is provided in Maryland and Nebraska, 
that the tax is not payable upon members suspended, but in the 
later state, it is required to be paid upon all Knights not actu- 
ally declared suspended, even though they may not be in good 
standing from arrearages of dues.* 

This seems to be the better rule, that Lodges should pay 
only upon those Knights upon the roll, who have not been de- 
clared suspended. 

226. Taxation: The Per Capita Tax: Means of Payment: In 
some Jurisdictions, the practice is observed of requiring the 
individual members to pay the per capita tax to the Grand 
Lodge. 

In Louisiana it seems that the per capita tax is chargeable 
directly to the members, and they are required to pay it in ad- 
dition to their dues. This is inferred from a decision of Grand 
Chancellor Benton, to the effect that, a member taking a With- 
drawal Card on the 5th of May, is liable for the per capita tax.! 

That this practice is wrong and inequitable, is fully and ex- 
plicitly set forth by the committee on Law in Pennsylvania in 
disapproving of By-Laws containing this provision as, follows : 

"Several of the Lodges adopted an article in their By-Laws, charging 
each member with the per capita tax, as a part of the dues to be paid to 
the Grand Lodge. This, your committee disapprove of on account of its 
evident injustice to members who pay their dues regularly. In every 
Lodge there are a number of members who permit themselves to be- 
come in arrears, and at the end of the term, the members who keep 
themselves square on the books, are, by the operation of such a law, 
doubly taxed — first, by the payment indirectly, of this per capita taxj 
and, secondly, by the Lodge paying out of the funds of the Lodge paid 
in as dues, the per capita tax of those in arrears. In addition to this, 
Article IX, of the Constitution evidently intends that the per capita tax 
shall be paid out of the collective funds of the Lodge according to the 
number of members reported on the roll.":}: 

227. Taxation : The Rank Tax : This tax is peculiar only to 
some Jurisdictions. It is a contribution required of the Lodges, 
of a certain specified sum for each rank conferred during the 
term. There seems to be no question as to the authority of a 
Grand Lodge to levy this tax. The question has arisen, how- 
ever, as in the case of the per capita tax, upon whom is it pay- 
able, and when does the Lodge become chargeable with it ? 
The pendency of this phase of the question was, for a time, the 

*Md. 1874,124. Const., Neb., Sec. 64. +La., 1883, 27, 64. |Pa., July 
1871, 460. 



* COMMON LAW. 227 

source of profound, though temporary, perplexity, to, at least, 
one Grand Jurisdiction, resulting in a final determination of it, 
at the hands of the Supreme Lodge. The question was, should 
a new Lodge be chargeable with the rank tax, for the ranks 
conferred upon its charter members, at its organization ? The 
case came up from Nebraska, and the Supreme Lodge held 
that it should.* 

228. Taxation : The Rank Tax : Its Expediency or Policy: On 
the principle that all taxation is burdensome, there must be 
some positive necessity for it, else it becomes unjust and un- 
justifiable. So of this rank tax. It is a charge, at best, upon 
the enterprise and prosperity of a Lodge, and its imposition 
is justified only as a means of necessary revenue to the Grand 
Lodge, and when the necessity ceases to exist, so also 
should the tax. A per capita tax presents far less objection- 
able features, while its justification rests upon the same basis 
of necessity. Some Grand Lodges impose both the rank and 
per capita tax. The necessity must be overriding to warrant it. 

TK1AL. 

229. Of Grand Lodge Officers: The extent to which Grand 
Lodges may punish their officers, has never been definitely settl- 
ed. That they may try them upon charges, and suspend them 
from office is clear. The Supreme Lodge has even gone to the 
extent of prescribing a mode of procedure, in such cases, to be 
used where Grand Lodges have not provided a different mode.f 
The noted case of Past Grand Chancellor McMullan, of Penn- 
sylvania, is an instance of the right of a Grand Lodge to sus- 
pend from office. Here the office was that of Grand Chancel- 
lor to which had attached the rank of Past Grand Chancellor. 
Upon trial and charges, the Grand Chancellor was deposed, 
and his certificate, evidencing his right to the rank of Past Grand 
Chancellor, was recalled and revoked, and the officer declared 
to be not entitled to the rank. In this case it was expressly 
held that the Grand Lodge may do this, and further, that it is 
not compelled to "keep and maintain, in official position, one 
openly guilty of offence."! It will be noticed, however, that in 
this case the officer was suspended for three years, whether 
from office simply, or from the Order, does not appear from 
the Supreme Lodge record, the inference is, however, that it 

*Digest, Sec. 2237. (This case is noticed at length under the title, "Organization 
of Lodges," Section 159.) ^Digest Sec, 2594. {Digest Sec. 1874. 



228 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

was from the Order, in which case this part of the punishment 
inflicted may well be questioned, though it is not without pre- 
cedent. The Grand Lodge of California tried a member who 
was not an officer of that body, for what was termed "con- 
tempt of the Grand Lodge," The member was the Master of 
Exchequer of a Subordinate Lodge, and the contempt consisted 
of a refusal on his part to pay money to the Grand Master of 
Exchequer, when commanded to do so by the Grand Chancel- 
lor. The trial occurred in open Grand Lodge, and he was con- 
victed and sentenced to suspension for ninety-nine years.* It 
will be observed that this was a very early decision, as is, also 
that of Pennsylvania, and they can scarcely be said to repre- 
sent the current of opinion on this question at this day.t 

These higher forms of punishment should, for evident rea- 
sons, be left to the Subordinate Lodges, especially in cases 
where the member is not an officer of the Grand Lodge. The 
Grand Lodge of Nebraska has furnished two examples indicat- 
ing the practice in that state. As early as 1872 it was held there, 
that Lodges had the power to try Grand Lodge officers for offens- 
es, committed while acting in their official capacity as such 
officers. I Of course this can refer only to Lodges disciplining 
their own members, who may be officers of the Grand Lodge, 
and who may commit some offense against the Lodge or the 
Order. Inasmuch as the Lodge has jurisdiction over its mem- 
bers, it can make no difference in what capacity they may 
transgress the laws of the Order or of the Lodge, it would seem 
that the Subordinate Lodge is the only competent tribunal to 
call them to account for such transgression. If the person be 
a member or officer of the Grand Lodge, that body may also 
act within its Jurisdiction, and this latter seems to be only to 
the extent of deposing an officer from office, or of suspension 
from membership in the body. The other example from Ne- 
braska — and which has been severely criticised — occurred in 
1883, upon the following facts : A member of the Order, who 
was a Past Grand Chancellor, and so a member of the Grand 
Lodge, had admitted to the Grand Keeper of Eecord and Seal 
that he had in his possession the properties of his Lodge, 
which was then defunct. He was requested to transmit them 

*Cal., 187], 149, 150, 154, 178, 187, 190. +It has been very distinctly held, 
that a Grand Chancellor has no right to suspend a Subordinate Lodge officer. (Digest, 
Sec. 2394.) This supports the theory here contended for, that neither the Grand 
Lorlge nor the Grand Chancellor can deal directly with the individual members of the 
Order. (Expo. Taxation, Sec. 222.) jNeb; 7, Sea. 1 vol. 113. 



COMMON LAW. 229 

to the Grand Lodge office, but failing to do so, the Grand 
Chancellor issued his official order, directing the Past Grand 
Chancellor to forward the properties to the Grand Keeper of 
Eecords and Seal. The brother still refused and neglected to 
obey. Upon a report of the facts to the Grand Lodge, by the 
Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, that officer was instructed 
to prefer charges against the brother, in his Lodge, for refusing 
to obey an order of the Grand Chancellor.* 

Here, as in the California case, there was contempt of the 
Grand Lodge, but the Grand Lodge of Nebraska did not recog- 
nize its right to try the brother. 

As to fining its officers, the Grand Lodge of Texas has fur- 
nished repeated examples.! This latter exercise of power may 
not afford much ground for controversy, inasmuch as it affects 
a member in his official capacity only, and cannot affect his 
standing in the Order, or in his own Lodge, but the right of a 
Grand Lodge to exercise authority over individual members, 
so as to affect their standing in the Order is, so to speak, ultra 
vires, beyond and outside the legitimate powers of the Grand 
Lodge. A Grand Lodge can deal with individual members of 
the Order only through their Lodges. Of course it has a lim- 
ited jurisdiction over its own members, as has been shown. 

230. Trials: Some of the Rules of Practice in respect thereto: 
There perhaps, can be no question that the course of practice 
in trials should be as simple, and as free from legal techni- 
calities as is consistent with a business like disposition of 
grave and important matters. While Lodges are sometimes 
inclined to be lax in their practice and proceedings, this can- 
not be said of California, if the practice there, as indicated, is 
generally followed by the Lodges. Here provision is made 
for demurrers, motions, bills of exceptions &c, besides an 
elaborate Code of Procedure. I 

It is, perhaps, better that there be an explicit Code of Procedure, 
even though it may be elaborate, than that there be no form 
at all, or at best but a meagre form, and the way thus left 
open for misunderstanding, vexatious controversies, and un- 
necessary appeals. It seems that California was not satisfied, 
however, with its method of procedure, so a committee was ap- 
pointed to suggest amendments, looking to the the trial of all 
charges by a "trial committee ," whose decision should be final 

*Neb. 18S3; 222. tExpo. Sec. 137. Fines. JCal., 1882, 1679, also Code of 
Procedure of 1879, Dann's Cal., Digest. 



230 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

until reversed on appeal. This would take the matter out of 
the Lodge, and seemingly, leave it with no voice in the matter, 
beyond the appointment of the trial committee, a proceeding 
of doubtful authority on the part of a Grand Lodge, and of 
extremely doubtful propriety. 

231. Trials: Right of Lodge to vacate Judgments in: This 
question is more properly discussed under the title, "Judg- 
ments. "It maybe observed here, that, where Lodges have not 
been deprived of jurisdicton, in the matter of trials, there seems 
to be no good reason why they should not have the power to 
reverse their judgments upon a showing.! 

232: Trials: Vote necessary to fix Punishment in: The 
method of determining the punishment to be inflicted after 
trial and conviction is usually fixed by the local Law, but in 
some instances this method is not always fonnded in consist- 
ency. It appears in Indiana where a member has been 
found guilty upon trial, that a two-third vote is necessary to 
fix the punishment, t This seems also to be the rule in Penn- 
sylvania. i| By this decision in Pennsylvania a majority vote 
will convict. This is simply reversing what seems to be the 
more natural rule. In Nebraska it is provided by Constitution 
that a vote of two-thirds is necessary, both in determining the 
guilt or innocence of the accused, and in fixing the punish- 
ment^ It may be admitted that, perhaps, a majority of the 
Jurisdictions, or even more, provide for this method of fixing 
the punishment. 

It is well enough to use every precaution in the interest of 
the accused to secure a fair and impartial conviction, and to 
this end a two-third vote is not unreasonable, as precedent to 
the finding of a brother guilty, but when that has been once 
found, by the necessary vote, and there is no reasonable doubt of 
his guilt, it is an unnecessary precaution to require a two-third 
vote to fix the punishment. An instance has occurred where 
a brother has been found guilty but the Lodge refused to fix 
the punishment,^ and cases might arise where it would be im- 
possible to secure a two-third vote to fix the punishment, even 
after the accused had been found guity by that vote. 

233. Trials: As to the admissibility of testimony in certain cases: 
It is a cherished theory of the English common law, that a 
criminal has an inalienable right to be confronted by the 

*Cal., 1882, 1729, 1730, 1742. fExpo. Judgments. Sec. 140. Jlnd., Jan.,, 
1878,08. IIDigeat Sec. 2G24. §Neb. f Const., Sub., Lodge, Sec. 75. HDigest, 
Sec. 2013. 



COMMON LAW. 231 

witnesses against him, so that, depositions cannot be admitted 
in such cases. 

Adhering to this principle, Pennsylvania, in 1872, held that 
depositions could not be received in trials in Knights of 
Pythias Lodges.* There are obvious reasons why this theory, 
or rule, should not prevail, and there can be no valid reason 
suggested, why the deposition of a person, not a member of the 
Order, should not be admittsd in evidence, especially in Juris- 
dictions, where the trial takes place in open Lodge. Indiana 
has held that persons not members, may be admitted to testify, 
but this certainly does mean that they may be admitted to the 
Lodge in session.! The views of Grand Chancellor Deering, of 
Kansas, as expressed in 1873, are applicable in this connec- 
tion. Upon a series of questions propounded he says : 

"To your first question, I would reply that there are no specific rules, 
other than those laid down in the Code of Procedure. After a careful 
perusal of the usages of the Order, as shown in the matters of appeal, 
carried to the Grand Lodge, and the Supreme Lodge, I am of the 
opinion that the duty of the committee is to get at the facts, and submit 
them, unbiased, and unfettered by technicalities, to the Lodge. Our 
Order being young, we have as yet no Code of Jurisprudence, and must 
be governed by a simple sense of justice. Technical quibling is 
foreign to the principals and usages of our Order. ( Vide Journal of 
Supreme Lodge, 1872, 538, 551, 573). The only technicalities to be con- 
sidered, before the investigating committee, are such as relate to the ex- 
pressed Law as made and provided." 

The Grand Chancellor holds in the same case that the testi- 
mony of one of the committee is admissible, t It might often 
occur that important testimony of persons, not members of 
the Order, could only be obtained by deposition or written 
statement, and this should always be allowed. 

. TEUSTEES. 

234. Are not Officers of the Lodge: It was held in Alabama that 
trustees are elective officers, and a failure to elect them at the 
proper time would necessitate a dispensation to do so.|| 

Grand Chancellor Gillum, of Indiana, held, that a trustee 
was an officer of the Lodge, but he could hold an other office, 
provided, it was not a financial one.§ , 

It may be true that trustees are elective officers,* in the sense 
that they are officers — being charged with an office — and are 
elective, being elected, but as they are not ritualistic officers, 

*Pa., 1872, 390. +Digest Sec. 2589. JKan., Sept., 1873, 6, 7, 31. IlAla- 

bama 1881, 15. §Ind„ 1882, 121, 161, 163. 



232 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

it has been, perhaps, properly held, that they are not officers 
of the Lodge. They are not usually classed in the same cate- 
gory, as to rights, privileges, and duties, as the ritualistic 
officers.* 

UNIYEESAL CONSTITUTION. 

235. Proposition Submitted: At the session of the Supreme 
Lodge at Detroit, in 1882, Supreme Eepresentative K. E. 
Cowan, of Missouri, presented the following resolution ; 

Resolved, That the committe on Law and supervision be instructed 
to enquire into the expediency of abolishing the Grand and Subordinate 
Constitutions, as they now exist, and in lieu thereof, to provide for one 
general, uniform and universal Constitution of the Order.f 

This simply contemplates. a return to the old "regime;" to the 
time when there was no serious question as to the right of the 
Supreme Lodge to do this. 

No final action, however, was taken on this resolution. The 
committee on Law submitted a report recommending that, 

" 'Inasmuch as it involved a radical change in the Constitution,' it be 
referred to a special committee, with instructions to report at the next 
session. "J 

This report was not adopted, and no further action was 
taken. No one seemed to have the hardihood to call it up at 
the session in 1884, and so the matter rests, as far as the 
Supreme Lodge is concerned. 

236. Universal Constitution : Consideration of the Proposition : 
This resolution presents questions worthy of consideration, and, 
in fact, fraught with vital interest to the Order. There are 
those who can see only disaster and ruin in the adoption of 
this proposition, while, on the other hand, there is a respecta- 
ble following, including in their number some of the thinking 
men of the Order, who look upon this measure as an element of 
strength, lacking in our organization, the ultimate adoption of 
which is only a question of time, if the Order shall live and 
prosper. 

Whether or not the perpetuity of our Order depends upon 
the adoption of this proposition, the future will surely and 
inevitably disclose. A moment's reflection, however, should 
convince any candid mind that the measure presents features 
which, if put into practice, must certainly add to the sta- 
bility and strength of our organization. 

*Digest Sec. 2570, et seq. +S. L., Journal 1882, 2401. :S. L. Jour., 1882, 2126. 



COMMON LAW. 233 

This one proposition, every Knight will concede, that, what 
is now most sadly needed, is uniformity, not alone in the work, 
but in those cardinal principles and rules, which have a com- 
mon and universal application. These include the rules as to 
the evidence of membership, good standing, right to benefits 
and relief, the qualifications of applicants, and the ballot there- 
on; the rights of traveling members, and the requisites of 
admission as visitors. That these should be uniform is a self- 
evident fact, and which, were it so, would be a tower of strength 
in the organization, inasmuch as it would eventually supercede 
the possibility of conflicting decisions, and much of the incon- 
sistent legislation on these subjects. Under the rights of 
"local legislation," as they now exist, evidences of membership 
are not the same in all Jurisdictions. 

A brother in good standing in his own Lodge, would, under the 
Laws of a sister Jurisdiction, he in bad standing there : visitors 
are admitted by one Lodge, and refused by another, on the 
same evidence of good standing and membership. And so it is 
in other important particulars. Local legislation has done 
much to undermine the pillars of Pythianism, and sooner or 
later they must fall. The homogeniousness of our organiza- 
tions will then be sacrificed to the petty dependencies of state 
organization, or, what may be equivalent thereto ; Grand Jur- 
isdictions, so completely imbued with the spirit of "local 
legislation" as to nullify the influence of the supreme head of 
the Order, and render it impotent as a directing power. 

Under the present Laws, it is natural that there should be 
conflicting decisions and inconsistent legislation, even on 
fundamental principles, but, they are elements of discord, as 
they are prime evidences of inherent weakness. Sweep them 
away, and there would follow a sense of greater security in the 
legal positions assumed by executive officers, and their opinions 
founded upon the "Universal Laiv" would find ready, and 
general acquiescence, and instead of strifes and enmities, which 
these things too often engender, there would be fewer trials, less 
appeals, increased harmony, peace, lasting unity. 

With a knowledge of the fact that our Laws, as respects fund- 
amental principles, are universal, throughout the Supreme 
Jurisdiction, is associated a feeling of respect. It marks the 
stability of our institution and insures its perpetuity. The ac- 
complishment then, of this purpose should be the end and aim 



234 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

of every Knight, that our Order may continue to the remotest 
future, to rank among those stable institutions which have been 
organized upon fraternal and benevolent principles with these 
cardinal objects for its foundation stone. 

"To alleviate the sufferings of a brother, succor the unfortunate, zeal- 
ously watch at the bedside of the sick, sooth the dying pillow, perform 
the last sad rites at the grave of a brother, offering consolation to the 
afflicted, and caring for the widow and orphan. 

"Recognizing the universality of human brotherhood, its organization 
is designed to embrace the world in its jurisdiction. Intended solely 
and only to disseminate the great principles of friendship, charity and 
benevolence, nothing of a sectarian or political character is permitted 
within its portals. Toleration in religion, obedience to law, and loyalty to 
government are its cardinal principles. "* 

The one principle object of this Work, is to exhibit — in such 
manner as cannot be denied — the great lack of uniformity, in 
the Laws and legislation, and especially in the application of 
universal principles, and to show the consequent necessity of 
a reform in these essential particulars. Whether or not this 
object has been attained, a perusal of the Work may disclose, 
but the fact is none the less clear and distinct, that something, 
like a Universal Constitution, is the only remedy for this one 
great defect in our organization, and that the Supreme Lodge 
must sooner or later come to realize this fact. 

237. Universal Constitution: Authority of Supreme Lodge Ques- 
tioned : We meet at the very threshold of this discussion, the 
question as to the authority of the Supreme Lodge to change 
the present order of things, by resuming a power which it once 
relinguished to the Grand Lodges. In fact, it may be seriously 
questioned, while, in some quarters at least, the exercise of 
the right will undoubtedly, be stubbornly resisted. 

The difficulty with which the question seems to be hedged 
about, lies simply in this : the right to issue a universal Con- 
stitution for Grand and Subordinate Lodges, was assumed by 
the Supreme Lodge in the beginning; but that right was dele- 
gated to the Grand Lodges, and they may, with plausibility, 
and reason, insist that this was a recognition of their sover- 
eignty, under which rights have vested, the principal among 
which, is the right to govern their Subordinates, and that in 
justice and equity, this recognition cannot be recalled, and 
the rights vested under it, cancelled. 

{Digest, Sees. 1998, 1999. 



COMMON LAW. 235 

A resumption of this power, by the Supreme Lodge, would 
result in the overthrow of many local enactments of special, 
as well as of general application, and with these would go 
many cherished hopes and plans, the result of patient toil and 
study. It cannot be expected, that these will be relinguished 
with quiet submission. The sovereignty of the state grand 
bodies will be urged, by the same spirit which gives impetus to 
the political question of the sovereignty of states, though, per- 
haps not with the same force of reasoning. 

In view of these facts, it is proposed to consider briefly this 
question, in its various phases, as to the expediency, the pro- 
priety, and the legal right of the Supreme Lodge to adopt this 
measure. 

238. Universal Constitution : Rights and Powers of Supreme Lodge: 
As to the expediency or propriety of adopting the universal con- 
stitution perhaps nothing further need be said, than has already 
been said, in this connection. That it is both proper and ex- 
pedient must be conceded. The conflict of laws, involving 
cardinal principles, and the persistency with which these are 
maintained even to the verge of insubordination in some in- 
stances, have fully demonstrated the necessity of a universal 
Law, as an unerring guide in all matters pertaining to princi- 
ples of general application. 

As to the power of the Supreme Lodge, this must be conceded 
also. In the beginning no one questioned the authority of the 
Supreme Lodge to legislate, even concerning matters of minor 
importance. 

On the eve of the organization of the Supreme Lodge, Samuel 
Eead, then the Grand Chancellor of New Jersey, called the 
attention of his Grand Lodge to the prospective organization, 
with a view to advising the Supreme Kepresentatives concern- 
ing some needed changes in the Laws. His suggestions related 
solely to the matter of Subordinate Lodge government.* The 
Supreme Lodge immediately upon its organization assumed 
the right to legislate for the Subordinate Lodges, and in the 
constitution sent down, Grand Chancellor Eead was pleased to 
note the embodiment of his views in certain particulars, as 
suggested by him. The constitution referred to, was adopted 
at the semi-annual session in November 1868, At this session 
three separate constitutions, or "general Laws" were adopted, 
one for the Supreme Lodge, and one each for the Grand and 

♦Ante., Eligibility, Sec. 117, 



236 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Subordinate Lodges. This seems to have been the result of a 
sort of compromise, had at the first session, whereby a committee 
was appointed to prepare a "Constitution for the Order."* 
This was upon motion of Past Grand Chancellor Eheem of 
Pennsylvania, but it seems that instead of a "Constitution for 
the Order" three separate constitutions were made as above 
stated. These constitutions were to take effect on January 1st 
1869. 

In March 1869, the first annual session of the supreme body 
was held at Eichmond, Virginia. The Constitution had been 
in force more than two months, when, at this session, on 
motion of Past Grand Chancellor Lowry, of Pennsylvania, it 
was, 

"Resolved, That the Constitution for the government of Subordinate 
Lodges, not in conflict with the Laws of general application, adopted by 
the Supreme Lodge, shall be made by the state Grand Lodges, for the 
government of the Subordinates under their jurisdictions. "f 

It has been remarked in another portion of this Work, 
(Expo., Sec. 32), that Pennsylvania saw fit to ignore this Con- 
stitution, so far as it related to the Grand and Subordinate 
Lodges, but, perhaps, this Jurisdiction was the only one 
taking this stand, and thus denying the right of the Supreme 
Lodge to assume this power. 

In this, Pennsylvania was not consistent, for, as has been 
shown, it was on the motion of one of its representatives, that 
the Supreme Lodge ordered a universal Constitution to be made, 
and after ignoring the Constitution thus made, it sent a repre- 
sentative to the very next session, who succeeded in inducing 
the Supreme Lodges to relinquish the right in favor of the 
Grand Lodges. This relinquishment in the shape of a resolu- 
tion, ultimately finds its way into the Constitution, and in this 
fact rests the whole argument against the proposed resump- 
tion of the right by the Supreme Lodge. 

In considering this proposition it must be borne in mind that 
the Supreme Lodge did not make an absolute relinquishment 
of power in this connection. The resolution of Past Grand 
Chancellor Lowry resiricted the Grand Lodges to the making of 
constitutions, "not in conflict ivith the laivs of general applica- 
tion," while the Constitution enlarges upon this restriction, 
extending it to all "laivs made in pursuance hereof "t 

*S. L. Jour., 1868, 18. IS. L. Jour., 1869, 115. iCorist. S. L. Sec. 3, Art. VII., 
app; also Digest, Sec. 1530. 



COMMON LAW. 237 

From this it will be seen that it has not only reserved the 
right to enforce obedience to what are termed "obligatory laws" 
but to all its enactments made within the restrictions of its 
own Constitution. 

As to the binding force of the Constitution and By-Laws of 
the Supreme Lodge, any direct affirmation would seem un- 
necessary, yet Article XIII. covers this point and sets the ques- 
tion fully at rest. 

It was a voluntary matter on the part of the original Grand 
Lodges, agreeing to the organization of the supreme body and 
clothing it with a supreme directing power ; but this having 
been done, all those rights yielded by the Grand Lodges, became 
the prerogatives of the Supreme Lodges, to be exercised as it 
might will or direct, limited only by its Constitutional powers. 
This being so, the supreme body has a right to demand un- 
qualified obedience ; and a proper sense of loyalty or fealty, on 
the part of the membership, and especially of the Grand Lodges, 
will ensure that obedience, which, by the terms of its Constitu- 
tion, the Supreme Lodge may require. 

Among those rights yielded by the Grand Lodges, as found 
in the Constution promulgated at the first session, were, first, 
the recognition that : 

"It is the source of all true and legitimate authority over the Order, 
and possesses, as such, supreme and absolute power over the same and 
of the work belonging thereto; second, to enact all laws and regulations 
of general application for the government of the Order, and it possesses 
all power and authority, not expressly delegated to the Grand Lodges 
by virtue of their charter or dispeasation, or general Laws of the Order."* 

This was certainly an ample grant of power, and it was, at 
the time, universally acquiesced in. 

There can be no question, then, that, in the beginning, the 
authority of the Supreme Lodge to legislate for the Order upon 
matters of general application, was ample and complete. Since 
the organization of the supreme body there have been many 
express delegations of power to the Grand Lodges, or rather 
express recognitions of power in the Grand Lodges, which, aside 
from the Constitutional right to make their own Constitutions, 
are classed under the general head of "Local Legislation."! 

There can be no doubt that in these recognitions, the Su- 
preme Lodge has given away many of therights reserved to it- 
self. For instance, among the rights of the Supreme Lodge 
is that : 

*First Const. S. L., Sees. 2, 3. Art. I. +Digest ; Sec. 1535. 



238 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

"To provide for the emanation and distribution of all pass-words, and 
regulate the mode and manner of issuing the same, and generally to 
provide such regulations as may be necessary to secure the safe and 
easy intercourse and identification of the brethren. "* 

Perhaps there is no subject of our Pythian Jurisprudence 
more in need of uniform legislation than that of the "safe and 
easy intercourse" of visitors, and upon this subject, the 
Supreme Lodge has never attempted to legislate, with perhaps, 
some trivial exceptions. 

In Paragraph 9 of the Constitution we find still another 
reservation of power, and so all through the instrument can be 
found, the reserved powers of the Supreme Lodge, some of 
which have never been exercised, others only partially so, but 
all of them ample in every particular to warrant the assump- 
tion here contended for. The right of the Supreme Lodge to 
enact obligatory Laws of general application cannot be ques- 
tioned, and this it has never yielded. Examples of the exer- 
cise of this right are found in Articles VII and VIII, of the 
Constitution. If it may legislate thus far, then a priori, it may 
legislate to the full extent necessary to ensure absolute uni- 
formity in the Laws. If it has a right to make a uniform law 
in respect to a quorum for a Subordinate Lodge! it may also 
make a uniform Law in respect to good standing and arrears. 
If it may make a uniform Law in respect to nominations! for 
office, it may also make a like law in respect to the conduct of 
elections. If it has the right to legislate concerning the election 
of applicants, it has also right to legislate concerning their 
advancement.)! If it may legislate concerning suspension, it 
may also legislate concerning reinstatements^ and so this 
parity of reasoning might be continued throughout the entire 
list of rights expressly reserved, for, if the authority of the 
Supreme Lodge extends to any or all of these things, then it 
may extend, upon the same basis of reasoning, so far as to 
leave nothing pertaining to fundamental principles or the rights 
of members to the Grand Lodges at all. A universal constitu- 
tion will not strip Grand Lodges of any of their legitimate, 
powers. These bodies will continue necessary. There will always 
be matters of "local legislation" which a general Law would 
not replace. These refer chiefly to the matter of dues and fees, 
as respects their amount and payment, fines and penalties, 

*S. L. Const. Par. 4, Sec. 1, Art. 1, app. +S. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 2, Par. 2, 
app. JS. L. Const, Art. VIII, Sec. 2, Par. 5. ||S. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 2, Pars. 
9, 10. §S. L. Const., Art. VIII, Sec. 2, Par. 21. 



COMMON LAW. 239 

trials and appeals, and perhaps, some of the minor questions 
relating to Lodge government. The purpose of a universal 
constitution would be to set forth clearly and distinctly, the 
rights of brothers ; their duties and obligations, and generally 
those principles relating to the work, and the jurisprudence of 
the Order which should be of common and uniform application. 
It is believed that the right of the Supreme Lodge to do this 
has been fully shown. That it will ultimately come to recog- 
nize this right, is only a question of time, but, that it must do 
so, eventually, in order to ensure the perpetuity of the Order, 
and its homogeneousness, is as self-evident as the proposition 
is itself judicious. 

VENUE. 

239. Change Of: For Trial: The matter of providing for a 
change of venue of cases, for trial, has bren a subject of legis- 
lation in some Jurisdictions, especially in Illinois, where, after 
fully considering several propositions, they were all refused.* 
While there can be no special objection urged against the prac- 
tice, there nevertheless, seems to be no good reason for the 
adoption of such a provision. The only object in permitting a 
change of venue, is to secure a fair and impartial trial, but 
brothers should understand that it is to their interest as well as 
that of the Lodge, to see that this is secured, and a Lodge is 
much more competent to decide for itself, as to the policy of 
retaining a member, who may be obnoxious, than a sister Lodge 
is to decide for it. From all that appears there is no sufficient 
reason for the change of venue. 

VOTING. 

240. Construction of the Law as Requiring Full Vote: Effect of 
Refusal to Vote: Grand Chancellor Lowry, of Pennsylvania, 
has established a precedent in respect to one or two questions 
which have been heretofore raised, and which seems to ennun- 
ciate a reasonable rule The decision is as follows : 

"In voting upon any question before the Lodge the Chancellor Com- 
mander may require every member present to vote, unless excused by 
the Lodge, but when such requirement is not made by the Chancellor 
Commander, or the Lodge, no notice can be taken of members not vot- 
ing, (further than their tacit agreement with the majority voting), and 
where there are no votes in opposition to the question, it is unanimous- 
ly carried within the meaning of any Law that would require a unani- 
mous vote."f 

*ni. 1878, 259, 326, 328. tPa. J*n. 1870, 537, 565. 



240 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

In 1878, Pennsylvania by the adoption of the report of the 
committee on Law, virtually overruled a portion of this decis- 
ion. A Chancellor Commander imposed a fine upon a member 
for not voting. The committee held : 

"It was wrong in fining the member. He may require every member 
to vote, but must state it to the brothers before putting the question, 
and then the brothers are not required to vote unless they see fit to do 
so, but their silence is always taken for consent."* 

These decisions, however, assert this principle, that a member, 
not voting, is to be taken as agreeing with the majority. This 
seems to be the more reasonable rule,although in some Jurisdic- 
tions and especially in Nebraska, this is reversed. Here the 
Chancellor Commander may require a full vote, and it seems, 
may impose a fine for not voting,! and those refusing to vote 
shall be counted in the negative.! 

241. Voting: Practice, as to Rights of Officers in Certain Cases: 
The right of voting, as practiced in some Grand Lodges, merits 
a brief notice here. The practice has prevailed to some ex- 
tent, of clothing a member of the Grand Lodge with the right 
to as many votes on any question, as he holds offices in that 
body. The writer at one time, took occasion to criticise this 
practice as observed, in Illinois, || and the committee on corre- 
spondence of that state, noticing the criticism, offers the fol- 
lowing explanation : 

"The reference made by Bro. Shropshire, to a proposition offered in 
our Grand Lodge, in regard to the members casting but one vote on 
questions before the body, arises from his lack of understanding in re- 
gard to the former usage in this Jurisdiction. In early days every 
member of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, cast one vote for each position 
held; hence, a P. G. C, who represented his Lodge, and also held any 
office in the Grand Lodge, cast three votes, and, if by the grace of the 
Supreme Lodge, he held office there, then he added another 'repetition'; 
this rule prevailed for some years, and ever since, every provision in 
regard to voting, has been guarded, so as to insure that a member shall 
cast but one vote. Bro. Shropshire is referred to Arkansas and Wis- 
consin, where he will find more opportunity for attacking the 're- 
peaters.* "§ 

In addition to Arkansas and Wisconsin, referred to above, 
it seems the same practice is observed in Texas.T A ruling 
by the Grand Chancellor of West Virginia, adherring to this 
principle, was overruled by the Grand Lodge.** This practice, 
cannot be said to have any place in our Pythian Law, as to 

*Pa. July 1873, 563 ; 1874, 738. tDigest Sec. 1200. {Const. Sub. Lodges Neb. 
Sec. 29. || Rep. Com. of Foreign Cor., Jour. Neb., 1883, 173. §111., 1884, 171. 
UTexas, 1880, 76. **W. Va., 1874, 17, 16, 24. .• 



COMMON LAW. 241 

the policy of such a rule, the respective Grand Lodges are per- 
haps, the best judges. 

VICE CHANCELLOE. 

242. Duties of in Absence of Chancellor Commander at Installa- 
tion : It does not seem that there ought to be any controversy 
over the question, as to the duties of the Vice Chancellor. 
There is one, however, calling for a brief notice in view of the 
difference of opinion thereon by two contemporaries, and emi- 
nent Pythians. The Grand Chancellor of Mississippi* had 
decided that a member who had been elected to, and served the 
unexpired term as Vice Chancellor, but who had never been 
installed into that office, was not eligible to the office of Chan- 
cellor Commander. In his report the Grand Chancellor, refer- 
ring to this decision, says : 

"After having passed upon question 2, I find that Supreme Chancel- 
lor Lrindsay rendered a decision on a similar question, to the effect that 
that the Yice Chancellor is the proper one to whom the property of the 
Lodge should be given. Under some circumstances, perhaps, this rul- 
ing may be correct, but it appears to me that the Chanceller Commander 
should hold over until his successor is elected and qualified, and. cer- 
tainly, an officer is not qualified until he has been installed. 

"After an installing officer has installed the officers of the Lodge, and 
the newly-elected Chancellor Commander is absent, it is my humble 
belief that the retiring Chancellor Commander should remain in the 
chair until his successor is duly qualified and installed. However, the 
Supreme Chancellor has ruled differently, and his ruling will, I con- 
ceive, become the Law. I find this ruling of the Supreme Chancellor 
in the proceedings of Delaware, 1881, page 294."f 

The decision referred to above as having been rendered by 
Supreme Chancellor Lindsay, does not appear to have been 
reported to the Supreme Lodge, hence it may not be said to be 
the Law, as Grand Chancellor Koyce conceived it would be- 
come. The opinion, however, is as follows : 

"The Vice Chancellor being duly installed into the office is the proper 
one, the Chancellor Commander being absent, to take charge of the 
property of the Lodge and pass word, until the Chancellor Commander 
is installed." 

It has been intimated elsewhere I in accordance with the 
opinion of Grand Chancellor Koyce, that an officer holds over 
until his successor is installed. 

That was written before attention was called to these 
opinions, respectively, of Supreme Chancellor Lindsay, and 

*Owen Koyce, since deceased. fMiss. Jour.. 1882, 18. tExpo. Sec. 197. 

16 



242' KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Grand Chancellor Koyce. Since reading these opinions, how- 
ever, we have become firmly convinced of the correctness of 
this position, 

If the opinion of Supreme Chancellor Lindsay was correct, 
and it was the Law, it would result in overturning one of the 
fundamental principles, by which we have worked from the 
very beginning. The retiring Chancellor Commander may be 
compelled to vacate his office to a person not properly his suc- 
cessor. Is this true in principle ? Let us see. The office 
of Vice Chancellor is to preside in the absence of the Chan- 
cellor Commander. He can claim no right except in the 
absence of the Chancellor Commander.* The Chancellor 
Commander-elect is not in fact the Chancellor Commander of 
the Lodge, until he is installed, therefore his absence at the 
time of installation does not give the Vice Chancellor any 
right to preside if the Chancellor Commander, in fact, is 
present. The Chancellor Commander, who has served his 
term must nevertheles be considered the Chancellor Com- 
mander, until his successor is installed, and being present has 
control of his Lodge, and the Vice Chancellor cannot oust 
him. Furthermore, the retiring Chancellor Commander can- 
not be inducted into the Past Chandcllor's chair, until he is 
relieved as Chancellor. 

On this question the opinion of Grand Chancellor Eoyce 
must be considered as representing the better, and more rea- 
sonable rule. 

Supreme Chancellor Linton rendered a late decision touch- 
ing this question, f The distinction noticeable, seems to be 
this ; Supreme Chancellor Linton says : 

"A Chancellor Commander who has been improperly, and illegally 
installed, is not the proper person to fill the chair. The Vice Chan- 
cellor should take the Chair, until a Chancellor Commander is properly 
and legally installed." 

The opinion of Supreme Chancellor Lindsay holds, that the 
Vice Chancellor should preside when there has been no instal- 
lation of a successor to the Chancellor Commander. Supreme 
Chancellor Linton is probably correct, for in that case the 
Chancellor Commander has been actually relieved, and in- 
ducted into another office. The proceedings, so far as he is 
concerned, are perhaps, legal, but the installation of his suc- 
cessor being illegal, there is a technical vacancy, and the Vice 

*Expo., sec. 81. fDigest Sec. 2674. 



COMMON LAW. 243 

Chancellor is the proper one to preside. In such cases, the 
Chancellor Commander is actually absent.* 

The views of Grand Chancellor Koyce are also supported by 
Grand Chancellor Sweezy, of Michigan.! 

WITHDEAWAL CAKD. 

243. Nature of Decision of Supreme Chancellor Berry Consid- 
ered: The nature of a withdrawal-card, is now pretty well 
understood, and is resolved simply to this : it is an evidence of 
former membership, and has no weight, force or character 
beyond this. Before this came to be finally, and definitely set- 
tled, however, there intervened, an innumerable number of 
conflicting, and inconsistent decisions, as to its office, and 
character, and the rights of a member holding it. Prior to the 
legislation of the Supreme Lodge in 18761 a withdrawal-card 
remained in force only for six months, from the date of issue. 
Within that time it must be deposited, or it became worthless, 
and could not be received by any Lodge. The card, however, 
could be revived at any time by application to the Lodge grant- 
ing it. It was the Law, then as now, that a member holding a 
card, was entitled to the Semi-Annual Pass Word for, and 
during the term in which it was issued. Construing these 
Laws Supreme Chancellor Berry in 1873 held, 

"That the renewing of a card, renewed as well, the member's right to 
the Semi-Annual Pass Word." || 

The decision of the Supreme Chancellor was somewhat pe- 
culiar in this respect. He refers to the action of the Supreme 
Lodge in refusing to adopt the form of a withdrawal-card pre- 
sented by Representative French of Nebraska, § which form 
provided that the holder should be entitled to the Semi-Annual 
Pass Word, for one year, and says, 

"It establishes, that it only carries the S. A. P. W. for the term in 
which issued." 

This was undoubtedly the fact. By that action the Supreme 
Lodge refused to give the holder of a card a right to the Pass 
Word for a year, but the opinion of Supreme Chancellor Berry 
was that a renewal of the card, after six months, was equiva- 
lent to an original issue, and carried with it the Semi-Annual 
Pass Word, for another six months, making a year, which the 
Supreme Lodge had absolutely refused. But it did not stop 

*Digest Sees. 1436, 621. fDigest Sec. 634. {Digest Sec. 2723. ||S. L. Jour., 
1873, app. 36. §S. L. Jour. 1872, 537. 579. 



244 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

here, according to the theory of the Supreme Chancellor, the 
holder of a card need never be without the Pass Word, its re- 
newal every six months renewed his right thereto. The Su- 
preme Chancellor based his opinion upon the following clause 
of the Constitution as it then stood : 

"A withdrawal card can be renewed after it has run out, by the Lodge 
having granted the same, and upon such terms, as the Lodge may de- 
termine." 

Under this, he says : 

"The renewal of the card, presumptively, would be the payment of 
certain moneys. Such being the case, I opine to the view, that one year 
having elapsed, and the Lodge having been liberated from any claims 
of benefits, that might accrue, the reinstating a card, or renewing its 
force, would also, reinstate a valid claim to the S. A. P. W. for the term 
in which issued, and shall so rule and hold."* 

The reasoning of the Supreme Chancellor, presents a novel 
idea, and whatever force there may have been, or may now be 
in it, does not after all, change or affect the result of that de- 
cision, which was, that a member might keep himself in per- 
petual possession of the Semi- Annual Pass Word, by going 
through the form of card renewal every six months, and to say 
the most of it, it was a mere form, A member might be non- 
affiliated for an indefinite number of years, and thus exempt 
from all the duties, and responsibilities of membership, but 
always be entitled to, and in possession of the Semi-Annual 
Pass Word, and so entitled to visit. 

Pursuing this theory a step further, if the member's right to 
the Pass Word was determined only by the life of his card, that 
is, if the mere renewing the card, renewed the right also, then, 
under the later legislation, which has infused perpetual life 
into the card, the right to the Semi-annual Pass Word is per- 
petuated as a matter of course. This is the logical result of 
the reasoning of Supreme Chancellor Berry, but no one be- 
lieves that, at this day. It may be said to be clearly settled, 
that the holder of a withdrawal-card, is not entitled to the Pass 
Word, beyond the term in which it is issued, hence, the de- 
cision of Supreme Chancellor Berry, can have but little weight 
in Law, even though it has never been directly reversed. The 
life of the card is made perpetual, but secures no right, and is 
valueless as a visiting credential, t 

*S. L. Jour., 1873 app. 36. It so happens, that none of the decisions of the Su- 
preme Chancellor, during his term, including this one, were acted upon by the 
Supreme Lodge. Digest note to Sec. 1934. tDigest, Sec. 2726. 



COMMON LAW. 245 

244. Withdrawal Card, Granted Only Upon Application of the 
Member Himself: In the face of the action of the Supreme 
Lodge, in reversing Supreme Chancellor Davis',* to the effect, 
that a withdrawal-card, can be granted only upon the applica- 
tion, either personally, or in writing, of the member desiring it, 
the Grand Chancellor of Kansas, held that, 

"The spirit of the Law is complied with, when one brother presents 
the application for another, or others, if they request him to do so ; he, 
in that case, acting as their authorized attorney." 

There was no excuse for this error on the part of the Grand 
Chancellor, the Law was so explicit, as the reasons therefor 
were manifest, and the Grand Lodge very properly corrected 
the error, by reversing the decision, and affirmatively declar- 
ing that a withdrawal-card could not be issued on the applica- 
tion of an attorney.! 

245. Withdrawal Card: Effect of Taking on Standing of Members 
in Grand Lodge : The effect of taking the withdrawal card on 
the standing of a member in the Grand Lodge, or more particu- 
larly, the effect it has on his right to hold, or continue in office, 
is a question which has resulted in mueh controversy, and the 
decisions are not altogether harmonious. 

A case arose in Nebraska which called for a construction of 
its Laws. The Law provided that a member of the Grand 
Lodge must be a member in good standing of a Subordinate 
Lodge, 

It so happened that the Sitting Past Grand Chancellor, who 
was also the Grand Lecturer, and a member of one or two of 
the standing committees, withdrew from his Lodge. The 
Grand Keeper of Eecords and Seal was officially notified by the 
Lodge of the withdrawal, who at once notified the Grand Chan- 
cellor. It seems that the Grand Chancellor was of the opinion 
that a member out on card, could not be a member in good 
standing of a Subordinate Lodge, and was, by his own act of 
withdrawal, at once disqualified for membership in the Grand 
Lodge, and as matter of course, for holding office therein. 
Acting upon this the Grand Chancellor declared the offices held 
by the brother vacant, and proceeded to fill the same by ap- 
pointment. 

The committee on appeals, to which this official act of the 
Grand Chancellor was referred, reported in favor of sustaining 
the Grand Chancellor, which was concurred in by the Grand 

*Digest, Sec. 2794. +Kan., 1880, 7-15-23. 



246 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Lodge, thus establishing the precedent for Nebraska, and plac- 
ing a construction upon its Laws which cannot be misunder- 
stood.* 

A decision, which might seem to hold a contrary view, is 
recorded in Georgia. Grand Chancellor T. Hardeman, in 1875, 
held: 

"Changing of Lodges immediately by card, during a recess of the 
Grand Lodge, does not deprive an officer of the Grand Lodge of mem- 
bership, but should a person holding a withdrawal-card be elected to 
the Grand Lodge while holding the card, he would not be eligible for 
office."| 

This decision is undoubtedly based upon the Grand Chan- 
cellor's construction of the Laws of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. 

The noticeable distinction between this, and the Nebraska 
case, is that here, the decision is based upon the fact of an 
immediate change of Lodges, while in the Nebraska case, 
there seems to have been no intimation of any such purpose.! 

In the absence of the positive Law governing such cases, the 
rule in Nebraska, seems to be supported by the weight of au- 
thority, which, with the inferences to be drawn from the legis- 
lation of the Supreme Lodge, seems to point in this direction. || 

246. Withdrawal Card: Lodges may charge for: Perhaps no 
one will seriously question now, the right of Subordinate 
Lodges to charge a fee for a withdrawal- card. This was de- 
nied, however, in the earlier years, and even, as late as 1879, 
by Grand Chancellor Kutchin, of Wisconsin. § This opinion 
was based upon a very' plausible construction of the Constitu- 
tion, and, it must be admitted, that under it, the right of the 
Lodge to charge a fee for a card may be strongly contested. 
The provision plainly indicates that the brother shall be en- 
titled to the card ; 

"Provided he be clear of the books, free from charges made, or pend- 
ing; and there are no valid objections." 

A Lodge could very easily deny this constitutional right to a 
brother by charging an arbitrary fee for the card . It is the 
practice, however, and it is upheld, by the decisions, to charge 
a fee for withdrawal-cards. This is the construction placed 
upon the Constitution by the Supreme Lodge, and it must be 
regarded as the paramount Law.<f 

The same rule applies to clearance-cards from sections of 
the Endowment Rank.** 

*Neb. 1883, 133, 219. -f-Ga. 1875, 141. tin this connection see decision of 
Illinois, reported in Digest Sec. 2774. ||Digest Sec. 2771. <TWis., 1879, 207, 240. 
•(Digest Sec. 2750. **Digest Sec. 730. 



> COMMON LAW. 247 

247. Withdrawal Card : Vote Granting Cannot be rescinded : 

Supreme Chanceller Davis, in 1876 held, that : 

'He could see no objection to a Lodge reconsidering or rescinding a 
vote, granting a withdrawal-card, but never, except at the request of 
the holder." 

This, however, the Supreme Lodge disapproved.* It is now 
pretty firmly settled, that a Lodge has no power to reconsider 
or rescind a vote, granting a card, even at the instance of the 
holder. 

This is for the reason, perhaps, that the connection of the 
member with the Lodge is severed, and there is but one way, 
that he may renew his membership. The Lodge, from the 
moment the card is granted, has no jurisdiction for any pur- 
pose, over the member, except to dicipline him for violation of 
Pythian Law. 

Even this is a stretch of power, but it seems to be necessary. 
In law, there are those exceptions to general rules, and those 
seemingly arbitrary exactions, which are said to be founded 
in "public policy." 

That is, there are certain individual rights, which all must 
yield for the good of society, and government, so, in this light, 
we must regard the power of a Subordinate Lodge, to revoke 
a card, and assume jurisdiction over the holder. This, for the 
good of our fraternity, and may be said to rest in fraternal 
policy. 

*Digest, Sec. 2784, S. L. Jour., 1876, 1228, 1296, 1297. 



END OF EXPOSITION. 



KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS COMMON LAW, 

AND 

Legal Text Book of the Order. 



PART SECOND —DIGEST. 



AGE. 

1. Limit of in Respect to Initiates: Where the 
Law provides that no person shall be initiated into a Lodge 
who is under twenty-one, or over fifty years of age, (unless 
by a dispensation), it is the opinion of the Supreme Chancellor 
that the proviso applies solely to the maximum limit of age, 
that the limit as to twenty-one is peremptory and the Supreme 
Chancellor has no authority to grant a dispensation to initiate 
a person under that age. — Dec. ofS. Bead, S. C. 

S.L. Jour. 1868, 26,45. 

2. Age: Applicant Must be of Age: In reply to a 
petition from a body of voung men, members of the Junior Order 
of American Mechanics, who desired to become members of the 
Order, but who are not quite of age, the Supreme Chancellor 
held, it is one of the prerequisites of the Order that every person 
initiated must be twenty-one years of age ; nor is it the prerog- 
ative of the Supreme Chancellor to grant such privilege as ask- 
ed, being in conflict with the laws of the Order. — Dec of S. 
Read, S. C. S. L. Jour. 1869, 68, 101. 

3. Age: Of Applicants: Standard of Legality: 

Eecomended, that the age of majority in all countries shall be 
the standard of the required age of admission to the Order.* 
—Rec. of Com. on Law. S. L. Jour. 1872, 611 ; 1873, 751. 

*See Const. S. L. Sec. 8, Art. VIII, app. 

(249) 



250 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

4. Age: Of Applicant in Endowment Rank: 
Shall be Reckoned from his Nearest Birthday: 

(See Endowment Bank, Sec. 1046). s. L. Jour. 1880, 2074. 

5. Age: Of Candidate: Bar to his Advancement 
When: Where a candidate is duly elected and initiated, 
when it is discovered that he is under age : Held, that the 
Lodge cannot confer the remaining ranks until the candidate 
becomes twenty-one years. Held furtheb : That the candidate 
having presented his application in good faith, and the inves- 
tigation committee having found him fully qualified, he is 
legally a member of the Page rank in good standing. — Dec. of 
W. Greene, G.C. G. L. Maine Jour. 1882, 184, 268. 

6. Age : Misrepresentation in Respect to : For- 
feits Benefits, when : (See Funeral Benefits, Sec. 1163.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1879, 604; 624 

ASSESSMENT. 

t. By Grand Lodge on its Past Chancellor's: 
Authority Denied: Upon inquiries propounded, as to 
the right, and power of Grand Lodges to levy assessments 
on Past Chancellors, and refusing to admit such as refuse to 
pay the same : Held, That the Grand Lodges do not possess 
such power.* S. L. Jour., 1870, 198, 203. 

8. Assessment: On Past Chancellors Illegal: 

Where a Grand Lodge adopted a resolution at its organization 
levying an assessment on all Past Chancellors of $3.00 for 
the purpose of creating a fund. Held, on appeal, that, under 
previous legislation, the assessment was illegal. — Appeal of S. 
W. Small vs. Grand Lodge of N. Y. (See ante, Sec. 7.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1626-7. 

9. Assessment: Grand Lodge Cannot Levy 
When : Assessments by a Grand Lodge to relieve a sister 
Lodge are illegal. G. L. 111. Jour., 1875, 327, 335-6. 

10. Assessment: Grand Lodge Cannot Levy 
for Purpose of Creating a Sick Benefit Fund : It 

would be unconstitutional for the Grand Lodge to assume 

*See post Sec. 1309. 



COMMON LAW. 251 

the payment of benefits for a Subordinate Lodge, and to create 
a sick benefit fund therefor, by assessments within the Juris- 
diction.* G. L. Ill, Jour., 1883, 1005-6-10. 

11. Assessment: Right of Lodge to Levy: A 

Lodge has the undoubted right to levy an assessment by a two- 
thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting. 
— Dec. of J, B. Grayson, G. C. 

G. L., Ala., Jour., 1882, 14, 76-7. 

12. Assessment: Maybe Levied by Subordinate 
Lodge, when : Where a Subordinate Lodge, to meet the 
expenses of fitting up a hall for meeting purposes, unanimously 
passed an order levying an assessment of one dollar upon 
each member, and, where a resolution was introduced declar- 
ing it to be the sense of the Grand Lodge that no Subordinate 
Lodge has a right to levy a tax upon its members : Held, On 
report of committee, that Subordinate Lodges have the right to 
levy a tax to meet the necessary expenses of the Lodge. — 
Rep. of com. on Law. G.L., Va., Jour.,^1872. 49, 50, 69. 

13. Assesssment: Lodge May Levy Without 
Consent of Membership, when: A Lodge may assess 
its members to pay sick benefits without unanimous consent 
of the entire membership. G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 874, 899. 

14. Assessment: A Subordinate Lodge has the 
Rigbt to Levy, when : On the query: "Has a Lodge a 
right to assess its members for any purpose, even for the good 
of the Lodge?" Held, Lodge has the right. — Rul. of H. D. 
Miller, G. C. G. L., Mass., Jour., 1872, 38, 39. 

15. Assessment: Authority of Subordinate 
Lodge to Levy: On the query: "Has a Subordinate Lodge 
the right by Law, under the Constitution to assess its mem- 
bers?" Held, They have, for necessary Lodge purposes. 

G. L., Tenn., Jour., 1879, 370, 371. 

16. Assessment: To Pay the Expenses of a 
Nurse: Legal When : On the query: "Can a Lodge im- 

*The principle seems now to be established by weight of authority, that Grand 
Lodges cannot take in hand the payment of sick benefits. This seems to be the 
peculiar mission of the Subordinate Lodges. The Grand Lodge of Mass. however, in 
1873, established a relief committee to distribute aid to the needy, andin 1874made 
an appropriation from the general fund, it seems, for that purpose, with what success 
the scheme has been conducted, does not appear.— Mass. Jour., 1874, 42. 



252 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

pose an assessment on its members to hire a nurse to take 
care of a sick brother, who is living six miles from the Lodge, 
when there is money in the hands of the M. of E.? Held, 
An assessment is legal by a two-thirds vote of the Lodge.* — 
Dec. of Wm. Ward, G. C. G. L. N. J., Jour. 1877, 858, 902-3.. 

17. Assessment: May be Added to Dues to 
work Suspension, When : In case the treasury of a 
Lodge is exhausted, and a member thereof becomes sick, the 
Lodge can assess the membership and collect such assessments 
as dues, the same being exclusively for the purpose of paying 
benefits, and at the expiration of twelve months, a brother 
owing for one year's dues, partly composed of such assessments 
should be suspended. — Dec. of D. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1882, 518, 585. 

18. Assessment : Payment of, Necessary Before 
Card can be Granted ; A card cannot be granted to a 
member charged with an assessment. He must be clear on 
the books. \—Dec. of E. L. Close, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1882, 763, 806. 

19. Assessment: Absence is no Excuse for 
Want of Notice, and Failure to Pay : (See Absence, 
Sec. 260,) G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 26, 183-4. 

20. Assessment : Cannot be Levied to Pay Fu- 
neral Expenses of a Brother's Wife : A Lodge cannot 
legally assess its members to defray the funeral expenses of a 
brother's wife. — Dec. of A. J. Hastings, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1875, 637, 671. 

21. Assessment : Cannot be Levied for any Pur- 
pose not Connected with the Order : (See Tax, Sec. 
2578.) G. L., Md. 5 Jour., Jan., 1874, 152, 195. 

22. Assessment: By Subordinate Lodges: Il- 
legal when : A By-Law of a Lodge provided for assess- 
ments upon the members to pay the expense of watchers in 

____ — , . jjjg 

*In the absence of any express rule or law to the contrary, such an assessment 
■would be legal if levied by a majority vote. 

■(-"The Grand Lodge of Ohio, practically reversed this decision. It was qualified in 
this, before a withdrawal -card is granted, a member must be clear on the books, 
but the Lodge has no right to collect an assessment made on its members. In view 
of the later decision of the Supreme Lodge, this is certainly error. A Lodge may 
levy assessments, and even though it may have no authority to enforce collection, it 
may withhold a withdrawal-card, until the member is clear on the books." 



COMMON LAW. 253 

ease of sickness. The Grand Lodge Constitution provided 
that assessments shall only be made by a Lodge for funeral tax, 
or to save the life of a Lodge. Held, sustaining the Grand 
Lodge, that the assessment provided for by the Lodge By- 
Law was illegal. — Appeal of C. E. Loth, vs. G. L., N. Y. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2058. 

23. Assessment : May work Forfeiture of Ben- 
efits when : (See Fines, Sec. 1197.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2394, 2467. 

24. Assessment: In Endowment Rank, Mem- 
ber not Liable for when in Arrears: (See Endow- 
ment Rank, Sees. 1050, 1097.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2290, 2291, 2479, 2487. 

25. Assessment: For Paying Lodge Physician 
Illegal : (See Tax, Sec. 2579.) g. L„ N. Y., Jour., 1880, 44. 

26. Assessment: Cannot be Levied by Subor- 
dinate Lodges, when: A Subordinate Lodge cannot 
assess its members to pay the expenses of an excursion, and 
collect the same, or suspend the member for non-payment. — 
Dec. of J. F. Seavey, G. C. G. L., N. H., Jour., 1876, 24, 45. 

27. Assessment: For Relief of Widow, Illegal, 
when : Where, upon the death of a member who was not in 
good standing, but, on account of the destitute condition of the 
widow, the Lodge, by a unanimous vote, ordered a donation 
to be paid to her, and levied an assessment of fifty cents per 
capita on the membership, which was charged up at the end 
of the quarter, and those who had failed to pay were reported 
as in arrears. Held, That the act was illegal, as the Laws 
require that no tax or assessments shall be made except in the 
case of the death of a beneficial member, and that is consid- 
ered, and collected as dues at the end of the term. — Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Pa. Jour., Aug. 1874, 102, 115. 

28. Assessment: May work Suspension: (See 
Fines, Sec. 1192.) S. L., Jour., 1884, 3062, 3063. 

29. Assessment: Funeral: Non-Payment of 
Works Forfeiture of Benefits, etc, : (See Funeral As- 
sessments, Sec. 1188.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1611, 1650. 



254 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

30. Assessment : In the Nature of Compulsory 
Insurance, not approved : (See Funeral Benefits, Sec. 
1185.) S. L., Jour., 1876, 1288, 1290. 

31. Asssessment: May be Collected of Mem- 
bers of Endowment Rank to Meet Current Ex- 
penses : (See Sec. 1095.) g. L., Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

32. Assessment : In Endowment Hank are due 
from Date of Notice ; (See E. E., Sec. 1052.) 

S. L., Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 

33. Assessment: In Endowment Rank Mem- 
ber Liable for during Suspension: (See E. E., Sec. 

1090.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1817, 2076. 

34. Assessment: Notice of, by Postal Card 
held Good : (See E. E., Sec, 1053.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1817, 2076. 

35. Assessment : Liability of Section for, prior 
to Date of Certificate : (See E. E., Sec, 1101.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2479, 2487. 

36. Assessment: In Endowment Rank Mem- 
ber not Liable for after Withdrawal: (See E. E., 

Sec, 1096.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2480, 2490. 

37. Assessment: Paid in Advance shall be Re- 
turned on Withdrawal of Member: (See E. E., 
Sec, 1093.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2293, 2486, 1586. 

38. Assessment : Special, in Endowment Rank 
Refunded to Sections : (See E. E., Sec, 1092.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2592. 

39. Assessment: May be Charged as Dues to 
Work suspension, When: (See post Sec. 2363, and note). 

G. L. Neb. Jour. 1873, 167. 

40. Assessment : In Endowment Rank should 
not be Received from Members in Arrears When: 

(See E. E. Sec. 1050). S. L. Jour. 1884, 2788, 3052. 



COMMON LAW. 255 

41. Assessment: Receipt for is Prima Facie 
Evidence of Payment: The receipt of a secretary and 
treasurer of a section on an assessment card is prima facie 
evidence that the assessment has been paid, it is not conclusive 
and may be shown to be a mistake by proper evidence to that 
effect, — Bee. of J. P. Linton. S. C S. L. Jour, 1884, 2790, 3052. 

ASSESSMENT NOTICE. 

42. In Endowment Rank: Date of: (See E. E. 

Sec. 1051). S. L. Jour. 1878, 1492, 1671. 

ASSISTANCE. 

43. Grand Lodges or Officers not Authorized 
to Issue Circulars for, When : (See Circular, Sec. 720.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1502. 

44. Assistance: Rendered to Foreign Members, 
Lodges Liable for, When: (See Benefits, Sec. 471. 
Belief, Sees. 2173, 2174, 2176, 2177.) s. L. Jour., 1880, 2009, 

APPLICANT. 

45. Must be Able to Write : The Supreme Lodge re« 
fused to reverse a decision of the Supreme Chancellor, that, per- 
sons unable to write were prohibited from making application for 
membership, but the Law was settled that persons unable to 
write were not eligible to membership in the Order. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 177, 204, 229. 

46. Applicant: Ability to Write Obligatory; 
Lodge to Judge of Extent, However : The qualifica- 
tion, or ability to write, upon the part of an applicant for mem- 
bership is obligatory, and cannot be dispensed with, but that 
the Subordinate Lodges must judge for themselves as to its ex- 
tent.— Dec. ofS. P. Oyler, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour., Jan. 1874, 158, 174. 

47. Applicant: To What Extent Must be Able 
to Write : If an applicant is capable of writing all that is 
required of a candidate, he can proceed ; otherwise he must 
stop where he is.* — Dec. of A. B. Stevens, Act. G. C. 

G. L. Mass., Jour., 1873, 254, 269, 270. 

*This decision was made upon the following fact : A Lodge had received the ap« 
plication of a person who could not read, and could write only his name. It seems 



256 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

48, Applicant: Rejected, may apply to anoth- 
er Lodge, when : One Lodge may accept the rejected ma- 
terial of another after six months from the date of his rejec- 
tion.— Rep. of Com. on Law. Q. L. Miss. Jour., 1880, 90. 

49. Applicant: Rejected in one Lodge, maybe 
Received by another in the same Jurisdiction, 
when : Upon the Query, to wit: "Can the application of an 
applicant, who has been rejected by one Lodge, be received and 
considered by another Lodge in the same locality or subordinate 
Jurisdiction — after the lapse of six months or more — and such 
applicant admitted to membership into the latter Lodge?'* 
Held, As a mere question of Pythian Law— in the absence 
of legislation — that such an applicant may be received 
by the second or latter Lodge, after the lapse of six months 
from the time of his rejection by the first Lodge, but there may 
be doubts as to the policy in all cases of such action or course.* 
—Dec. of J. M. Morrow, G. C. G. L. Wis., Jour. 1881, 390, 452. 

50* Applicant: Rejected, Cannot be Accepted 
by another Lodge, when : Lodges cannot accept of the 
rejected material of another Lodge, even after the expiration 
of the six months probation required, without the consent of 
the Lodge rejecting. This is a matter of local legislation and 
the decision applies only to Lodges under the control of the 
Supreme Lodge. — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

51. Applicants : Mnst be of Age When : (See Age, 
Sec. 2.) S. L. Jour, 1869, 68, 101. 

52. Applicant : Rejected Must Make Applica- 
tion as in First Instance : The application of a rejected 
applicant, must pass through the same form as though he had 
never applied, — Dec. of D. J. Holland. G. C. 

G. L. Kan., Jour, 1883, 823. 

53. Applicant : Rejected : Must Have Written 
Consent to Make New Application When : A can- 
didate having been rejected cannot renew his application for 

that this was discovered only, -when he had progressed nearly through the second 
rank. This is a matter that investigating committees should especially look after. 

*This decision is given, notwithstanding it was reversed by the Grand Lodge. 
Unless opposed by a constitutional provision there can be no objections to it, and 
there ought not to be any constitutional or other provision opposed to this view. 



COMMON LAW. 257 

six months, and then must apply to the same Lddge, except 
that Lodge consents, in writing, to his application going before 
another Lodge. — Dec. of J. St. J. Clarkson. G. C. 

G. L. W. Va., Jour, Jan, 1874, 9,'l6, 24. 

54. Applicant: Once Rejected, Petition Cannot 
foe Acted on foy Another Lodge When : A Lodge can- 
not act on the petition of an applicant, rejected by another 
Lodge, without first obtaining the permission of the Lodge by 
which he was rejected.* — Dec. of T. L. Eastburn, G. C. 

G.L. Ala., Jour. 1873, 20, 48. 

55. Applicant: Dropping Name Does Not 
amount to Rejection of: (See Eejection, Sec. 2198.) 

S. L. Jour. 1873, app. 40. 

56. Applicant: Restriction as to Nationality: 

(See Petitioners, Sec. 1828.) S.L. Jour., 1873,app.39 ; 1879, 1037. 

57. Applicant: May foe denied Admission foy 
Majority Vote when : (See Candidate Sec. 749.) 

G. L.. N. J., Jour.. 1878, 966, 1022, 1024. 

58. Applicant : May foe Defoarred Advancement 
When: Where a candidate had received the Page's rank, 
applied for, and was elected to the Esquire's rank, but before 
being proved it was discovered that he had a constitutional 
disease, was not of sound bodily health, and not fit to be ad- 
vanced further in the Order. Held, That the Lodge might 
refuse to instruct him further in the work. That an applicant 
for the ranks having been elected to receive the same may be 
refused admission by a majority vote of the members present, 
if found unworthy from any cause whatever, by facts not 
known previous to the ballot, but the fee he has paid must be 
returned to him. — Dec. of J. R. Shanks, G. C. 

G. L. D. C., Jour., 1883, 485-6. 

59. Applicant: Ofojeetion to Advancement of 
May foe Made: Any brother of a Lodge has the right to 
object to the advancement of any applicant for any of the 
ranks, provided, the member be in possession of information 

*This seems to have been the practice in the eai'lier years, but there seems to be 
no good reason why a Lodge should not be permitted to take in an applicant rejected 
by another Lodge, if it should conclude, upon a review of the facts, that he was re- 
jected without sufficient reasons . A Lodge might for some frivolous reason, refuse to 
give its permission, and thas prevent a worthy man becoming a member of the Order, 
See Exposition, title Jurisdiction. 

17 



258 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

derogatory to the character of the applicant. — Dec. of A. G* 
Levy, G. C. G. L. N. Y., Jour. July, 1869, 110, 210, 212. 

60. Applicant: After Election May be Denied 
the Ranks, When: At any time after a candidate has 
been elected to receive the initiatory rank in the Order, and 
before having received the same, any member of the Order 
in good standing has the right to enter a written protest against 
the candidate's receiving the rank, and when a written protest 
is filed, it must be investigated by a committee appointed for 
that purpose, and the Lodge must be governed in its actions 
by the code of procedure.* — Dec. of J. J. Cooper, G. C. 

G. L. Nev. Jour. 1881, 452, 485. 

61. Applicant: After Election is Entitled to 
Ranks Unless Charges are Preferred in Writing : 

(See Charges, sec. 670 and note.) G. L. Mo. Jour., 1880, 84, 127. 

62. Applicant : May Not be Permitted to Ad- 
vance when: Where an applicant has been elected to 
receive any of the ranks, and before he has received the same, 
any member of the Order, in good standing, may enter a writ- 
ten protest against the applicant's receiving the ranks. The 
protest shall be investigated by a committee, if, upon report of 
the committee, two-thirds of the members voting, vote to sus- 
tain the protest, the applicant is debarred, and can make no 
further application for six months. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1871,42. 

63. Applicant: Forfeits Fees, when: (See Fees,. 
Sec. 1232.) G. L., Mass, Jour., 1877, 833, 865. 

64. Applicant : After Election May be Refused Ad- 
mission : An applicant who have been elected to the Page 
rank, but before rank is conferred is found unworthy, may be re- 
fused admission by a majority vote, but this shall apply only to 
Lodges under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge ; 
as to other Lodges it is a matter of local legislation. — Dec. of 
S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

65. Applicant may be Initiated Immediately 
Following Election : (See Initiation, Sec. 1454.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 

*While it does not appear that this decision was expressly overruled by the Grand 
Lodge, neither was it so approved. The decision, however, is in accord with the prac- 
tice in some other Jurisdictions, and appears to be founded in reason, and hence is 
good Law. 



COMMON LAW. 259 

66. Applicant : May Have Ranks Conferred on 
Night of Election : There is nothing in the Law to pre- 
vent the rank of Page being conferred upon an applicant, upon 
the night of his election, — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Ind. Jour., 1878, 41. 

61. Applicant: May be Initiated on Night of 
Election. (See Initiation, Sec. 1453.) 

G.L. Pa., Jour. 1881, 327, 360. 

68. Applicant : For Membership : How far Re- 
ligious Views may Disqualify : (See Membership, Sec. 
1631.) G. L. Pa. Jour., Aug., 1874, 104, 105, 115. 

69. Applicant : By Card : Over Age, may be Ad- 
mitted : A Lodge may admit a brother by card, who is over 
fifty years of age. — Dec. of A. A. Duke, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1879, 568, 696. 

70. Applicant : Agreeing to Release Lodge from 
Liability : Effect of: (See Blindness, Sec. 507.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1882, 539, 581. 

71. Applicant : For Hanks : Must pay Increased 
Fees When: (See Fees, Sec. 1228.) 

G. L. Ind. Jour., Jan. 1877, 31-2. 

72. Applicant: From another State: Initiation 

of: Who Competent to Grant Permission: (See 

Initiation, Sec. 1449.) 

G. L. Ind. Jour., July, 1875, 210, 219, 225. 

73. Applicant : Passing Limit of Age after In- 
itiation may receive Knight's Rank without Dis- 
pensation : On the query, to wit : "In case a person makes 
application, is elected and receives the Esquire's rank just a 
short time before he is fifty years of age, and fails to take the 
other rank, until after he becomes fifty, can the Lodge confer 
the Knight's rank without a dispensation?" Held, That if a 
person is under fifty years of age at the time the Lodge acts 
upon his petition, and elects such person for initiation, 

no dispensation is necessary to the future advancement 
of the person, notwithstanding such person may have attained 
the age of fifty years, prior, to the conferring of any rank. 
— Rep. of Com. on Law. G. L. Ind. Jour., 1883, 49, 50. 



260 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

74. Applicant: Cannot be Admitted if Blind: 

On the query: "Can a person who is blind be admitted and 
have the rank conferred on him ?" Held, No. While there is 
no positive written Law upon the subject, yet the reasons why 
such a person could not be made a Knight of Pythias are very 
obvious to the members of the Order. — Dec. of J. $. Carnahan, 
G. C. G. L., Ind., Jour,, 1881, 17, 63-4. 

75. Applicant : Rejection of: Notice to Other 
Lodges : Where an applicant for membership is rejected in 
a town or city where there are other Lodges, notice of the re- 
jection should be sent to the other Lodges. — Dec. of A. A. 
Curme, G. C. G. L., Jour., 1880, 221, 249. 

76. Applicant: Law Requiring Petition of to 
Lie Over, not in Conflict with Supreme Law : (See 
Petition, Sec. 1827.) G. L., Ind., Jour., 1880, 246. 

77. Applicant: Over Age may he Elected, but 
Dispensation Necessary to Initiate : A person over 
fifty years of age may be proposed in a Lodge, and if the Lodge 
deem him worthy of becoming a member, it may elect him, 
after he is elected, is the proper time for the Lodge to ask for a 
dispensation to initiate, and confer the ranks upon him.*— Dec. 
of W\ H. Barton, G. C. G. L. N. J;, Jour., July, 1869, 59, 64. 

78. Applicant : Answers of: Must be Unequivo- 
cal When : If, in the progress of initiation it appears that 
the applicant is not prepared to unequivocally avow his belief 
in the existence of a Supreme Being, he must not be permitted 
to proceed further. — Dec. of H. R. Lovell, G. C. 

G. L. Mich., Jour. 1881, 12, 49, 50. 

79. Applicant: Must Speak the English Lan- 
guage : On a query propounded it was held, that a person 
who could not speak English, could not be initiated into a 
Lodge by means of an interpreter. — Dec. of A. Emerson, G. C. 

G. L. Ohio, Jour., 1874, 223, 241. 

80. Applicant: By Card: Consent of Lodge 
nearest residence not necessary: On the query, 

*It has been held that a Lodge should apply for the dispensation -when the appli- 
cation is received, but this might sometimes work a hardship. It is the rule to charge 
a fee for these dispensations, now, if the applicant shoald be rejected the dispensation 
would be valueless, notwithstanding the Lodge has paid for it. It would seem that 
the rule in New Jersey is the better one. 



COMMON LAW, 261 

"Can a brother holding a withdrawal-card and residing in the 
jurisdiction of another Lodge in the state, apply for member- 
ship to us, without permission from that other Lodge?" Held, 
a withdrawal-card is good anywhere.* — Dec. of Max. J. 
Alwens, G. C. G. L. Kan., Jour., 1884, 9, 33. 

81. Applicant: Over age, in a petition to In- 
stitute a new Lodge admitted, when. — (See Dispen- 
sation, Sec. 835.) G. L. Nev., Jour., 1881, 454, 485, 486. 

82. Applicant: Criminal Charge against will 
bar Admission : A Lodge must defer action on a petition 
for membership from a person under indictment for a criminal 
offense, until said indictment is disposed of. — Dec. of G. F. 
Taylor, G. C. G. L. Ala., Jour., 1880, 81, 220. 

83. Applicant: Election of : A Quorum of Bal- 
lots Necessary: On the query, to wit: "Can an appli- 
cant for membership be declared elected, if there are five ballots 
in his favor and one against, only six ballots being cast ?" 
Held, no; six ballots only, appearing, it does not show a 
quorum present and is no vote. — Dec. of T. R. Hicks, G. C. 

G. L. N. Y., Jour., 1882, 12, 40. 

84. Applicant: Character of Cannot be De- 
bated in Lodge Room : Debating upon the character of 
the applicant in Lodge Koom cannot be permitted. Objections 
to a candidate should go to the committee, to debate on the 
character of an applicant, while engaged in voting, is a viola- 
tion of all parliamentary law. Under our Laws, no member is 
allowed to disclose, how he, or any other member voted. The 
secrecy of the ballot is one of the safeguards of the Order. — 
Dec. of J. St. J. Clarkson, G. C. 

G. L. W. Va., Jour., Jan., 1874, 9, 16, 24. 

85. Applicant : Must Pay Amount of Fee as Fixed 
at Time of Application : (See Fees, Sec. 1227.) 

G. L. W. Va. Jour., 1881, 8, 31. 

86. Applicant : Qualifications Of, Fixed by Su- 
preme Lodge Cannot be Changed by Subordinates : 

The Supreme Lodge and this Grand Lodge having established 

*There is no reason why this should not be good law, nevertheless it is in con- 
flict with the rule in some other Jurisdiction, and is in conflict with the principle, 
which has heretofore been universal, in respect to the jurisdiction of Lodges.— See 
Expo, title Jurisdiction. 



262 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

certain requirements, to be exacted of all applicants for mem- 
ship and for reinstatement in the Order, a Subordinate Lodge 
cannot adopt any rule or By-Law that will add thereto or take 
therefrom. — Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C. 

G. L. 111. Jour., 1882, 818, 899. 

87. Applicant : Right of Subordinate Lodge to 

Prescribe Qualifications for : A Lodge has the right to 
make a By-Law refusing to receive applications for member- 
ship from persons over forty years of age. 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1872, 26. 

88. Applicant : Must be of Sound Bodily Health : 

It is not Constitutional for a Lodge to receive to membership 
an applicant so inflicted with inflammatory rheumatism as to 
be frequently prostrated. Eitualistic Law is emphatic on this 
point, and, in the absence of all others, is sufficient. The ap- 
plicant must be of sound bodily health. — Dec. of E. W. B. 
Harvey, G. C. G. L., Minn., Jour., 1882, 149, 164. 

89. Applicant : Over Age Chargeable with Ad- 
ditional Fee for Dispensation : It is proper for Sub- 
ordinate Lodges to charge applicant for membership, who are 
over age, the additional fee for dispensation. — Rul. of J. W. 
Carter, G. C. G. L., Neb., Jour., 1873, 168. 

90. Applicant : To Organize New Lodge Must 
Pay the Minimum Fees : Each applicant to organize a 
new Lodge must pay the minimum fees for the ranks.* — Dec. 
ofJ.S. Shropshire, G. C. G. L., Neb., Jour., 1876, 418, 462. 

91. Applicant: Cannot be Subject to a New 
Ballot for mere delay in taking" Rank : (See Ballot, 
Sec. 291.) G. L., Wis., Jour., 1881, 391, 452. 

92. Applicant: Entitled to new Ballot when: 

An applicant, who has been declared rejected on a single ballot, 
has a right to an new ballot at a subsequent session of the 
Lodge, if the records as approved, conclusively show, that but 
one ballot was taken. — Dec, of H. C. Peabody, G. C. 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1876, 114, 139. 

*This decision does not accord with the practice in some of the Jurisdictions, 
•where the charter members are permitted to organize a Lodge by making a contribu- 
tion to the necessary fund, regardless of the prescribed rank fees, but it should be the 
universal rule. 



COMMON LAW. 263 

93. Applicant: Need not be member of the 
Order: At the institution of Lodges (under the control of 
the Supreme LodgO it is not necessary that the applicant be a 
member of the Order. — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. (See note 
to Sec. 1934.) Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

94. Applicant : Cannot be Suspended for Giv- 
ing False Answers to Questions When : (See Sus- 
pension, Sec, 2403.) S. L., Jour., 1874, 938, 

95. Applicant: For Admission to Endowment 
Hank Prohibited if Over Age : (See Admission, Sec. 
232.) S. L., Jour., 1884, 2789, 3052. 

96. Applicant : In Endowment Rank Qualified 
Until Limit of Age is Reached : (See E. E., Sec, 1044 
and note.) S. L., Jour., 1884, 2788, 3052. 

97. Applicant: in Endowment Rank : Physical 
Fitness to be Considered : In balloting for a candidate 
for membership a Section should take into consideration the 
physical fitness of applicants. No Section should knowingly 
permit a person physically disqualified to become a member. 
— Dec. of J, P. Linton, S. C. s. L. Jour. 1884, 2791, 3052. 

98. Applicant: Admitted after former Rejec- 
tion: Status of: (See Admission, Sec. 234.) 

S. L. 1884, 2777, 2988. 

APPLICATION. 

99. For Membership : May be Received from a 
Person out of the District, When: A Subordinate 
Lodge may receive the application of a person residing in an- 
other county where there is no Lodge, and which county is not 
attached to any district. — Dec. of W. R. McCormick, G. C. 

G. L. 111., Jour. 1883, 975, 1034. 

100. Application for Membership must be in 
"Writing : A Lodge cannot receive a verbal application for 
membership. It must be in writing and signed by the peti- 
tioner in his own hand- writing. — Dec. of B. Shanley, G. C. 

G. L. W. Va., Jour. 1880, 8, 29. 



264 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

101. Application: Must Accompany With- 
drawal-card When Deposited: A member applying 
for membership by card, must make an application as is pre- 
scribed for those applying for initiation. A committee must be 
appointed, and a ballot had upon their report. — Dec. of T. G. 
Sample, G. C. G. L. Pa., Jour., 1880, 31, 177. 

103. Application: By Card: Notice to Lodge 
Granting not Neccessary: (See Jurisdiction, Sec. 
1511.) G. L. Pa., Jour., July 1873, 566. 

103. Application : For Membership, With Fee 
Inclosed Should be Presented to M. of F., When : 

(See Fees, Sec. 1248.) G. L. Pa., Jour., Jan., 1871, 215, 216. 

104. Application: For the Ranks, Must Lie 
Over, Before Ballot Had : When the application of an 
Esquire, for the Knight's rank was received and the C. C. 
ordered a ballot at the same meeting, and the ballot being fair, 
declared the Esquire duly elected. Held: That the orders of 
the C. C, were erroneous. That one week must elapse be- 
tween the application and the conferring of the rank, and 
that the balloting upon such application must be had on the 
evening of conferring the rank, or at least one week after the 
application for the rank.* — Appeal of Wm. M. Gibson vs. 
Centennial Lodge. G. L. CaL, Jour., 1882, 1675, 1745, 1753. 

105. Application : A Vote not necessary to re- 
ceive : It is not necessary for a Lodge to receive a petition 
from a citizen by a vote, or motion. When the petition is read 
by the K. of E. & S., it is the duty of the C. C. and V. C. to 
appoint the investigating committee.! — Dec. of J. J. Cooper, 
G. €. G. L. Nev., Jour., 1881, 454, 485-6. 

106. Application : of Rejected Applicant may be 
Received by another Lodge When : A Lodge has the 
right to receive the application of any person who has been 
rejected by another Lodge six months previous. — Hep. of Com. 
on Law. G. L. Md., Jour., July., 1872, 488. 

♦The rule may be said to be almost universal that applications for the ranks must 
lie over one week before a ballot can be had, a ballot can be had at any time after 
that, and the conferring of the rank may immediately follow, or not, as the Lodge 
may determine. 

•fit is a coincidence worthy of note, that this decision of G. C, Cooper is almost in 
the precise words of tbe decision made on the same question by G. C. McClure of 
Cal. in 1877.— Jour, of Cal., 1877, 1016. The soundness of the decision will not be 
questioned. 



COMMON LAW. 265 

107. Application : For New Lodge must be En- 
dorsed by Deputy Supreme Chancellor When : (See 
Petitioners, Sec. 1829.) g. L. Jour. 1873, app. 39, 1880, 2003. 

108. Application : For Discharge from Division : 
Effect of: (See Discharge, Sec. 885.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880,1841. 2032. 

APPEAL. 

109. To Supreme Lodge : How Authenticated : 

Resolved, That in all appeals submitted to this Supreme Lodge 
all the papers presented must bear the seal of the Grand Lodge, 
attested G. K. of E. & S. S. L. Jour., 1871, 404. 

110. Appeal: Not in Form will be Dismissed: 

Appeals not taken in accordance with the Constitution will not 
be considered. — Appeal of H. Burnes vs. G. L. of Kan. 

S.L. Jour., 1880, 2009. 

111. Appeal : Must be in Form : An appeal having 
no certified copy of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge is 
not in proper form, and will not be considered. — Appeal of H. 
Hauf vs. G. L. of N. J. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1309. 

112. Appeal: DismissedWhen no Accompany- 
ing Record is Filed, or Consent of Grand Lodge 
Appearing : When an appeal lacks the proper attestation, 
and there is no accompanying record, and nothing to show that 
an appeal was allowed, it will not be considered. — Appeal of 
A, J Brainard vs. G. L. of Venn. s. L. Jour. , 1882, 2575. 

113. Appeal: Dismissed for want of Attesta- 
tion of Grand Chancellor : An appeal will not be con- 
sidered when it lacks the attestation of the Grand Chancellor 
of the Grand Lodge from which it is taken. — Appeal of Fleur 
de Lys Lodge vs. G. L. of III., in case of G. W. Herdman. 

S.L. Jour., 1882, 2477. 

1 14. Appeal : May be Considered in Form with- 
out the Attestation of the Grand Chancellor when : 

" Should a Grand Chancellor or Grand Keeper of Eecords and 
Seal, or both refuse to sign and certify any writ of error or ap- 
peal record, so as to authenticate the facts in any case in which 



266 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

a writ of error or appeal can properly be taken or had, to the 
Supreme Lodge, and shall refuse to assign any reason, or shall 
assign an insufficient reason for such refusal (of which the Grand 
Lodge shall satisfy itself by the best evidence at its command 
in each case), such writ of error, or appeal, may be heard and 
determined by the Supreme Lodge, as if the facts stated therein 
were admitted to be true, and properly certified by that officer." 
— Rep. of Com. on Laiv. S. L., Jour., 1882. 2567. 

115. Appeal: Dismissed when not Signed by 
Proper Officer : An appeal not signed and allowed by the 
Grand Chancellor and Grand Keeper of Eecords and Seal will 
be dismissed. — Appeal of P. C. Spencer vs. G. L. of N. Y. 

S. L., Jour., 1875. 1132. 

116. Appeal: To be Entertained must be^by 
Consent of the Grand Lodge : Resolved, That no appeal 
from a Subordinate Lodge to the Supreme Lodge, taken from 
the action of a Grand Lodge, shall be entertained by the Su- 
preme Lodge without the previous consent of the Grand Lodge 
from which such appeal is taken.* s. L. Jour., 1872, 536, 586. 

117. Appeal: Must be by Consent of Grand 
Lodge: Appeals to be considered by the Supreme Lodge 
must be brought by the consent of the Grand Lodge from 
which it is made. — Appeal of P. C. Patterson, vs. G. L. ofCal. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 731, 732. 

118: Appeal: Duty of Grand Lodge to Allow: 

Resolved, That it is the duty of all Grand Lodges to permit ap- 
peals to come up, and they must furnish all testimony and pap- 
ers required properly attested — See appendix Const. S. L. 
Art. XIX. S. L. Jour., 1871. 405. 

119. Appeal: Must be Acted Upon by the Grand 
Lodge : When the subject matter of an appeal has not been 
acted upon by the Grand Lodge from which it comes, it will be 
dismissed.! — Appeal of Rathbone Lodge vs. G. L. N. Y.; appeal 
of P. C. H. M. Wadsworthvs. G. L. Pa, 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 939; 1875. 1131. 

120. Appeal: Consent Given to : Construction 
of Law: Where the Law requires the consent of the Grand 

*See Sec. 5 Art. XIX, S.. L, Const. Appendix. +See Sec. 5 Art. XIX, Const, app. 



COMMON LAW. 267 

Lodge to authorize an appeal, such consent must come from 
the Grand Lodge itself and not from the Grand Commander. 

G. L. Cal. Jour., 1874, 551. 

121. Appeal: Authority of Grand Lodge to 
Order Papers to be Sent Up ; A Grand Lodge has the 
authority to order a Subordinate Lodge to transmit papers and, 
records in a case, a notice having been given which, it was 
claimed by the party, was an appeal. — Appeal ofWeinervs. 
Laurel Lodge . G. L. Cal. Jour., 1872, 329, 350, 351. 

122. Appeal : Record in, Shall he Printed : Re- 
solved, That in the future, appeals and grievances to this Su- 
preme Lodge shall be accompanied by one hundred printed 
copies in each case. The expense of printing shall be borne 
by the party taking the appeal, and the pages to be of the 
same size as the Journal of the Supreme Lodge.* 

S. L. Jour. 1880, 2066. 

123. Appeal: Notice mailed to Accused: Good: 
Negligence : Where the record of the appeal shows, that 
notice was mailed to the accused in time to reach him before 
the meeting of the committee : and where it did not appear 
that the accused had made any effort to ascertain the time and 
place of meeting of the committee, and where the only ground 
of the appeal was that the accused had not received notice of 
the investigation until after the meeting and report of the 
committee. Held, That before the action of the Sub-Lodge 
can be reversed or set aside in a case of this character upon 
such a ground, the brother appealing must make out a clear 
and satisfactory case, showing that he was guilty of no negli- 
gence in using all proper means to obtain his mail, and inform 
himself of the action of the Lodge and of the fact of notice. — 
Appeal of J. 0, Stillwell vs. G. L. of Maryland. 

S. L. Jour. 1880, 2070. 

124. Appeal: Will not he Sustained when the 
Accused has had Notice and Failed to make De- 
fense : Where, upon a trial, the accused appears, pursuant 
to notice, but fails to make any defense, or ask for time to ob- 
tain witnesses. Held, That the appeal cannot be sustained, 
on the ground that the accused had no chance to have his 

*S. L. Const., Sec. 2, Art. XIX. 



268 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

witnesses summoned, for the reason that he did not offer any 
such plea before the investigating committee. — Appeal of Geo. 
Baum vs. Humboldt Lodge. g. L., W. Va., Jour., 1879, 23. 

125. Appeal : Notice of must be Given in Time 
or Appeal will be Dismissed : The notice of an appeal 
must be given within the time prescribed by Law or the right of 
appeal is lost, and any attempted appeal will be dismissed. — 
Appeal ofW.A. Dickerson vs. Spartan Lodge, and J. E. Haskell 
vs. Damocles Lodge. G. L. Cal. Jour., 1877, 1086 ; 1878, 1142, 1200. 

126. Appeal: Notice of must State Grounds, 
whens A notice of an appeal from a judgment, after trial 
upon charges, must state the grounds of the appeal, otherwise 
the appeal will be dismissed. — Appeal of Brooks vs. Valley 
Lodge. G. L. Cal. Jour., 1879, 1310, 1352, 1358. 

127. Appeal: Must be Perfected in Time: 

Where a Grand Lodge Law requires all appeals to be perfected 
within four weeks. Held, An an appeal not so perfected will 
be dismissed. — Appeal of Fidelity Lodge vs. G. L. of Venn. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1633, 1634, ; 1880, 2063, 2064. 

128. Appeal : Sustained for Informality in Ap- 
pointment of Trial Committee : Where a member of a 
trial committee, was also a member of the committee which pre- 
ferred the charges and was also a witness against the accused. 
Held, That this was improper, and illegal, and the appeal 
therefore sustained. — Appeal of S. P. Haines vs. Mullica Hill 
Lodge. G. L. N. J Jour., 1881, 1233, 1259. 

129. Appeal : Must be Taken Before Penalty Is 
Paid : Where a member paid the penalty imposed upon him 
by the Lodge, and took no exception to the evidence taken 
during the trial, Held, that it was too late to appeal. — Rep. of 
com. on appeals. G. L. N. J. Jour., 1878, 1026. 

130. Appeal : From the Decision of the Grand 
Chancellor Does Not Lie : It is the duty of the Grand 
Chancellor to report his decisions to the Grand Lodge, and until 
reversed by that body they shall govern, and an appeal to the 
Grand Lodge therefrom does not lie. — Dec. ofJ.D.Boper, G.C. 

G. L. 111. Jour., 1882, 839, 891. 



COMMON LAW. 269 

131. Appeal: From District Deputy Taken to 
Grand Chancellor : All appeals from a District Deputy 
Grand Chancellor are taken to the Grand Chancellor, during 
the recess of the Grand Lodge, and reported by him to the 
Grand Lodge. — Dec. ofG. W. Herdman, G. C. 

111. Jour. 1881, 666. 

132. Appeal : From Rulings of C. C, Must First 
be Decided by the Lodge : Where a ruling of the C. C. 
was not apparently satisfactory to the Lodge, whereupon a 
resolution was adopted to the effect that, "This Lodge appeals 
to the G. <?.," etc., Held, the appeal should have been to the 
Lodge, from ruling of the C. C, and the Lodge's decision is 
final, until reversed by the Grand Lodge. — Dec. ofW.H. Hazel- 
ton, G. C. G. L. Ind. Jour., Jan. 1872, 68, 69, 90- 

133. Appeal : From the Decision of the C. C. 
Does Not Require a Second : Any brother has the right 
to appeal from the decision of the C. C. under the rules of the 
Order, and such appeal does not require a second. — Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Pa. Jour., Jan. 1872, 41. 

134. Appeal : from the Decision of the C. C. to 
the Grand Lodge Does not Lie : An appeal from the 
decision of the Chancellor Commander direct to the Grand 
Lodge or the Grand Chancellor, does not lie, the appeal must 
be from the Lodge. — Rep. of com. on appeals. 

G. L., D. C, Jour. Jan. 1873, 597. 

135. Appeals: From Decision of C. C. or the 
Lodge in Absence of Law, Should Be Taken When : 

Upon the query, to wit : "What is the limit of time in regard 
to appeals from Subordinate Lodges, in cases where there are 
no charges under the criminal law involved ?" Held, In the 
absence of any Law on the subject, an appeal from the decision 
of the Chancellor Commander or the Lodge, should be taken 
at the time the decision is made, or certainly, not longer there- 
after than the next meeting. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Va., Jour. 1881,47. 

136. Appeal : From Decision of C. C. : the C. C. 
Cannot Vote to Sustain His View : When a point of 
order is sustained by a Chancellor Commander, and an appeal 



270 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

is taken from his decision, he has no right to vote for the pur- 
pose of sustaining his view. — Rul. of Max Elser, G. C. 

G. L. Texas, Jour. 1883, 60. 

137. Appeal : From Decision of G, C. : Question 
shall be Put by the G. V. C. : When the Grand Chan- 
cellor ruled that he knew of no Law preventing his putting the 
question on an appeal from his decision, and thereupon stated 
the question, when the G. V. C. objected on the ground that it 
had been the custom, and was the Law of the Grand Lodge, 
that all. appeals from the decision of the G. C. should be put 
by the G. V. C, whereupon it was Resolved, That in all cases 
of appeal from the decisions of the G. C. the question be put 
by the G. V. C * . . . . — Rul. of A. Brandt, G. C. 

G. L. Ga., Jour. 1881, 339, 340. 

138. Appeal: From G. C. or C. C. are Debat- 
able When : Where there is no positive Law to the con- 
trary, and Cushing's Manual being the guide, appeals from the 
decision of the G. C. or C. C. are debatable. 

G. L. Ky.,Jour., 1872, 52. 

139. Appeal : From the Decision of the C. C. is 
Debatable: On the query, to wit: "Is a point of order 
debatable ?" Held, That it is not, but when an appeal is taken 
from the decision of the chair on a point of order the appeal 
is debatable.— Rul. of R. B. Mitchell, G. C. 

G. L. Nev., Jour., 1883, 664. 

140. Appeal: Stays action of the Lodge: A 

decision rendered by a Lodge stands until reversed by a higher 
authority, any brother dissatisfied with such decision has a 
right to appeal, pending which, the matter remains in statu quo. 
Rep. of com. on Law. G. L. Pa. Jour., Aug. 1879, 607, 624. 

141. Appeal: From Decision of Lodge Stops 
Proceedings When : An appeal from the decision of the 
Lodge stops the proceedings of the Lodge on that question 
until decided.— Dee. of W. A. Cotter, G. C. 

G. L. Ky. Jour., Jan. 187*4, 125, 212. 

142. Appeal : From Action of Relief Commit- 
tee Mnst be to the Lodge : A brother aggrieved by a 

*See Expo. "Appeals" for adverse rulings on this question. 



COMMON LAW. 



271 



report of the relief committee, must appeal to the Lodge, and 
not the D. D, G. C. The appeal should be made at the time 
the report is made, or at the next regular meeting. — Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Ind, Jour., July 1875, 172, 175. 

143. Appeal: Duty oi ±jodge when Notice of 
Filed: Upon receiving notice of appeal, setting forth the 
grounds and points on which the appellant asks for a reversal 
of the decision of the Lodge in cases of charges, the Lodge 
should treat it as a legal notice and act accordingly. . It is not 
competent for the Lodge, or the K. of K. and S., to pass upon 
the sufficiency of the notice. — Appeal of Mains vs. Laurel Lodge* 

G. L. Cal. Jour., 1874, 541, 567, 589, 605. 

144. Appeal: Duty of Lodge to Forward Papers 

In : It is the duty of the Lodge to see that appeal papers are 
properly made out and forwarded to the G.C. — Dec. of G. F, 
Taylor, G. C. G. L. Ala. Jour,, 1878, 312, 382-3. 

145. Appeal : From D. D. €h C; Decision Bind- 
ing Until Reversed : If an appeal is taken on any point 
of order and the D. D. G-. C. be called upon for his decision, and 
after he gives the same another appeal be taken to the G. C, 
the decision of the D. D. holds good and is binding on the Lodge 
until the ruling of the G. C. is given. — Rid. of Max Elser, G.C* 

G. L. Texas Jf>ur., 1883, 60. 

146. Appeal : Will not Lie from the Result of a 
Ballot for Membership : (See Ballot, Sec. 328.) 

G. L., N. H., Jour. 1879, 54, 63. 

147. Appeal: Where Evidence does not show 
Criminal Intent will toe Dismissed : (See Suspension, 
Sec. 2403.) S. L. Jour., 1874, 938, 

148. Appeal : Sustained for lack of Evidence to 
Warrant the Action of the Subordinate Lodge : 

Where a member was suspended by his Lodge, and on appeal 
the Grand Lodge referred the papers back to the Lodge to 
reinvestigate, after which no further action was taken beyond 
appointing a committee to investigate. Held, On appeal from 
the action of the Grand Lodge, that not finding any evidence 
to warrant suspension, the brother be reinstated to full honors. 
Appeal of C. H. Edgcomb, vs. G. L. of W. Va. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 181, 206. 



272 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

149, Appeal : On Matters Pertaining to a Lo- 
cal Jurisdiction will not be Sustained : Where the 
Constitution of Subordinate Lodges provided that "no Lodge 
can admit any person for a less sum than five dollars," and the 
Esquire's degree, $3.00, and the Knight's degree, $3.00, and also 
providing the manner by which the Constitution could be 
amended ; and where the Gand Lodge by resolution authorized 
Lodges to admit applicants and confer the degrees for $5.00, 
until their membership increased to one hundred ; and where 
on appeal from this action, Held, That the matter was one of 
a local legislation and the appeal was therefore dismissed.* 
■ — Appeal of G. W. Lindsay vs. G. L. of Maryland. 

S. L. Jour. 1870, 205, 206. 

150. Appeals; Pertaining to a Local Subject: 
Dismissed : An appeal against the action of a Grand Lodge 
authorizing the creation of Past Chancellors, was dismissed on 
the ground that it referred to a local matter. — Appeal of Al- 
liston and Moyston vs. G. L. of Tenn. (See P. C. Sec. 1906.) 

S. L. Jour, 1873, 732, 733. 

•151, Appeal: Will be dismissed, when : An ap- 
peal on a matter within the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge will 
be dismissed. — Appeal of S. T. Phillips vs. G. L. of Va. (See 
Sec. 2581, Tax.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 625. 

152. Appeal : Will be dismissed where Grounds 
of, have been Cured by Subsequent Legislation: 

Where the Grand Chancellor in his report recommends that in 
the selection of Past Chancellors to be elected to receive the 
rank of Past Grand Chancellor, the candidates be chosen from 
Lodges represented at a particular session of the Grand Lodge, 
and which recommendation was adopted on report of the com- 
mittee ; and where, at the election of Past Grand Chancellors, one 
of the candidates selected, was then a member of a Lodge not re- 
presented at the particular session, but who was at the time 
said particular session was held, a member of a Lodge so re- 
presented, he having withdrawn in the meantime and joined 
a Lodge that was not so represented ; and where the Grand 
Chancellor ruled that the nomination of the said candidate was 
irregular and could not be entertained ; and where it was by 

*Itis singular that the Supreme Lodge should have upheld this overriding of the 
Law. 



COMMON LAW. 273 

motion declared to be the sense of the Grand Lodge that the 
candidate so chosen be recognized as a candidate for the rank 
of P. G. C, in the election about to transpire, and pursuant to 
which the candidate was elected to receive that rank, and where, 
for these alleged irregularities an appeal is taken ; Held, That 
although these were irregularities that should have been cor 
rected at the time, they were fully cured by the vote on the 
motion above referred to, and confirmed by the election of the 
brother, and should not now be disturbed. Appeal dismissed. 
— Appeal of H. C. Berry vs: G. L. of III. 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 574. 

153. Appeal : Dismissed for Defect in Form of 
Charges : Where a brother was a physician, and while re- 
ceiving benefits from his Lodge, prescribed for two patients 
for which he received five dollars, but concealed the fact from 
the Lodge. Upon charges preferred he was suspended for ten 
years, on appeal to the Grand Lodge the action of the Subordi- 
nate Lodge was reversed on the ground that the charges did 
not state that the accused was able to, or did practice his pro- 
fession while receiving benefits. It does not follow because 
the accused was able to examine and prescribe for two persons 
that he was not disabled from practicing his profession or fol- 
lowing some other business. Hence, the charges do not state 
any offense against Pythian Law. The judgment is reversed 
and the case remanded with instruction to allow the charges to 
be amended, if the accuser shall so elect. On appeal to Su- 
preme Lodge : Held, That the action of the Grand Lodge be 
endorsed and the appeal be dismissed. — Appeal of Metropolitan 
Lodge vs. G. L. of Cal. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2574. 

154. Appeal : From Medical Examiner in Chief 
Will Not Lie : (See E. R, Sec. 1072.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2481, 2496. 

155. Appeal : Must be Bona Fide; Will Not Lie 
to Review Decision of a G. C. : Where, by an appeal, 
the appellant asks the Supreme Lodge to review a series of 
decisions of the Gr. C, and Grand Lodge, merely for the pur- 
pose of settling the question involved, not that the decisions 
were not good Law, but that they were not sustained by pre- 
cedent ; Held, that the appeal is not of a character that should 

18 



274 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

be entertained by the Supreme Lodge. Whenever an appeal is 
made by a representative from the action of his Grand Lodge, it 
must be bona fide, made — not for the purpose of having the 
question settled, the appellant believing the Law may have been 
correctly construed ; but the appellant must entertain a fixed 
belief of the illegality of the decision from which he appeals. 
Whenever, by the operation of a decision of a Grand Lodge, 
any party interested is aggrieved, such party may appeal to this 
body, in proper form, and if the Law or decision be illegal, it 
will be then so declared. — Appeal of A.S. Atchley vs. G. L. III. 

G. L. Jour., 1880, 2036, 2037, 

156. Appeal: Against Formation of Grand 
Lodge : Dismissed When : Alpha Lodge, of London, On- 
tario, protested against the formation of the Grand Lodge, and 
appealed to the Supreme Lodge on the following grounds : 

1. "It had no official notice of the meeting." 

2. "Alpha Lodge had no voice, as it had aright to have, in determin- 
ing the advisability of a Grand Lodge at present, or in regard to the 
time and place of meeting." 

3. "The short time intervening between the informal notice and the 
time named for the institution of the Grand Lodge would not suffice to 
make the necessary arrangements for being properly represented." 

4. "Prior engagements prevented the majority of our Past Chancel- 
lors being present at the time named, even if so disposed." 

5. "At the time said informal notice came to Past Chancellor Smith, 
there were not a sufficient number of Subordinate Lodges in Ontario to 
entitle Ontario to a Grand Lodge." 

6. "In order to put on an appearance of legality, Supreme Chancellor 
Read, on arriving at Toronto, proceeded to institute a new Lodge, in 
order to make the requisite number, notwithstanding the fact that two 
Subordinate Lodges had already been formed there within two months." 

Held, No sufficient cause for appeal. 

S. L. Jour. 1872, 583, 626. 

157. Appeal : Sustained Where Attempt is Made 
to Enforce Amendment which has not Been Ap- 
proved. Where an amendment to a Grand Lodge Constitu- 
tion has not been approved by the Supreme Lodge, it cannot 
be enforced, and an appeal from an attempt to enforce it will 
be sustained.— Appeal of Knickerbocker Lodge vs. G. L. of N. Y. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1619. 

158. Appeals: Committee on : Decision of shall 
be Final When : Resolved, That the decision of committee 
on appeals and grievances, on any appeal referred to them 



COMMON LAW. 275 

when reported to and confirmed by the Supreme Chancellor, 
shall be final, and fix the status of the member whose rights 
and privileges are in question under the appeal, until the said 
decision is reversed by the Supreme Lodge. — Rep of com. on 
Law. S. L. Jour. 1878, 1572. 

159. Appeal : Upon an Illegal Trial Sustained : 

When the trial of a brother was informal and not in compli- 
ance with the Law it was ordered that the appeal be referred 
back to the Grand Lodge, with instructions to sustain the ap- 
peal, and remand the case to the Lodge from which it 
emanated.— Appeal ofH.Haufvs the G. L. o/N. Y. 

S. L. Jour. 1877, 1438. 

160. Appeal : Must be Prosecuted by the Real 
Party in Interest. Parties not directly interested in any 
action of a Grand Lodge have no right to appeal therefrom ; it 
must be prosecuted by the aggrieved party. — Appeal of certain 
P. Cs. vs. the G. L- of North Carolina. 

S. L, Jour. 1875, 1122, 3123. 

161. Appeal : In Nature of Protest, will not be 
Considered When: A protest against the order of a 
Grand Chancellor is in effect an appeal, and should be first 
made to the Grand Lodge, and an appeal taken in regular 
form from the Grand Lodge to Supreme Lodge. — Protest against 
order ofE. L. Cole, G. C, N. Y. s, L. Jour, 1873, 684, 774. 

162. Appeal : Must be Forwarded to Supreme 
Lodge When : Resolved, That all appeals to the Supreme 
Lodge, and accompanying papers, shall be sent to the S. K. of 
E. & S., at least one month previous to the annual session of 
the Supreme Lodge, and the S. K. of E. and S. shall at that 
time place all appeals, and accompanying papers, in the hands 
of the chairman of the committee on appeals, to enable said 
committee to carefully review the same, also the Law bearing 
upon them, and report fully and promptly to the Supreme 
Lodge at its session. 

Resolved, That no appeal shall be entertained by this Su- 
preme Lodge, if not in compliance with the above resolution, 
except by vote of the Supreme Lodge. 

S. L. Jour. 1872, 563 



276 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

163. Appeal. May be referred back to Grand 
Lodge for Hearing : In a case where a Grand Lodge re- 
fuses to hear and entertain charges against a member of the 
Grand Lodge, upon appeal to the Supreme Lodge, the Grand 
Lodge may be ordered and directed to give the matter a fair and 
proper consideration. (See Charges, Sec. 702.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 423. 

164. Appeal : May be taken from a Finding of 
not Gnilty : On the query as to whether the accuser has the 
right to appeal from the action of the Lodge finding a member 
not guilty : Held, A member of the Order desiring to appeal 
from the action of his Lodge may do so, within the time pre- 
scribed. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa. Jour., Aug. 1879, 615, 643. 

165. Appeal : May be Taken from a Judgment 
of Acquittal : A Grand Lodge entertained an appeal from 
a judgment of acquittal in a case of charges, and reversed the 
judgment.* — Appeal of Cheney vs. Sacramento Lodge. 

G. L. Cal. Jour., 1874, 586, 587, 602, 606- 

166. Appeal: May be Taken from a Subordi- 
nate Lodge on a Finding of Not Gruilty : An appeal 
may be taken to the Grand Lodge by any member against the 
action of his Lodge in finding a member "not guilty," and the 
Grand Lodge has the power to entertain, and abjudicate upon 
it, or may sustain or reverse the decision of the Lodge, or order 
a new trial, according to the circumstances of the case.t — 
Dec. of J. S. King, G. C. G. L. of Ontario, Jour., 1879. 

167. Appeal: From Decision of Chancellor 
Commander can only be Taken in the Knight's 
Hank : Where a C. C. made a ruling while the Lodge was 
open in the Page rank, from which an appeal was taken to the 
Lodge, whereupon objection being raised to the right of the 
Lodge to determine the appeal while working in the Page rank, 
the C. C. further ruled that it could then and there be acted 
upon, which ruling was sustained by the Grand Lodge. Held, 
If the C. C, violated any of the provisions of the ritual, any 

*It is held in this state that the accuser may take a bill of exceptions from the 
finding of the committee of not guilty, for the purpose of reversing the judgment and 
the Lodge may sustain or overrule the same. Jour, of 1878, 1207-8. 

I-The Journals of Ontario prior to 1880, have not been printed up to this time, 
SO that no paging can be given in our reference. 



COMMON LAW. 277 

brother would have the right to object : but the appeal from 
the decision of the C. C. could only be taken in the Knight's 
rank, — Appeal of R. L. C. White, et al., vs. G. L. Tenn. 

S. L. Jour. 1884, 3037. 

ANTE EOOM. 

168. Shall be Cleared, When: No person but the 0. 
G., shall be allowed in the ante room at the opening of a Lodge. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 229. 

169. Ante Room : Duty of Outer Guard in Re- 
spect to : (Sec Admission Sec. 211.) 

S. L. Jour. 1873, app, 38. 

1*70. Ante Room : Lodge Cannot Refuse Mem- 
bers Admission to, when: (See Sub. Lodge, Sec. 2517.) 

G. L. Mass. Jour., 1875, 694, 729-30. 

171.. Ante Room: Lodge Cannot Refuse Ad- 
mission of members to, when; A Lodge has no right 
to refuse to admit members to the inner ante-room during the 
conference of the ranks. It can only refuse such admission 
during the opening ceremonies. — Bee. of T. H. Mannen G. C. 

G. L. Ky. Jour., 1879, 587, 637. 

ALTEENATES. 

172. Not Recognized in Supreme Lodge Grand 
Lodges are not authorized to elect alternate Supreme Repre- 
sentatives, and the same will not be recognized by the Supreme 
Lodge. — Case of W. H. Hazelton, Alt, from hid* 

S. L. Jour. 1871, 342, 343. 

APPEOPEIATIONS. 

173. For S. K. of R. and S. : How Paid : Resolved, 
That hereafter the appropriations for stationery, expenses, etc., 
of the department of the S. K. of E. and S.be paid by the S. M. 
of E., upon the drafts of the Supreme K.ofR. and S., countersign- 
ed by the Supreme Chancellor, and that a detailed and vouched 
account of the expenditures of such appropriation be annually 
submitted by the S. K. of E. and S. to the Supreme Lodge. 
(See Annual Statement, Sec. 253.) s. L. Jour., 1872, 633. 

*See post Sec. 1310. 



278 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

174. Appropriation : Of Funds What Vote 
Necessary : (See Funds, Sec 1277.) 

G. L. Ind. Jour., 1878, 26, 27. 

AUDITOES. 

175. Board of, Unconstitutional: The Supreme 
Chancellor ruled that a resolution to appoint a board of 
auditors on the Supreme Scribe's accounts was unconstitu- 
tional. — Bui. of H. C. Berry, S. C. s. L. Jour., 1873, 681, 729. 

AEKEAES. 

176. Term Cannot Include Fines : On the query, 
"Does 'arrears for one year' mean dues, fines and assessments, 
which, added together, would equal the amount of weekly dues 
for one year ?" Held, No.* s. L. Jour., 1873, 705, 768. 

177. Arrears: Term Defined: "When the dues of a 
member have accrued for the period designated by his Grand 
Jurisdiction as the limit of good standing, and the same re- 
main unpaid, he is in arrears. s. L. Jour., 1878, 1568, 1606. 

178. Arrears : Definition of Term : A member is not 
twelve months in arrears for dues when no time of payment is 
fixed in the By-Laws, until after the end of the fourth quarter, 
and the quarters end with the respective months, and not with 
the last meeting in the quarter. — Dec. of J. H. Drummond, 
G- C. G. L. Maine Jour., 1877, 170, 237. 

1 79. Arrears : Member Cannot be Declared In, 
who has Paid Dues to the First of a Term : (See 
Dues, Sec. 938.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042. 

180. Arrears : For Dues : Definition : A member 
cannot be in arrears for dues until the expiration of three ac- 
tual months. G. L. Ontario, Jour., 1874. 

181: Arrears: Precludes Right to Benefits 
When: (See Benefits, Sec. 420.) 

G. L. Neb. Jour., 1878, 544, 577. 

183. Arrears: Meaning of: Construction of 
Constitution: The position has been taken that when 

*This is now virtually overruled by a later legislation of the Supreme Lodge. 
Fines, Sec. 1192. 



COMMON LAW. 279 

dues are payable quarterly, a member is not in arrears until the 
end of the first quarter, and so cannot be suspended until one 
year from that time, when he would be owing fifteen months 
dues. Held, The position is wrong under Clause 21, Section 2, 
of Article VIII. of the Supreme Lodge Constitution, (see 
Appendix) the intent and meaning of which is that a member, 
owing for twelve months dues shall be declared suspended. — Dec, 
of S. S. Davis, S. C. (See Suspension, Sec. 2336 and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1322, 1302. 

183. Arrears: Will bar right to S. A. P. W., 
When : (See S. A. P. W., Sec. 2447.) 

G. L. Ga., Jour. 1883, 376, 393. 

184. Arrears: Rights of Members in, as to 
Good Standing : A brother who is three months in arrears 
for dues, is not in good standing and not entitled to vote, even 
if the By-Laws make it the duty of the M. of F. to notify the 
brother, and he fails to do so, this does not excuse him, because 
the Law makes it the duty of every member to keep his own 
standing, and a failure to do so cannot be excused on the 
ground of ignorance, or neglect of duty in the M. of F. to give 
notice.— Dec, of W. W, Blackwell, G. C. 

G. L. Ky., Jour. 1880, 657, 662, 704, 716. 

185. Arrears: Part Payment of, Works Good 
Standing When : A brother who is in arrears to the Lodge 
on the night of election, but who pays sufficient to reduce the 
same below three' months' dues, prior to the election or ad- 
journment of the Lodge is entitled to vote for the officers. — Dec, 
of E, W. Scott, G. C, G. L. Pa. Jour., Aug., 1876, 451, 518. 

186. Arrears: Payment on Account, will not 
bar Right to Benefits, When : When, under a By-Law 
providing that, "Any member failing to pay his quarterly dues 
on, or before the last meeting night of the quarter, shall be 
suspended," &c, and where under this Law a member pays a 
portion of his dues on the last quarterly night, and the C. C. 
rules that he is non-beneficial for the reason that, he did not 
pay the entire quarter's dues, Held, That the true construction 
to be placed on this section is* that, in order to be barred from 
weekly benefits, &c, it is necessary that the full amount of one 
quarter, or thirteen weeks, should be due, and charged against 



280 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

a member ; and any amount paid on account so as to keep the 
dues less than the sum specified in the By-Laws for quarterly 
dues, is sufficient to keep him beneficial, even if paid on the 
last meeting night of a quarter. — Appeal of G. H. Wholey. vs. 
Damon Lodge G. L., Md.. Jour. 1873, 61, 64. 

187. Arrears: do not Accrue While a Member 
is Sick: A brother while sick and receiving benefits from 
his Lodge, cannot become in arrears so as to be debarred from 
receiving benefits. It is the duty of the Lodge to deduct from 
the amount drawn for his benefits and place to his credit a 
sufficient sum to keep him in good standing.— Dec. of F. G. 
Calvert, G. C. G. L. s D. C. Jour. July, 1870, 298, 310. 

188. Arrears : do not Accrue While a Member 
is Sick and Drawing Benefits: (See Benefits, Sec. 

442.) G. L., W. Va., Jour. 1878, 18, 24. 

189. Arrears: Disqualifies for Office, When: 

Where a Lodge elected the M. at A. to the office of Prelate 
when it was known that the M. at A. was in arrears, Held, 
If the brother was in arrears to the Lodge for three months' 
dues or more, he was not entitled to vote, and was disqualified 
from holding office until all arrears were paid in full. — Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Pa., Jour., Feb., 1875, 417, 419. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., Aug. 1875, 69. 

190. Arrears: Affects Good Standing, When: 

Any member owing a Lodge six months' dues is ineligible to 
any office, not entitled to vote, and not entitled to the S. A. P. W. 
or any benefits. — Dec. of G. F. Taylor, G. C. 

G. L. Ala. Jour. 1880, 82, 229. 

191. Arrears : Brother in, not Entitled to Vote : 

A brother in arrears with his dues has no right to vote. If he 
should vote the ballot should be at once retaken.* — Dec. E. G. 
Bartlett, G. C. G. L. Kan., Jour., 1876, 5, 44. 

192. Arrears : Construction of Law : Payment 
of Dues in Advance : When, by the By-Laws of a Lodge, 
payment of dues is required to be made quarterly in advance, a 

*This is perhaps the true rule where an objection is raised to the vote at the time, 
but if allowed to rest until rights have accrued, or until the next meeting, it would 
seem that the illegal vote would not be sufficient cause for declaring the ballot void*. 
(See Ballot, Sec. 315.) 



COMMON LAW. 281 

member cannot be held to be in arrears until the expiration of 
the quarter. — Dec. of J. A. Sweezey, G. C. 

G. L. Mich. Jour., 1880, 60, 87. 

193. Arrears : Do not Exclude Members from 
Receiving Care and Attention; Construction of 
Laws: Under the following clause of the general Laws, to 
wit: "Arrearages for dues shall not exclude such members 
from visitation, care and attention during such sickness or dis- 
ability, but the same shall be bestowed upon him as in other 
cases." It was held that the brother was clearly entitled to 
visitation from proper committee, care and attention. That 
this did not mean that money should be expended to procure a 
nurse or *or other necessities. — Dec. of J. C. Ross, D. D. G. C. 

in the case of Lake Shore Lodge. 

G. L. Ohio Jour., 1882, 764, 806, 

194. Arrears : Bar to Installation, When : (See 
Installation, Sec. 1418.) G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug., 1876, 447, 546. 

195. Arrears : Payment of during Indisposition 
Entitles Members to Benefits, When : (See Benefits, 
Sec. 446.) G. L. Pa., Jour., Jan., 1871, 183, 261. 

196. Arrears : Payment of, to a Brother is not 
a Payment to the Lodge : (See Benefits, Sec. 423.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour., July, 1873, 567. 

197. Arrears : Member in Entitled to S. A. P. 
W., When : Local Legislation. Resolved, That it is the 
sense of this supreme body, that the length of time a mem- 
ber may be in arrears for dues before he can be deprived of the 
S. A. P. W., is a question subject to the legislation of state 
Grand Bodies so long as said Jurisdictions comply with the re- 
quirement of this supreme body by suspending members who 
are twelve months in arrears for dues. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, 
S. C. S. L., Jour. 1875, 1121 ; 1877, 1372. 

198. Arrears : Right of Grand Lodges to Legis- 
late Concerning: not in Conflict with Supreme 
Law: (See Construction of Laws, Sec. 560.) 

S. L. Jour.. 1875, 1121. 

199. Arrears: Brother in, can sit in Lodge 
Room, When : A brother three months in arrears for dues, 



282 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

who is in possession of the S. A. P. W. has a right to sit in a 
Lodge. — Dec. of J. S. Davidson, G. (7.* 

G. L. Ga., Jour., 1874, 81, 95. 

200. Arrears : Bar to Funeral Benefits When : 

(See Funeral Benefits. Sec. 1179.) s. L. Jour., 1876, 1318. 

201. Arrears: Of Grand Jurisdictions, Amount 
Of: To be Jburnished Committee on Credentials 
and Returns : Resolved, That hereafter, at the beginning 
of each session of the Supreme Lodge, and immediately upon the 
appointment of the committee on credentials and returns, it 
shall be the duty of the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal, 
to place in the hands of the chairman of said committee a com- 
plete report of all Grand Jurisdictions in arrears for represen- 
tative tax to the Supreme Lodge. s. L. Jour. 1882, 2458. 

202. Arrears : In Uniform Rank Deprives Mem- 
ber of Privileges When : A Sir Knight, over six months 
in arrears to his Lodge, ceases to be in good standing in his 
Division, and is not entitled to the pass-word, or any other 
privileges of a member ingoood standing. — Dec. of J.P.Linton, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056 

ADJOUBN. 

203. Motion to 9 not in Order, When : (See Mo- 
tion, Sec. 1601.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1508, 1607. 

204. Adjourn: Motion to : not in Order: A mo- 
tion to adjourn, is not in proper language, it should be that the 
Lodge "proceed to close," which should not be entertained 
until the regular order of business has been called. — Dec. of 
J. F. Shumate, G. C. G. L. of Ohio, Jour. 1883, 863, 928. 

ADJOUBNED MEETING. 

205. Not Permitted, When : A Subordinate Lodge 
cannot take a recess from its meeting night, until the next, or 
any subsequent day, prior to its next regular meeting night. 
A newly instituted Lodge cannot do so for the purpose of in- 

*ThiB is in accord with the rule as laid down in many of the Jurisdictions, that 
until a member is six months in arrears he should not be deprived of the S. A. P. W. — 
Bee Expo. Dues. 



COMMON LAW. 283 

itiation or the conferring of ranks. — Dec. of Wm. J. MacMullen, 
O. C* G. L. Pa., Jour.. July, 1873, 484. 

• ADMISSION. 

206. Of Applicant after Election May be Barred 
by Majority Vote : (See Applicant, Sec. 64.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114-15, 

207. Admission: Of Applicant. After Election 
May be Barred by Objection Raised: (See Ballot, 
Sec. 297.) G. L. Wis. Jour., 1882, 515, 585. 

208. Admission : Of Applicant for the Ranks 
May be Barred by Charges, when i (See Charges, Sec. 
670 and note.) G. L. Mo. Jour., 1880, 84, 127. 

209. Admission : Of Elected Applicant, Barred 
by protest, when : (See Applicant, Sec. 62.) 

G. L. Mass. Jour., 1871, 42. 

210. Admission: Into Lodges by Pages and 
Esquires: (See Esquire, Sec. 963 and 964.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 38. 

211. Admission : Right of Lodge to Refuse, 
when : On the query : "Has the Lodge the right to refuse a 
brother admittance to a Page's or Esquire's Lodge unless the 
brother give evidence that he has received the Knight's rank?" 
The S. C. decided : The Lodge or its officers has the right, 
and it is their duty, to refuse admission to anyone unless in 
possession of the S. A. P. W., as also the ante-room must be 
cleared of all who are without it, be they members or candi- 
dates, so that the outer steward (0. G.) has complete control of 
all who enter unless otherwise ordered by the C. C.f — Dec. of 
H. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 1934; see Esquire, Sec. 
964.) S. L. Jour., app. 38. 

*Some Jurisdictions have gone so far as to say that special meetings cannot be 
eld for the purpose of initiation or conferring the ranks. But when it is not ex- 
pressly prohibited, such a rule would be a straining of the Law beyond the limits of 
reason, and where such a prohibition is enforced, there is an unwarranted invasion 
of the rights inherent in every subordinate body. (See Expo., title, "Special Meet- 
ing.") 

tThe S. C. has worded this decision rather broadly. On the same page of the 
Journal on whieh this appears he reports a decision to the effect that Pages and 
Esquires may be admitted on the order of the C. C. They of course do not have the 
S, A. P. W., (See Esquire, Bee. 963.) 



284 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

212. Admission: Denied to Members in Ar- 
rears, and not in Possession of S. A. P. W., when : 

(See S. A. P. W., Sec. 2418.) 

G. L. Ind. Jour., Jan. 1875, 31, 37, 38. 

213. Admission: Right of, of Member Under 
Charges : (See Charges, Sec. 687.) 

G. L, Ind. Jour., 1882, 121, 161, 163. 

214. Admission: By Card: Signing the Ros- 
ter Essential : (See Sees. 982 and 1641.) 

G. L. Cal. Jour., 1875, 708, 730, 733. 

215. Admission : Of a Member of the Order 
must be by Withdrawal Card : When a Lodge received 
the application of, and admitted to membership a member of. 
a suspended Lodge without his presenting a withdrawal-card, 
Held, The action of the Lodge was illegal, a brother of a sus~ 
pended Lodge not being in possession of a withdrawal-card 
cannot be admitted. — Dec. of J. W. Root, G. C, on appeal of 
J. C. Crandall, vs. Empire City Lodge. 

G. L. N. Y., Jour., Jan., 1872, 14. 

216. Admission: by Card: of Applicant over 
age : Dispensation not Necessary : When a member 
takes a withdrawal-card from his Lodge, and passes the age 
of fifty years before he deposits it, a dispensation is not neces- 
sary, (on account of being over age) when he applies for ad- 
mission again by card, either to his own, or any other Lodge. 
Dec. of J. J. Cooper, G. C. (See Eeinstatement, Sec. 2153.) 

G. L. Nev., Jour. 1881, 452, 485-6. 

217. Admission by Card: on Organization of 
New Lodge: Fee for, Determined by Majority 
Vote : A member with a W. C. can join in an application for 
a dispensation to organize a new Lodge, without paying the 
full minimum fee of $10 required of the other charter appli- 
cants. The fee to be paid by such an applicant (with card) 
shall be decided by a majority of the entire number of charter 
applicants. — Dec. of L. Proskauer, D. D. G. C, reversed. 

G. L. Ala., Jour, 1880, 144, 225. 

218. Admission: by Card: may be Without 
Charge, When : Where the By-Laws of a Lodge are silent 



COMMON LAW. 285 

upon the question or when the Lodge has made no other pro- 
vision, Held, That there is no Law, (supreme or grand) pre- 
venting a Lodge from receiving an application for affiliation, 
free of charge. — Dec. of G. F. Taylor, G. C. 

G. L. Ala., Jour. 1878, 312, 382-3. 

219. Admission: by Card: in Revived Lodge 
by an Old Member, Must be Guided by the Law : 

Where a member of a defunct Lodge obtains his withdrawal- 
card and the Lodge is afterward revived, Held, The brother 
on presenting his card must be guided by whatever the Lodge's 
By-Laws may say in relation to the same, and must pay the 
fee required. He cannot be admitted without charge, as being 
one of the members of the old Lodge. Dec, of G. F. Taylor, 
G. C. G. L. Ala., Jour. 1878, 313, 382-3. 

220. Admission : By Card : Same Ballot Neces- 
sary as in Case of Initiation : (See Ballot, Sec. 368.) 

S. L., Jour. 1875, 1042, 1114. 

221. Admission: Of Member Suspended, Must 
be by Card When : A member suspended for arearages 
cannot be admitted into another Lodge by petition. He must 
procure a card from the Lodge of which he was a member ; 
should the Lodge not be in existence the same can be procured 
from the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction. — *I)ec. of T. W. 
Deering, G. C. (See Sec. 2151.) 

G. L. Kas. Jour. Sept. 1873, 11, 12, 31. 

222. Admission: Members should be Denied 
"When : No Knight should be permitted to enter or retire from 
the Lodge while the initiatory services are occurring, or even 
during the call of roll, minutes being read or a brother speak- 
ing. — Dec. of G. Stevenson, G. C. 

G. L. of Neb., Jour. 1873, 141, 163. 

223. Admission: Of Members Should not be 
permitted When : Members should not be allowed to en- 
ter the Lodge during the reading of the minutes, but if admit- 
ted by the I. G., the C. C. may allow them to approach and sa- 
lute. — Dec % of J. S. Shropshire. G. C. 

G. L. Neb., Jour. 1876, 418, 462. 

* The form of this card T7as adopted by the Supreme Lodge at the session of 1884. 
See W. C. Sec. 2744. 



286 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

224: Admission: Of Members: Prohibited, 
When: When the Lodge is confering the ranks, and the can- 
didate is in the Lodge, or during the opening or closing cere- 
monies, brothers cannot pass in or out. — Dec. of H. D. Miller 
G. C. Mass: Dec, of R. E. Cowan, G. G, Mo, 

G. L. Mass., Jour. 1871, 58; 1872, 41.. 
G. L. Mo., Jour. 1878, 315. 

225. Admission: Of Members to Ante Room 
Cannot be Denied During Work in Ranks: (See 
Ante-room : Sec 171. Sub. Lodge, Sec. 2517.) 

G. L. Ky., Jour. 1879, 587, 637. 
G. L. Mass., Jour. 1875, 694. 729. 

226. Admission of Visitors How Attained : (See 
Visitors, Sec. 2703.) G. L. Neb., Jour. 1871, 76, 88. 

227. Admission: Visiting Brother Entitled to 
though Without the Rank Pass Word When : (See 
Pass Word, Sec. 1836.) G. L. Miss. Jour. 1881, 7, 68. 

228. Admission: Of a Brother Visiting: Im- 
proper, When : (See Visitors, Sec. 2705.) 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1883, 637, 741. 

229. Admission : Of New Members of Supreme 
Lodge : Rule Concerning : Resolved, That at any sub- 
seqent session of this Supreme Lodge, new members shalL 
only be admitted at the opening of the morning session of the 
first two days, and the morning session of the last day. 

S. L., Jour. 1875, 1166. 

230. Admission : Of Member under Suspension 
Refused, Although Having the Semi- Annual Pass 
Word : It is the duty of a Chancellor Commander to refuse 
admission to a member under suspension for cause, although 
he may be in possession of the S. A. P. W. — Dec. of W. A. 
Schmitt, G. C. G. L. 111.,. Jour. 1879, 385 448. 

231. Admission: Of Visitors to Grand Lodge 
Without Grand Lodge Pass Word Improper: 

(See Visitors, Sec. 2709.) S. L. Jour. 1884, 3049, 3050. 

232. Admission : Of Applicant in Endowment 
Rank ov£ r Age Prohibited, When : An applicant for 



COMMON LAW. 287 

admission into the first and second classes of the E. E. must 
not be more tLan fifty years old when he presents himself to 
take the 0. B. N.— Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L., Jour. 1884, 2789, 3052. 

233. Admission : To Endowment Rank not 
Barred by Objections, When: (See E. K., Sec 1066.) 

S. L., Jour. 1884, 2788, 3052. 

234. Admission: Of Rejected Applicant: Con- 
cealing fact of Rejection: Status of: A person who 
makes application for membership to a Lodge and is rejected, 
and who subsequently applies to another Lodge, concealing 
the fact of his former rejection, and is admitted to member- 
ship, must be regarded as a member of the Order until he is 
regularly tried and the proper penalty imposed. — Dec. of J. P. 
Linton, S. C. S. L. 5 Jour. 188*, 2777, 2988. 

ANNIVEBSAKY. 

235. Date of Fixed and Declared: Resolved, 
That the 19th day of February of each Pythian Period be and 
is hereby declared to be the anniversary of the Organization of 
the Order, and the committee recommend that it be so estab- 
lished.— Rep. of com. on S. of 0. S. L. Jour. 1875, 1131, 1149. 

ADVANCEMENTS. 

236. Of Money to Foreign Members : Liability 
Of Lodges for : (See Benefits, Sec. 471 ; Belief, Sec. 2173, 
2174, 2175.) S. L. Jour. 1880, 2009. 

ADVANCEMENT. 

237. Of Pages and Esquires : Objections to may 
Prevent When: (See Ballot, Sec. 297.) 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1882, 515, 585. 

238. Advancement of Esquire may be Prevent- 
ed When : (See Esquire, Sec. 977.) 

G. L. Ind., Jour. July 1871, 12, 31, 33. 

239. Advancement : Of Officers : Lodge Liable 
for Dispensation Fee for: When a Lodge applies for 



288 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and receives a dispensation to advance its officers, the Lodge 
itself is liable for the dispensation fee, and not the officers to be 
elected.— Dec. of T. G. Sample, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1880, 26, 176. 

240. Advancement: Of Officers by Dispensa- 
tion: Election Necessary:* (See Officers, Sec. 1741.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1880, 25, 176. 

ATTENDANCE. 

241. On Supreme Lodge Sessions; Members 
Excused How : (See Session, Sec. 2459.) 

S. L., Jour. 1880. 2044. 

ATTENDANTS. 

242. Are not Regular Officers of the Lodge: 

Attendants are not regular officers of a Subordinate Lodge. 

S. L., Jour. 1882, 2448, 2477, 2568. 

243. Attendants: Are not Finable as Officers: 

Attendants are not finable as officers for non-attendance. — Dec. 
of F. Heser, G. CA G. L. Ky., Jour. 1873. 16, 87. 88. 

244. Attendants: Cannot be Included in the 
List of Subordinate Lodge officers : On the proposition 
to amend the Constitution so as to make the attendants regular 
appointive officers of the Lodge, it was held that the ritual 
designated the officers of a Subordinate Lodge, and as attend- 
ants were not included in the list, the amendment should not 
be adopted. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Texas, Jour., 1879, 120. 125. 

245. Attendant : Not Eligible to Office of V. C. : 

(See Eligibility, Sec. 1136.). g. L. Ind., Jour. 1872, 61, 87. 

AMENDMENTS. 

246. To Constitution, must be Approved before 
becoming Operative : (See Appeal, ante., Sec. 157.) 

S.L., Jour. 1878, 1619. 

♦For a consideration of this rule see Exposition title "'Advancement." 
•(-Inasmuch as the S. L. has decided that attendants are not officers this ruling 
would seem to be correct. Ante. , Sec. 242. 



COMMON LAW. 289 

247. Amendments : To By-Laws: May be Al- 
tered or Amended, When: (See By-Laws, Sec. 494; 
Constitutional Law, Sec. 552.) 

G. L.D. C, Jour., Nov., 1879, 245-6. 
G.L. 111., Jour. 1883, 976. 

248. Amendments : To Constitution : Construc- 
tion of Law : Parliamentary Practice : Where an 
amendment to the Constitution is offered and defeated, and a 
motion to reconsider is indefinitely postponed ; whereupon an 
amendment in the precise language as the one just defeated, 
is immediately offered, which is entertained by the G. C, and 
ordered to lie over under the rules until the next session ; and 
where objection is made to the consideration of the amend- 
ment, on the ground that the G. L. had just refused to con- 
sider the same subject matter, which objection was overruled 
by the G. C, who was sustained by the G. L., Held on appeal, 
that the introduction of a resolution which lies over under the 
Laws, is not such consideration of the same subject matter, and 
the decision of the G. L. was sustained. — Appeal of L. D. Mc- 
Cord vs. G. L. Tenn. S. L. Jour. 1884, 3038-9. 

ACEOATIC AGENDA. 

249. As a Key to the Ritual Authorized : Pending 
the consideration of the revised ritual, it was ordered that the 
committee on Unwritten Work take into consideration the mat- 
ter of procuring a proper key to the ritual and report. 

S. L. Jour. 1872, 601, 602. 

250. Acroatic Agenda: Issued as a Separate 
Work : It was originally intended that the key to the ritual 
should be published and issued with it, but as this would have 
delayed the issuing of the ritual, some months, the Supreme 
Chancellor assumed the responsibility of issuing it as a sepa- 
rate book, in the form of "acroatic agenda" confining it to a 
limited sphere of officers whose guard could be fully relied 

upon. — Action of H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L., Jour. 1873, app. 30. 

251. Acroatic Agenda: Are not Lodge Prop- 
erty: The acroatic agenda are not Lodge property. They 
are issued by the Supreme Lodge to proper officers to harmonize 

19 



290 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the whole work of the Order, and subject to recall at any time 
it may order.* — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L„ Jour. 1873, app. 37. 

AMPLIFIED BANK. 

252. Shall not be used with the Books: Re- 
solved, That the third or Knight's degree shall in no instance 
be conferred according to the second or amplified ritual of said 
degree as adopted, unless the various parts have been memor- 
ized by all persons officiating therein, so that the same can be 

conferred without the use of the book. 

S. L., Jour. 1872, 637. 

ANNUAL STATEMENT. 

353. To be Furnished by the S. K, of R&S.: 

Resolved, That hereafter the Supreme K. of B. & S. shall sub- 
mit in detail his annual report of supplies ordered and re- 
ceived, in the same manner as the report on printing, etc., 
submitted by him at the second annual session of this Supreme 
Lodge, (page 172, Printed Journal,) and that he also report in 
detail at each annual session such supplies belonging to the 

Supreme Lodge as he may have on hand. 

S . L., Jour. 1872, 624. 

254. Annual Statement: Resolution Concern- 
ing to be Enforced: The report of the committee on 
finance recommending the enforcement of the above resolution 
was adopted. S.L., Jour. 1874, 987. 

ACTION OF LODGE. 

255. Cannot be Annulled by District Deputy, 

When: (See W. C, Sec. 2790.) 

S. L., Jour. 1878, 1625, 1626. 

ADVEBTISING. 

256. In Name of Order: Permitted and Pro- 
hibited, When : No member of the Order has the right to 
make use of the name of the Order publicly in any manner for 
pecuniary benefit, except in advertising periodical supplies, or 
regalia for the Order. S. L., Jour. 1870, 229. 

*These keys were finaUy caUed in by the Supreme Lodge. 



COMMON LAW. 291 

ABSENCE 

257. Does not Work Forfeiture of Office When : 

The absence of an officer on the regular night of meeting (there 
being no meeting held in consequence of the want of a quorum) 
does not come within the provision of the By-Laws which gives 
the Lodge the right to declare the office vacant, if the occupant 
is absent three successive meetings. — Dec. of A. O Buxton, D. 
D. G. C. G. L. Mass., Jour- 1875, 694, 729. 

258. Absence: Of Executive Officers: Who 
Qualified to Preside : (See Opening Lodge, Sec. 1812.) 

G. L. Kas., Jour. 1878, 26, 34. 

259. Absence : From Election does not Render 
Member Ineligible : (See Election, Sec. 990.) 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1883, 637, 741. 

260. Absence : No Excuse for failing to pay As- 
sessments When : Where a brother paid one year's dues in 
advance, and took a shield, and then set out upon a journey 
for a year, during which time funeral assessments accrued, 
and were charged to him to an amount sufficient to place him 
in arrears and bar his right to benefits ; and, when the brother 
had no notice of the accrued assessments, and during his ab- 
sence was taken sick and made a claim for benefits. Held, a 
brother paying one year's dues in advance (taking a shield, or 
not, as the case may be,) is not exempt from funeral or other 
legal taxes that may accrue, and as are provided for in the By- 
Laws, and if at the end of the time such taxes amount to suf- 
ficient to put him in arrears, he will not be entitled to sick or 
funeral benefits. The brother being absent is no excuse for not 
receiving a notice ; he can write to his Lodge at any time for 
information. — Dec. of J. Mackintosh, G, C, 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1875, 26, 183-4. 

261. Absence: Penalty for, Does Not Attach 
When : Where there is no meeting for want of a quorum. 
Held, An officer cannot be fined for absence, for the reason 
that there is no official record of his absence. — Dec. of A. 
Dickey, G. G. G. L. Ind., Jour. 1879, 114, 169. 



262, Absence at Roll Call, Effect of: An officer 
who is absent at roll call, but who is present and in his station. 



292 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

before the close of the Lodge should be recorded as present by 
the Keeper of Eecords and Seal. — Dec. of A. 0. Buxton, D. D. 
G. C. G. L. Mass., Jour. 1875, 694, 729, 730. 

263. Absence : From Roll Call, is not Absence 
from Stated Meeting : When a member is absent at roll 
call, but comes in subsequently, is not "absent from a stated 
meeting," as contemplated by the By-Laws, and so is not sub- 
ject to fine for absence. — T. B. Hudson vs. Stonewall Lodge. 

G. L. Ala., Jour. 1877, 225,, 230. 

264. Absence : at Roll Call, Right of Lodge to De- 
mand Excuse : On the query as to whether a brother must 
render an excuse for absence at roll call, who comes in after 
the roll is called, and during the same evening. Held, A mat- 
ter for local legislation by the Lodge. — Dec. of W. H. Gillum, 
G. C. G. L. Ind., Jour. 1882, 321, 161, 163. 

265. Absence: From State does not Create 
Vacancy in Office, When : The absence from the state 
of a Subordinate Lodge officer for three months, where he re- 
tains his domicile and family within the jurisdiction of the 
Lodge, is not a good ground for vacating his office. The posi- 
tive intention of the brother should first be obtained before the 
Lodge takes any action in the matter.* — Dec. of J. B. Grayson, 
G. C. G. L., Ala., Jour. 1882, 14, 76-7 

266. Absence : Of Chancellor Commander Elect 
at Installation does not Invest Vice Chancellor 
with Additional Powers:! (See C. C, Sec. 634.) 

G. L. Mich., Jour. 1880, 60, 87. 

267. Absence: Of C* C. From State, Does not 
Vacate Office : Duty of V. C : If the C. C. is to be ab- 
sent permanently and neglects to resign, the V. C. must preside 
until the Lodge has cause to declare the office of C. C. vacant, 
then it can be filled by election, "in the manner of original se- 
lection." A C. C. cannot be elected to fill an unexpired term 
until a vacancy has been declared, which can only be done 
upon some violation of the Law It is not necessary to elect a 

*See Expo., Kemoval. 

+See Expo., "Vice Chancellor." 



COMMON LAW. 293 

C. C. to fill an unexpired term, so long as the Y. C. is there to 
preside. — Dec. of J. S. Shropshire, G. C. 

G. L . Neb., Jour. 1876, 417, 462. 

268. Absence: Is no bar to Election to Office, 
When: On the query: "Can a member of a Subordinate 
Lodge be nominated or elected to any office in the Lodge, who 
is not present in Lodge at the time of such nomination or 
election ?" Held, Yes, provided the consent .of such member 
be obtained. — Rul. of P. H. Mulcahy, G. C. (See Election, 
Sees. 985-989) G. L. Nev., Jour. 1877, 284. 

G. L. Md., Jour. 1884, 439, 559. 

G. L. Md., Jour. 1879, 55, 139. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., Feb., 1874, 708. 

269. Absence: Of Officer from Station: Right 
of to Speak: (See Officer, Sec, 1738.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1883, 53, 113. 

270. Absence : No Bar to Election as Grand Of- 
ficer When : Where a G. C. ruled that a nominee who was 
not present, was ineligible to election as a Grand Officer, Held, 
on appeal, that it was not necessary that the brother should 
have been present during the election.* — Appeal of R. Hamil- 
ton vs. Grand Lodge of Ind> S. L. Jour. 1884, 3040. 

ABSENTEE. 

271. Not Eligible to Office When: A member of 
the Grand Lodge absent from the session, and who cannot 
be present at the installation, is not eligible to office therein. 
— Rul. of Alex. Allison, G. C. G. L. Tenn., Jour. 1875, 179. 

AFFIEM. 

272. Term Cannot be Substituted in Obligation: 

The word "affirm" cannot be substituted for another word, in 
the obligations of the ranks. — Dec. of C. D. Lucas G. C. 

G. L. Mo., Jour. 1872, 8, 23. 

ANSWEBS. 

273. Of Applicant Must be Unequivocal When : 

(See Sees. 78, 2403.) G. L. Mich. Jour. 1881, 12, 49, 50. 

*It is barely possible the Supreme Lodge, as well as the committee on appeals 
determined this matter without full consideration. (See Absentee, Sec 271.) 



294 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

AEMOE. 

274. For Lodge Work: C. C. Cannot Compel 
Officer to Wear : When : Where a Lodge had procured 
full suits of armor, to be worn by the officers, some of whom 
refused to wear them ; Query, Has the C. C. the power to com- 
pel an officer or attendant to wear the uniform or armor men- 
tioned : — Held. He cannot ; no officer or member of a Lodge 
can be compelled to wear anything save the prescribed regalia 
or jewel of his rank. — Dec, of H. M. Wadsivorth G. C. 

G. L. Pa. s Jour. Aug. 1877, 17. 106. 

APPOINTIVE OFFICE. 

275. Service in: Necessary to Confer Eligibil- 
ity to Higher Office : (See Eligibility, Sec. 1134 ; also Expo. 
Eligibility.) G. L. Ind., Jour., Jan., 1874, 158, 174. 

276. Appointive Office: Authority of Lodge to 
Regulate by Resolution : On the query, to wit : "Is it 
out of order to pass a resolution that a sitting P. C. shall serve 
one term as 0. G., and does it in any way conflict with the du- 
ties of the C. C. ?" Held, A Lodge cannot by resolution com- 
pel a P. C. to serve as 0. G. It conflicts with the duties of the 
C. C. whose duty it is to appoint the guards. — Dec. of S. D. 
Young, G. C* G. L. N. J., Jour.. 1876, 734, 799. 

AUDITING COMMITTEE. 

277. Authority of, to Count Money: The audit- 
ing committee has the right to count the money in the hands 
of the M. of E., when appointed to examine and credit the ac- 
counts of the various officers at the end of the term. — Dee. of 
W. H. Davenport, G. C. G. L. Nev , Jour. 1878, 316, 343. 

278. Auditing Committee; Trustees may act on, 

When : (See Trustees, Sec. 2573.) 

G. L. Ind., Jour. Jan., 1875, 33, 40. 

AFFILIATION. 

279. May, or May Not be, Free of Charge, 
When : (See Admission Sec. 218.) 

G. L. Ala., Jour. 1878, 312, 313, 382-3. 

*It might be conceded that if the Lodge could by resolution compel any particu- 
lar officer or member to servo in an appointive office, the P. C. would not be exempt 



COMMON LAW. 295 

ACQUITTAL. 

280. Judgment of niay be Appealed from: 

(See Appeals, Sec. 164.) g. L. Pa., Jour., Aug., 1879, 615, 643. 

ANNEXATION. 

281. Of Territory to the Grand Lodge of Wash- 
ington Territory : On report of the committee on state of 
the Order, it was ordered that the Lodge in certain counties of 
Idaho, to wit : Shoshone, Idaho, Nez Perce and Kootenoi be 
annexed to the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Washington 
Territory, Provided they may withdraw at any time to enter 
the G. L. of Idaho. S. L. Jour., 1884, 3023, 3044-5. 

ASSIGNMENT. 

282. Of Endowment Policy Cannot be Made to 
Lodge, when : (See Beneficiary, Sec. 511.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

BONDS. 

283. Of Officers: Custody of: The bonds of the S. 
K. of K. & S. and S. M. of E. were placed in charge of the Su- 
preme Chancellor.* S. L., Jour. 1869, 121. 

284. Bonds: Official: Failure to Give, Vacates 
Office : An officer to whose office a bond is attached, declin- 
ing to furnish a bond satisfactory to the Lodge, thereby va- 
cates and declines the office, and it is then the duty of the C. 
C. to declare the office vacant and order a new election. — Eep. 
of com. on Law. G. L. Ind., Jour. 1880, 258, 259. 

285. Bond: Official: Of S. M. ofE: Construc- 
tion of the Law Concerning : The Constitution of the 
S. L. requires that the S. M. of E. shall give a bond of $100,- 
000, and the General Laws of the E. E. requires of him also a 
bond oft §100,000; some diversity of opinion arising as to 
whether that officer should give two bonds of $100,000 each, it 
was: 

from that exercise of authority. But it is the prerogative of the C. C. to appoint the 
guards, and any resolution, or law, restricting his choiee would be an infringement 
of that prerogative, at variance with the ritual and so, unconstitutional. 

*The amounts of these bonds are fixed by the Constitution. See Sees. 5 and 6, 
Art. m, app. 

+Art. V, Sec. 5, Gen. Laws. E. E., Art. Ill, Sec. 5. S. L. Const, app. 



296 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Resolved, That the action of the S. L. in the matter of the 
S. M. of E. be construed to mean, that said officer shall give 
one bond only, of $100,000. — Rep. of com. on finance. 

S, L., Jour. 1884, 3024, 3025. 

BALLOT. 

286. For Officers: Construction of Constitu- 
tion: The Supreme Lodge is competent to authorize any 
member to cast its ballot for an officer where there is but one 
nominee ; notwithstanding the Constitution requires : That 
officers shall be elected by ballot,, — Rul. of S. Read, S. C. — (See 
Constitutional Law, Sec 548.) S. L., Jour. 1870, 194, 195. 

287. Ballot: Lodge may Authorize its Vote to 
be cast by any Member: It is constitutional and in 
order for one member of the Lodge to cast the vote for election 
of a member to office, there being but one candidate, and he 
being authorized so to do by a unanimous vote of the Lodge.* 
(See Sec. 1013.) G. L. Ga., Jour., 1874, 93, 96. 

288. Ballot : Lodge may Direct Member to cast 
wben : In electing officers where there is but one candidate 
in nomination, the Lodge may, to facilitate business, direct the 
M. at A. to cast the ballot. — Dec. of W. H. Hazelton, G. C. 

(See Election, Sees. 991, 1013.) 

G. L. Ind., Jour. Jan., 1872, 61, 87, 
G. L. Ind., Jour. 1880, 221, 249. 

289. Ballot : Lodge may Direct any Member to 
east its Vote: When there is but one candidate, in the 
election of officers, the Lodge may, by motion and vote, select 
any Knight, member in good standing, to deposit the vote of 
the Lodge. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., July, 1872, 381. 

290. Ballot : Cannot be Taken Anew when : Should 
three or more black balls appear — on first ballot — the can- 
didate should be declared rejected. A new ballot need not be 
taken. — Dec. of L. Firestone, G. C. 

G. L, Ohio, Jour., 1873, 169, 200. 

291. Ballot: Cannot be Renewed for Delay in 
Taking the Ranks : Where an applicant was duly elected, 

*See Expo., Ballot. 



COMMON LAW. 297 

but owing to misfortune, was prevented from taking the ranks 
for nine months after, at which time he was, on motion, sub- 
jected to a new ballot and rejected, Held, That the ballot was 
illegal and void and that the applicant was entitled to the 
ranks* — Dec. of J. M. Morrow, G. C. 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1881, 391, 452. 

292. Ballot : Cannot be Renewed to Allow the 
Outer Guard to Vote : Where ballots were had upon 
two applications for the Page rank, and the applicants were re- 
jected, and it was discovered that the 0. G. had had no oppor- 
tunity to cast his ballot, not having been notified that ballots 
were in progress, whereupon he requested the Lodge to re-ballot, 
Held, The Lodge had no right to order a re-ballot. — Dec. of 
0. F. Jones, G, C. G. L. Wis., Jour., 1877, 74, 107. 

293. Ballot: After Declaration of Result of, 
Cannot be Renewed : After a ballot has been taken for 
election to membership, and only one black ball appearing 
against the applicant, and he has been declared elected, no 
brother has the right to demand a new ballot. — Dec. of W. H. 
Williams, G. C. G. L. Conn., Jour., 1880, 8, 24. 

294. Ballot: Should Not be Renewed when 
More than Two Black Balls Appear: When there 
are more than two black balls on the first ballot, the appli- 
cant is not entitled to a second ballot ; he should be declared 
rejected. — Dec. of J. H. Harney, G. C. 

G. L. Cal., Jour. 1882, 1671, 1745, 1753. 

295. Ballot: Need Not be Renewed when: If 

the first ballot contains more than two black balls the appli- 
cant is rejected, and the ballot cannot be retaken. — Dec. of 
Max Elser G.C. ■ G. L. Tex., Jour. 1883, 14, 59. 

296. Ballot: Cannot be Reconsidered when: 

When a ball ballot has been regularly taken, and the candi- 
date declared rejected, the ballot cannot, at a subsequent pe- 
riod of the meeting of the Lodge, be reconsidered and a new 
ballot taken. — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L., Jour. 1884, 2776, 2988. 

*This is undoubtedly true, and is perhaps the correct principle, but some Lodges 
fix a limit in their Laws, within which an applicant must apply for tho ranks ; the 
right to make such a law cannot be questioned, but it would be better if no such laws 
existed, in view of the fact that the advancement of an applicant can be barred by a 
majority vote. See Sees. 297, 749. 



298 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

297. Ballot: May Not be Reconsidered: but 
Applicant may be Denied Advancement when: 

Upon the query, to wit : "After the ranks of Page and Esquire 
have been conferred and the candidate balloted for and elected 
for the Knight's rank, can a new ballot be had if objection to 
advancement is made? or, can an Esquire who has been so 
elected, be prevented from receiving the Knight's rank? If so, 
how, and under what circumstances?" The G. C. reviewed 
carefully the legislation of the Supreme Lodge, (Jour. 1875, 
1114, 1878, 1611, 1640,) and held: "That when objections are 
made to the admission or advancement of a candidate after his 
election, and a majority of the Lodge approved the objections, 
that the applicant for such admisssion should stand in the 
same condition, relatively, to the Lodge as in the case of an 
original applicant for membership, when such has been reject- 
ed.— Ztec ofD. W. Day. G. C* 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1882, 515, 585. Jour. 1881, 391, 452. 

298. Ballot: Reconsideration of, Against all 

Law and Usage : Upon request to authorize it, the G. C. 
held, that there was no power vested in him to authorize re- 
consideration of a ballot; it is a dangerous precedent and 
against all Law and usage. — Dec. of T. Hardeman, Jr., G. C. 

G. L. Ga., Jour. 1875, 141. 

299. Ballot : Cannot be Reconsidered but must 
be Renewed when; Upon inquiries as to whether a ballot 
could be reconsidered, for a mistake in voting, and whether, a 
ballot must be had on unfavorable report, Field, Citing the 
Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, to wit : A ballot must be 
renewed when two black balls appear on first ballot, but should 
two or'more appear on second ballot, the applicant shall be de- 
clared rejected, and no other ballot shall be taken in his case 
for the space of six months. If this was complied with the 
record cannot be changed, and no new ballot can be taken. If 
this was not complied with, then the Lodge has the right to 
correct any mistake, or error. A member voting a black ball 
by mistake is no reason why the Lodge should reconsider its 
action. A ballot must be taken on a report whether it is favor- 
able or not. — Dec. of D. E. Buchanan, G. C. 

G. L. Oregon, Jour., 1882, 70. 
* See Expo. Ballot. 



COMMON LAW. 299 

300. Ballot: Cannot be Reconsidered, when: 

A ballot properly taken, that results in the election or rejection 
of a candidate for membership cannot be reconsidered by the 
Lodge, neither can the Chancellor Commander treat it as if not 
taken. The consent of the Grand Lodge must first be procured 
before a re-ballot can be had in such cases. — Dec. of W. B. 
Haines, G. C. G. L. Mass., Jour., 1870, 34, 

301. Ballot: Member Should not Disclose, 
when : (See Sees. 318, 2690) G. L. Mass., Jour. 1872, 179. 

302. Ballot : Cannot be Reconsidered : A ballot 
for the Esquire's rank cannot be reconsidered. — Dec. of H. 
C. Downs, G. C. G. L. Neb., Jour. 1882, 19, 114. 

303. Ballot : Cannot be Reconsidered : A ballot 
taken upon an application for membership which rejected the 
applicant, cannot be reconsidered, the applicant stands rejected 
for the space of six months. — Dec. of H. Lemmermann, G. C. 
(See W. C, Sec. 2787.) G. L. N. Y., Jour. 1879, 18, 59, 61. 

304. Ballot: Cannot be Reconsidered: When a 
candidate has been balloted for and rejected, the brother 
casting the black balls cannot move to reconsider, after the 
lapse of one week. — Dec. of L. Firestone, G. C. 

G. L. Ohio, Jour. 1873, 169, 200. 

305. Ballot : Cannot be Rescinded, When : Where 
a petition was received and properly referred, and reported 
upon favorably : and upon ballot being had, one black ball ap- 
peared, whereupon the ballot was renewed, and the candidate 
declared elected, and was thereupon instructed in the first rank, 
and on the next meeting night no business was transacted for 
want of a quorum, but at the next meeting, the proceedings of 
the meeting held two weeks previously approved, and on the 
same evening the Lodge by vote rescinded its action so far as it 
related to the election and initiation of the Page, and decided 
that the matter be referred to the G. C. Held, That the action 
of the Lodge in electing the said Page to membership was 
proper^Dec. of C. D. Little, G. C. 

G.L.Mich., Jour. 1877, 11. 



300 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

306. Ballot: Cannot be Reconsidered when: A 

vote by a ballot on candidates cannot be reconsidered. — Dec. 
of J. F. Shumate, G. C. G. L. Ohio, Jour. 1883, 866, 928. 

307. Ballot : For Third Rank Cannot be Re- 
considered : When a candidate who has received the first 
and second ranks is rejected on his application for the third, 
the vote cannot be reconsidered, but the Lodge may again bal- 
lot for such candidate in one month thereafter. — Dec. of W. F 
Garcelon, G. C. (See ante, Sec. 92.) 

G. L. Maine, Jour. 1881, 47, 135. 

308. Ballot : Rejecting* Esquire Cannot be Re- 
considered when : The ballot rejecting the application of 
an Esquire for the Knight's rank cannot be reconsidered, but 
must lie over for six months, when he can renew his applica- 
tion. — Dec. of J. A. Lacey, G. C. 

G. L. Mo., Jour. 1879, 14, 15, 48. 

309. Ballot: For Membership, Cannot be Re- 
considered : A ballot properly taken, which results in the 
election or rejection of a candidate cannot be reconsidered by 
the Lodge, neither can the C. C. treat it as if not taken. The 
consent of the Grand Lodge must be procured before a re-bal- 
lot can be had. — Rep. of com. on Law. (See ante. 300.) 

G. L. Pa.. Jour. Jan. 1872, 34. 

310. Ballot : ior Membership, Cannot be Recon- 
sidered : A ballot for membership cannot be reconsidered 

after the C. C. has declared the ballot. 

G. L. Neb., Jour. 1874, 289. 

311. Ballot: May be Renewed when: If a Page 
or Esquire is rejected on ballot for advancement, another ballot 
may be had in either case, in one month thereafter : "Provided 
— that this decision shall only apply to Lodges under the im- 
mediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge." — Dec. of S. S. 
Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114. 

312. Ballot: For Initiation need not be Re- 
newed when : Construction of Constitution : Con- 
struing the Constitution, it was held ; That if three black balls 
appear on the first ballot, the ballot need not be renewed.* — 
Dec. ofH. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec 1934.) 

S. L. Jour. 1873, app. 38. 39. 
* See Sec. 10, Art. Vin, S. L. Const. Appendix. 



COMMON LAW. 301 

313. Ballot : May be Renewed when : Where a 
mistake has occurred in casting a ballot, the ballot may be re- 
newed ; but where a black ball has been cast intentionally the 
objection to the candidate cannot afterward be withdrawn, so 
as to permit a new ballot. The Law is explicit, and no other 
ballot can be had until the expiration of six months. — Dec. of 
D. A. Cashman, G. C.—Dec. of S. J. Willett, Act. G. C. 

G. L. 111., Jour. 1871, 37, 79. 
G. L. 111,. Jour. 1875, 262, 322. 
G. L. 111., Jour. 1877, 156, 212. 

314. Ballot : Renewal of in case of Mistake in 
Voting : Where, upon a ballot for membership, a brother voting 
a black ball, subsequently discovered that he had mistaken the 
identity of the applicant, voting, as he supposed, against a cer- 
tain party of the same name of bad repute, whilst the candi- 
date was one for whom he could cheerfully cast a favorable 
ballot : Held : Under the circumstances the ballot could be re- 
newed, to correct the mistake. — Dec. of H. H. Morrison, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour. Jan. 1875, 9, 66. 

315. Ballot : Can be Renewed in case of error : 

After the result of a ballot is recognized and declared it is be- 
yond the power of the Lodge to review it, (should there have 
been irregularity in the taking of the ballot, and discovered at 
once, the vote might be immediately retaken to correct the er- 
ror.)— Dec. of T. 0. Benton, G. C. 

G. L. Louisiana, Jour. 1883. 27, 28, 64. 

316. Ballot: May be Renewed when: Where a 
ballot was taken partially in the dark, owing to defective gas 
light, and where the candidate was known to be personally pop- 
ular with everybody, but on examination black balls were found 
to be cast : Held, that owing to the defective light and pos- 
sible error, and also that ballots taken in the dark are irregu- 
lar, the ballot might be renewed, upon one week's notice given 
in open Lodge. — Dec. of H. R. Lovell, G. C. 

G. L. Mich., Jour. 1881, 12, 49, 50. 

317. Ballot: Duty of Lodge to Renew when: 

If an applicant for membership receive not more than two 
"black balls on the first ballot, it is the imperative duty of a 
Lodge (C.C.) to order a second ballot.— Dec. of J. H. Disque,G. C. 

G. L. Ala., Jour. 1883, 13, 48. 



302 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

318. Ballot : For Membership shall be Secret : 

On the query as to whether a report of the investigating com- 
mittee may be discussed before ballot : Held, Every mem- 
ber has a right to be protected in the secrecy of his ballot, and 
no other member has a right to say or do anything showing, 
or tending to show, how another votes . This precludes any 
one from saying how he shall vote. The Constitution be- 
yond question intends that the right of an inviolably secret 
ballot shall be preserved to every member ; that, no member 
can declare how he intends to vote, or express any opinion as 
to whether the candidate ought to be accepted or rejected, every 
member may state to the Lodge, before the ballot, any facts 
concerning the candidate of which he has knowledge or infor- 
mation on which he relies, but after the result of the ballot has 
been announced, any discussion of the rejection, in the Lodge 
or out of it, is illegal, and the subject of discipline. — Dec. of J. 
H. Drummond, G. C G. L. Maine, Jour. 1877, 168, 237. 

319. Ballot: For Membership : Must be had on 
Report of Committee : Whether the report of a com- 
mittee on an application for membership be favorable or other- 
wise, a ballot is nevertheless necessary. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Ind., Jour. 1878, 25-6. 

320. Ballot : For Membership : Must oe had on 
Report of Committee : Upon report of the Investigating 
Committee, whether it is favorable or unfavorable, a ballot 
must nevertheless be had. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. July 1872, 378. 

321 . Ballot : For Election to the Ranks, Must be 
had while Lodge is Open in Knight's Rank : While 
the Lodge is open in Page rank, a Page is announced in wait- 
ing to receive Esquire's rank. Query : Should the Lodge be 
opened in the third rank, to elect the brother, or should the 
ballot be taken in the second. Held, The Lodge must open in 
the third rank to take the ballot. — Rep. of com. on Law. . (See 
Business, Sec. 505.) G. L. Pa., Jour. Jan, 1873. 1U, 115. 

322. Ballot: For the Ranks: When to be had: 

Ballots for initiation or advancement, are had only in the 
Knight's rank. — Dec. of L. L. Bass, G. C. 

Go L. Va., Jour. 1875 18. 



COMMON LAW. 303 

323. Ballot : Cannot be Taken while Lodge is 
Open in the Esquire's Rank : (See Business, Sec. 505.) 

G. L. Kan, Jour., 1878, 8, 26, 34, 

324. Ballot : Cannot be had on Petition of Ap- 
plicant at Special Meeting : A Lodge has no authority 
to receive the report of an investigating committee and ballot for 
applicant at a special meeting,* — Dec. of W. M. Stafford, G. C. 

G. L, Texas, Jour.,1876, 32 

325. Ballot : For Membership : Right of C. C. to : 

The C. C. has the right to ballot on the petition of a candidate 
for membership. — Dec. of J. B. Merritt, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1881, 327, 360. 

326. Ballot : for Membership may be had When : 

An applicant for membership by card must be balloted for at 
a regular meeting, subsequent to that at which his application 
was received and referred to a committee of investigation. The 
committee cannot report until the next stated meeting. — Dec. 
S. M. Weale, G. C. G. L., Mass., Jour. 1878, 955, 1031. 

327. Ballot : Mnst be Renewed when : Upon an 
application for the ranks two black balls appearing, another 
ballot must be taken immediately, it is an error to postpone it 
to another time. — Dec. of B. H, Mayberry, G. C. 

G. L. Mo. Jour. 1882. 108 

328. Ballot : for Membership : Appeal does not 
lie from Result of: An appeal cannot be taken from a bal- 
lot for membership, whether the result be election or rejection. 
—Dec. of C. M. Lang, G. C. G. L., N. H., Jour. 1879, 54, 63. 

329. Ballot: for Membership: void When: All 

members qualified, must vote on a ballot for membership. 
Where eight members are present, two of whom are disquali- 
fied, but seven ballots are cast, the ballot is void. — Dec. of W. 
R. McCormick, G. C. G. L. 111., Jour. 1883, 976, 1034. 

330. Ballot : for Membership : Neither Lodge 
nor Applicant can Demand Explanation of: Where 
a candidate has been rejected twice, a Lodge cannot demand 
an explanation of the ballot or cause of rejection, neither can 

*See Expo. Special Meeting. 



804 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the applicant, and members are prohibited from disclosing in- 
formation regarding the ballot. — Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C. 

G. L. 111., Jour. 1882, 817, 899. 

331. Ballot: Cannot be set aside by Grand 
Chancellor when : It is not in the power of the G. C. to 

to set aside a ballot, regularly taken upon a petition for 
membership, or advancement, or to suspend or modify in any 
manner the provision of the Constitution in reference thereto. 
— Dec. ofH. R. Lovell, G. C. G. L. Mich., Jour. 1881, 12, 49, 50. 

332. Ballot: For Election of Officers may be De- 
clared void when : (See Election, Sec. 993.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Feb. 1875, 461 

332. Ballot : Balls used must be White and 
Black, Red not Legal : "Where, upon a ballot for member- 
ship the box contained white balls, and square red blocks ; on 
the query as to the legality of the ballots — Held. The Law 
does not recognize red ballots, it distinctly states that the votes 
taken by ballot shall be black and white. Where on a ballot, one 
of the balls proved to be a button, black on one side and white 
on the other : — Held. It was an illegal ballot and should have 
been thrown out. The election, however, was legal if there 
were nine ballots, (seven) after the illegal ballot was thrown 

out. — Rep. of com. on Laiv. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. July, 1872, 385. 386. 

334. Ballot: Voting by: Right of C. C. in Re- 
spect to : (See C. C. 611 ; also ante 325.) 

G. L. Ind. Jour., Jan. 1884, 159, 174. 

335. Ballot: Duty of Master at arms in respect 

to : The master at arms should present the box to the Yice 
Chancellor, and Chancellor Commander, at their respective 
stations, both before and after the ballot, for examination. — 
Dec. of A. J. Hastings, G. C. G. L. Mass. Jour., 1874, 19, 56. 

336. Ballot : Announcement of: The Vice Chan- 
cellor simply inspects the ballot but makes no declaration as 
to the result. The result of the ballot is declared by the Chan- 
cellor Commander, and if not more than one black ball ap- 
pears the Chancellor Commander shall declare the applicant 
elected.— Dec. ofB. T. Chase, G. C. 

G. L. Maine, Jour. 1878, 284, 343. 



COMMON LAW. 305 

337. Ballot : Inspection and Announcement of : 

In balloting with balls, the V. C. should inspect the ballot, but 
should not announce the result. If however, his count does 
not agree with the announcement made "by the C. C, he should 
so state, and the ballot (which should not be disturbed until af- 
ter the final announcement) be again inspected* — Dec. of J. 
T. West, G. C. G. L. Minn., Jour. 1880, 6, 89. 

338. Ballot: Announcement of by Vice Chan- 
cellor Wrong : Past Chancellor shall Annnounce, 
when : Announcement of the ballot by the Vice Chancellor 
is wrong. If the Chancellor Commander makes an error, or 
willfully announces the ballot, the Vice Chancellor may chal- 
lenge it, when the Past Chancellor shall "ibise" it, if the Chan- 
cellor Commander refuses to do so. — Dec. of H. C. Berry, G. C. 

G. L. 111. Jour., 1871, 41, 156. 

339. Ballot : Inspection and Announcement of: 

In taking a ballot for an applicant both the C. C, and V. C, 
shall inspect the ballot, and the C. C, shall announce the re- 
sult to the Lodge. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. ; Dec. of S. S. 
Davis, S. C. S. L., Jour. 1882, 2275, 2465. 

S. L., Jour. 1876, 1227, 1296. 

340. Ballot: Announcement of: The C. C, should 
announce the result of the ballot as "fair," or "unfair." He 
should not give the number of black balls, — Dec, of Max Elser, 
G. C. G. L. Texas, Jour., 1883, 14, 59. 

341. Ballot: Inspection and Announcement 
of: Too Late to Reconsider, when: (See Keinstat- 
ment, Sec. 2155. ) G. L. Pa., Jour. 1882, 536, 574. 

342. Ballot: For Fraudulent Announcement 
of, Officer may be Charged and Tried : When a mem- 
ber of the Order deposits his card, a ballot is had, and he is 
declared duly elected by the C . C, and where it subsequently 
appears that the C. C. fraudulently announced the ballot, by 
declaring the applicant elected, when in fact, sufficient black 
balls had been cast to reject, whereupon charges are preferred 
against the C. C. and V. C. for the fraudulent announcement ; 

*In case of controversy between the C. C. and the V. C. as to the result of the 
ballot, perhaps the better rule, is that adopted in 111. See Sec. 338. 

20 



306 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and where, under the local Law, it becomes the duty of the D. 
D. G. C. to appoint the trial committee, and who, instead of 
appointing the committee, dismissed the charges on the ground 
that, these officers could not be charged or tried for any such 
an offense. Held, Eeversing the D. D., that the Order of the 
Knights of Pythias has ample power to investigate charges 
duly preferred against any member of the Order, whether of 
high or low rank, especially where such charges impute a 
violation of the obligations taken by the member, etc. That 
the G. C. has authority to take charge of the case, when his 
deputy thus refuses,to obey the Law,andmay appoint the com- 
mittee. — Appeal of A. Herrick, vs. C. Whalen D. D. G. C, 

G. L. N. Y., Jour. 1883, 9, 15, 68. 

343. Ballot : By Balls How Taken : The proper 
manner of taking a vote in a Lodge by ball ballot is as follows : 
The M. A. should pass the box for examination, first to the 
Chancellor Commander, then to the Vice Chancellor, then to 
the Chancellor Commander and Vice Chancellor, alternately, 
to vote, then place the box on the altar. The Chancellor Com- 
mander then instructs the members to advance singly and 

vote. — Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C. 

G. L. 111., Jour., 1882, 819 899. 

344. Ballot: In Trials for Suspension shall be 

with Balls: (See Suspension, Sec. 2365.) 

G. L. N. H Jour. 1876, 2" 45. 

345. Ballot: For Members of Reorganized 
Lodge when : (See Defunct Lodge, Sec. 893.) 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1883, 637, 741. 

346. Ballot: Is not a vote: Distinction Be- 
tween Maintained : There is but one way of voting in 
this Order, which is by the proper sign, unless otherwise order- 
ed. The distinction between a ballot and vote is clear, and 
maintained all through the Constitution. — Dec. of O. J. Brown, 
G. C. G. L. N. Y., 1883, 9. 67. 

347. Ballot: Not Required on Reinstatement 
after Suspension when : (See Reinstatement, Sec. 2133.) 

G. L. Del., Jour. 1883, 424, 426. 

348. Ballot: Cannot be interfered with by a 
Motion to Postpone the Matter: A C. C. cannot en- 
tertain a motion to lay a subject over (postpone) after the 



COMMON LAW. 307 

brethren have commenced balloting. After a ballot has com- 
menced it must proceed to its close. — Dec.ofM. F. Badgley, G. 
C- G. L. N. J., Jour. 1875, 598, 689. 

349. Ballot : Illegal when : Duty of C. C. to re- 
quire full vote: Where the Law requires seven votes to 
constitute a legal ballot, and where, on a ballot for member- 
ship, the box contained five white balls and one black : Held, 
The ballot was illegal, and the C, C. should have announced 
"no ballot," and caused it to be renewed, requiring the mem- 
bers present to vote.* — Rep. of com. on Laiv. 

G. L. Pa. 5 Jour. Aug. 1879, 612, 643. 

350. Ballot : Illegal when Members Vote who are 
Disqualified by Law : Where a ballot for membership is 
taken, and after the result is announced, objections are filed, 
on the constitutional ground, that members voted who 
were in arrears to the Lodge, and therefore disqualified by the 
Constitution : — Held. It was not a legal ballot, as every mem- 
ber who is arrears to the Lodge for three months' dues, or 
more, is deprived of all privileges of the Lodge except that of 
entering. — Rep. of com. on Law. G. L. Pa., Jour. Jan. 1873, 108. 

351. Ballot: Legality of where CC. leaves his 
Chair to Vote : Where, upon a ballot for membership,the 
C. C. left his chair to vote, and the question recurring subse- 
quently, as to the legality of the ballot, on account of this act 
of the C. C. — Held, That the act of the C. C. did not invalidate 
the ballot, whether he should advance to the ballot box to vote, 
or cause it to be brought to him, it is certain that nothing but 
an express Law could make the validity of a ballot depend 
upon the observance of such a mere matter of form by one of 
the voters. The objection that his chair is vacated if he goes 
to the altar to vote, is not tenable. He still remains at the 
head of the Lodge. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa. Jour., 1883, 50, 112- 

352. Ballot: Legality of where Seven Members 
are Present : The Law requiring seven ballots, in order to 
constitute a legal ballot, and there are only seven members pres- 
ent, including the C. C, Held: That the C. C. must compel 

* See Expo. Ballot- Full vote. 



308 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

every member to vote, and must vote himself on all questions 
the Lodge may act upon. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. N. Y., Jour., 1876, 45, 62. 

353. Ballot : Cannot be Declared Illegal, when : 

A ballot, having been taken, and the vote announced, the C. C. 
has no right, at the next meeting, after the minutes have been 
approved and the record made up, to declare the ballot illegal 
and void. If an illegal ballot has been had, the only remedy 
is by appeal.* — Dec. of W. J. MacMullen. 

G. L. Pa.. Jour. July 1873, 484. 

354. Ballot: May be declared Illegal, when: 

If a brother is permitted to enter Castle Hall not properly 
clothed, when a ballot is taking, and he deposits his ballot, no 
objection being raised, the ballot cannot be reconsidered or de- 
clared illsgal. — Dec. ofD. J. Holland, G. C. 

G. L. Kan., Jour. 1883, 9, 23. 

355. Ballot : For the Ranks : On the recommend- 
ation of the Supreme Chancellor, in respect to special legisla- 
tion, on the subject of balloting for the ranks, it was Resolved, 
That, it is the sense of the Supreme Lodge that a ballot should 
be taken upon each application for ranks, and the same num- 
ber of black balls shall reject, as in case of an application for 
membership. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1379, 1428. 

356. Ballot: For Every Rank Required: The 

ballot for membership in the first instance, is for initiation only, 
and a ballot is requisite for further advancement. — Dec. of D. 
B. Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour. 1880, 1828, 2003. 

35 7. Ballot : For the Ranks, must be had sepa- 
rately for each : Where a practice had obtained while a 
Lodge was working under dispensation to ballot for the several 
ranks at the same time.— Held, That whether working under 
the general Law, or dispensation, it should ballot separately 
for each rank. — Dec. of A. T. Cavis, G. C. 

G. L. D. C, Jour., July 1872. 439, 468. 

358. Ballot for the Ranks must be Separate: 

The ballot for the ranks must be taken separately, and a 

*This will suffice for a general rule, but it is possible for instances to arise of il- 
legal ballots, wherein tbe C. C. or the Lodge would be justified in declaring them 
illegal. Suppose a ballot was taken removing an officer, without notice, when the 
expressly declares he shall have notice ; such a ballot would be clearly illegal and it 
would be the duty of the C. C. to declare it illegal, upon proof that the officer had not 
been notified. 



COMMON LAW. 309 

Page cannot be elected to receive the Knight's rank before he 
has passed the second rank. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Miss., Jour. 1878, 61. 

359. Ballot : For the Ranks shall be separate 
for each : It is necessary that there be a separate ballot for 
each rank, even where a dispensation is granted to confer all 
the ranks in one evening. — Dec. of Owen Royce, G. G. 

G. L. Miss., Jour. 1882, 16. 

360. Ballot: For the Ranks, Separate Ballots 
Necessary : Candidates for the ranks shall be balloted for 
separately. — Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C. 

G. L. 111., Jour. 1882, 819, 899. 

36 1. Ballot : For each and Every Rank Neces- 
sary when : It is in all cases compulsory to ballot for the ap- 
plicant for each and every rank, except in cases of dispensa- 
tion. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Feb. 1875, 388. Aug. 1875, 54. 

362. Ballot: For the Ranks Cannot be taken 

when : A ballot cannot be taken for a succeeding rank on the 
same evening that one rank is conferred. (See Application 
Sec, 104 and note.)— Dec. of W. R. Spicknall, G. C. 

G. L. Neb., Jour. 1880, 640, 665. 
G.L. E. I., Jour. 1881, 7,31. 

363. Ballot: Practice of Exposing is Wrong 
and Improper : While there is no Law to prevent a brother 
from exposing to the view of others his ballot when in the act 
of voting, — on an applicant for membership — to so expose 
their ballots, would in fact destroy the effect and usefulness 
of a ballot vote, and that any practice of this kind, is wrong, 
improper, and to be condemned and prohibited. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L. Ind., Jour. July 1875,191, 202. 

364. Ballot: Secrecy of, to be Insured: Result 
of, cannot be Inquired into : The right to vote for a 
candidate, of necessity carries with it the right to vote against 
him, and the ballot is provided for the express purpose of in- 
suring secrecy and no one has the right to inquire who cast a 
black ball, or why he cast it, — Dec. of S. P. Oyler, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour. Jan. 1874, 159, 174 



310 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

365. Ballot : Right to cast Black Ball cannot 
be Questioned : The right to cast a black ball cannot be 
questioned by any officer or member. Such interference is ac- 
tionable under the code of procedure. — Dec. of H. C. Berry, 
G. C.—Dec. S. J. Willet, G. C. (See Sec. 479 et seq.) 

G. L. 111., Jour, 1871, 41, 156. 
G. L. 111., Jour. 1877, 155, 212 

366. Ballot: Cannot be Authorized by a Dis- 
pensation when : A G. C. has no authority to issue a 
dispensation authorizing a re-ballot. — Dec. of W. T. Eiving, 
Q, C. G. L. Kan., Jour. 1881, 6, 36. 

367. Ballot : With Cubes instead of Balls is Le- 
gal : A D. D. G. C. decided that a ballot box provided with 
cubes instead of balls was not a proper instrument to be used 
in balloting for candidates. This decision was reversed by 
the Grand Lodge Held; on appeal that the decision of the 
Grand Lodge be sustained and the appea] dismissed.— Appeal of 
D. D. G. C. T. B. Isham vs. G. L. ofN. J. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2036. 

368. Ballot : On Depositing Card : The same bal- 
lot shall be had on application by card, as for application for 
membership by initiation.* — Dec. S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour. 1875, 1042, 1114. 

369. Ballot : Duty of Members to Vote when : 

When a ball ballot has been ordered, it is the duty of every 
qualified brother present to vote, and the presiding officer 
should enforce the performance of the duty to the end that 
the secrecy of the ballot be scrupulously maintained. To the 
same end no comments or explanations should be allowed 
upon the result of a ballot. — Dec. of H. R. Lovell,G. C. 

S. L. Mich., Jour. 1881, 12, 49, 50. 

370. Ballot : A C. C. may Compel a Member to, 
by Order when : (See Voting Sec. 2682.) t 

G. L. Mass., Jour. 1878, 1000, 1019. 

37 1 . Ballo t : Necessary in Instituting Section of 
Endowment Rank when: The instituting officer of a 
Section of the E. K. shall order a ballot for membership, each 

*See Sec. 12. Art. VIII., S. L. Const. Appendix ; also Expo. Title Ballot. 
+As to the validity of blank votes see Sec. 1016. 



COMMON LAW. 311 

applicant balloting for the other,but such ballot shall not be had 
unless the application is accompanied by a favorable report of 
a committee appointed by the instituting officer. — Bee. of B.B. 
Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1805, 2074. 

372. Ballot: In Endowment Rank Essential in 
Taking Additional Class : If a member of one class de- 
sires to join another he must pass a new ballot, and medical 
examination ; but if he desires to enter both classes at the same 
time one examination will suffice. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2479, 2487. 

BALLOT BOX. 

373. Provided with Cubes, is Proper and Legal : 

(See ante. Ballot, Sec. 367.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 2036. 

374. Ballot: Box Provided with Cubes Legal: 

(See ante. Sec. 367.) G. L. N. Y., 1879. 19, 59, 61. 

BOAED OF TEUSTEES. 

375. Exceeding Authority: When the trustees of 
several Lodges organize a board of trustees and exceed their 
authority, they will not be sustained. — Appeal of Lincoln 
Lodge vs. G. L. of Del (See Trustees, Sec. 2569.) 

S. L., Jour., 1871, 374, 595. 

BENEFITS. 

376. Matter: For Local Legislation : The sub- 
ject of dues and benefits should be left to local jurisdiction.* — 
Bui. ofS. Read, S. C. (See Dues, Sec. 915.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 468, 614. 

377. Benefits: Term Defined: Query: What is 
the meaning of the term benefit as used in the Sub. Lodge Con- 
stitution, art IX ? Answer by committee : the term benefits in 
art IX, means all advantages and privileges.! 

S . L. Jour. 1872, 531, 585. 

*A majority report sustaining a decision of the Supreme Chancellor on this point 
was tabled, whereupon the Suprem< Chancellor ruled, on a point of order raised, that 
the Supreme Lodge could not interfere with the Grand Lodge in respect to dues and 
benefits of Subordinate Lodges ; the ruling was sustained on appeal. S. L. Jour., 1872. 
614. 

t Art IX, above referred to was as follows: "Each Subordinate Lodge shall regu- 
late its dues and benefits provided, however, that a member who is one year in ar- 
rears, shall stand suspended." This is not found in the present Constitution, its 
equivalent appears in Subdivisions 21 and 22, Sec. 2, Art. VIII, S. L, Consti- 
tution app. 



312 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

378. Benefits: Member not Entitled to when 
Sickness is Caused by his own Misconduct : (See By- 
Laws, Sec. 495.) G. L. Maine, 1877, 173, 2S7. 

379. Benefits: Cease on Granting Card : (See W. 

C, Sec. 2772.) G. L. Ga., Jour. 1875, HI- 

380. Benefits: Brother Entitled to until No- 
tice of Default : Where under a By-Law it was necessary 
to notify a brother of his default in payment of his dues, and 
to declare his suspension in open Lodge, in order to bar his 
right to benefits, it was held that where such notice had not 
been given, and no declaration of suspension made, the brother 
was entitled to benefits.— Dec. of P. W. Meldrim, G. C. — (See 
Sec. 2052.) G. L. Ga., Jour. 1879, 276, 291, 

381. Benefits : Payable during Sickness of any 
Length of Time : A brother who has been wholly unable 
to follow his usual occupation for the space of one year, can 
legally collect benefits for more than twenty-five consecutive 
weeks in any one year. The Supreme Lodge requires all Sub- 
ordinate Lodges to pay benefits of at least $1.00 per week, 
during any one sickness, be it one month or one year. — Dec. of 
B. B. Foss, G. C. G. L. N. H., Jour. 1881, 14, 33. 

382. Benefits : Member's Right not Barred by 
Charges when : A member's right to benefits is not bar- 
red by charges preferred, unless said charges have a direct 
barring such right. — Dec. of Owen Royce, G. C. 

G. L. Miss., Jour. 1882,17, 18, 57-8. 

383. Benefits : May be paid to Pages and Es- 
quires : Lodges may pay weekly benefits to sick and dis- 
abled Pages and Esquires. The minimum benefits must be paid 
to each member of the Lodge from the time he becomes a 
member. — Dec. ofB. T. Chase, G. C. (See Dues, Sec. 955 and 
note.*) G. L. Maine, Jour. 1879, 385, 471. 

384. Benefits: Grand Lodge may Prescribe 
Time of Payment: It is competent for a Gr. L. to pre- 
scribe a definite period of time within which Subordinate 
Lodges shall pay benefits. S. L. Jour., 1872, 588, 595. 

*SeeExpo. title Benefits, where this decision is referred to. 



COMMON LAW. 313 

385. Benefits: Subordinate Lodge cannot De- 
prive Member of, for One Year after Taking Third 
Rank : (See Funeral Benefits, Sec. 1169.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1373, 1428, 

386. Benefits: Probationary Period : Minimum 
Amount: Grand Lodges may prescribe a probationary 
period in their Constitution for Subordinate Lodges in which 
members may not draw full benefits, but providing always 
that the minimum benefit of one dollar per week, and funeral 
benefits of twenty dollars, shall be paid through such periods. 
—Bee. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. s. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 

387. Benefits: Probationary Period in Respect 
to not Allowed "when : A Lodge cannot debar a mem- 
ber who is in arrears from becoming beneficial for a certain 
length of time after he had paid his arrearages. A member 
in arrears becomes beneficial as soon as he is clear on the 
books of the Master of Finance, unless ill at the time he pays 
such arrearages.* G. L. Ont., Jour. 1879. 

388. Benefits: By Law Limiting Time of Pay- 
ment of Illegal : A Lodge cannot by its By-Laws, limit 
the number of weeks for which a brother entitled thereto, shall 
receive benefits, but may by its By-Laws fix a different sum to 
be paid for different periods of weeks, provided the sum to be 
paid for any period is not less than one dollar per week. — Dee, 
of B. T. Chase, G. C. (See Sees. 407, 408.) 

G. L. Maine, Jour. 1878, 284, 343. 

389. Benefits: Probationary Period in Re- 
spect to : A Lodge cannot by its By-Laws refuse to pay a 
member sick benefits for six months from date of membership. 
He is entitled to at least, the minimum amount of the $1.00 per 
week, from the time he receives the rank of Knight, provided 
always that his sickness is not caused by vicious or immoral 
conduct. — Dec. of J. O. Bozorth, G. C. 

G. L. Oregon, Jour. 1883, 157, 218. 

390. Benefits : Probationary Period in Respect 
to Unlawful when : A Lodge has no right to require that 

*This rule in terms, repudiates probationary periods, which are provided for by 
Law in almost every other Jurisdiction, with the sanction of the Supreme Lodge, but 
the lead of Ontario, in this respect, ought to be followed universally and probationary 
periods abolished. 



314 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

a member shall serve a probationary period before being enti- 
tled to benefits. A provision in the By-Laws, to the contrary, 
is illegal and of no force, as affecting any other provision therein 
contained, in regard to benefits.* Dec. ofD. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1882, 518, 585. 

391. Benefits: Right of Lodge to Declare Pro- 
bationary period, after Arrears paid : It is not com- 
petent for a Subordinate Lodge to enact a By-Law depriving a 
member of benefits for any length of time after payment of ar- 
rears. It may, however, reduce the amount to the minimum 
viz., $1.00, after the payment of such arrears, for such time 
as it may desire. G. L. Cal., Jour. 1879, 1354, 1376, 1378. 

392. Benefits : Probationary Period in Respect 
to Illegal : A provision in a By-Law fixing a probationary 
period in respect to benefits was stricken out by the G. C. on 
the ground that all Knights in good standing are entitled to 
benefits immediately after attaining the Knight's rank. — 
Dec. of J. J. Scott, G. C.\ G. L. La., Jour. 1881, 36, 101. 

393. Benefits: Payable after Expiration of 
Probationary Period. Where a member is unbeneficial, 
at the time of taking sick, but during his sickness, he makes a 
payment on his arrears, so as to make him beneficial, and 
where, under a By-Law, a member is not entitled to benefits for 
two weeks after payment of arrears: Held, That where a 
brother pays his arrearages, during illness, and the illness con- 
tinues, he will be entitled to benefits commencing two weeks 
after the payment of his arrearages.— Appeal of S. H. Nugent, 
vs. Naomi Lodge. G. L. Ya. Jour. 1882, 52. 

394. Benefits : Member Entitled to after Expir- 
ation of Probationary Period : Where a Lodge has 
prescribed a probationary period of six months, commencing 
with the date the member receives the third rank, and within 
which the member shall not be considered beneficial ; and 
where a member has paid his dues for the six months, but is 
taken sick during the period, which contiuues beyond the limit 
of probation : Held, The member is entitled to benefits from 

*This is going a step further than perhaps any other Jurisdiction has gone, but it 
is cited here as an authority wholly in accord with the fraternal principles of our Pyth- 
ian Order. +See Expo. Benefits. 



COMMON LAW. 315 

the expiration of his probation, unless the By-Laws prescribe 
otherwise. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. N. Y., Jour. 1876, 45, 62. 

395. Benefits : Where no Probationary Period 
is Fixed Member Entitled to, when : When a Sub. 
Lodge's By-Laws do not fix a probationary period in respect to 
benefits, a member becomes beneficial immediately upon pay- 
ment of his arrears. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1883, 40, 84. 

396. Benefits: Payable after Expiration of 
Probationary Period : When a new member is taken 
sick before he has passed the probationary period, but contin- 
ues sick until after it has expired : Held, He is entitled to 
benefits for such sickness from the date of the expiration of 
probationary period. — Dec. of T. G. Sample, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1880, 25, 176. 

397. Benefits: Right of New Members to: Proba- 
tionary Period : When the probationary period in respect 
to new members is six months, and a new member is taken 
sick before it expires, and he continues sick beyond the expira- 
tion of the period : Held, He will be entitied to benefits from 
the date of the expiration of the period. — Dec. of J. B. Merritt, 
G. C. G. L. Pa., Jour. 1881, 325, 356. 

398. Benefits : Application of the Law as to 
Probationary Period : When the By-Laws of a Lodge 
provide a probationary period for one year as to new members, 
and six months as to all members in arrears, and when a new 
member becomes in arrears so as to bar his rights to benefits, 
but pays up his arrears one week before his first year expires ; 
Held, That he would still be non-beneficial until the expiration 
of three months after the payment of his arrearages. — Rep. of 
com. on Law G. L. Pa., Jour. 1881, 294, 303. 

399. Benefits: Liability of Lodge for During; Sus- 
pension : The widow of a deceased member claims benefits 
for 74 weeks, the period of a husband's illness preceding his 
death, the record shows during all this time the Lodge was 
under suspension, and on the day of the death of the brother, 
was not recognized by the G. L. Held, That the borther was 



816 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

not entitled to benefits during the suspension.— Appeal of La- 
fay ett Lodge No. 25, vs. G. L. of Md. s. L. Jour., 1874, 944. 

400. Benefits : Rights of Brother to After Leav- 
ing Jurisdiction of Lodge : A brother, who for a term of 
illness,has been receiving benefits is advised by his phyiscian to 
travel abroad for his health. He proceeds upon his journey, 
but continues sick and entitled to benefits, but his Lodge re- 
fuses to continue payment of benefits, on the ground, that, he 
left the jurisdiction of the Lodge without the consent of the 
relief committee. Subsequent to his departure, a Law was en- 
acted denying benefits to a brother who left the jurisdiction of 
the relief committee, without the consent of the committee 
and approval of the Lodge: Held, In the absence of any 
Law regulating the subject, that the brother having fur- 
nished magisterial and surgical certificates of his continued 
illness, he is clearly entitled to benefits : Held, Further, 
that the law regulating such cases, having been passed subse- 
quent to his departure, did not apply. — Appeal of J. G. Baker 
vs. G. L. of Del. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1147. 

401. Benefits : Right of Brother to After Rein- 
statement : A member is suspended for non-payment of 
dues but is reinstated on November 28, 1873 ; on May 29, 1874, 
was reported to the Lodge as sick. On this night the brother 
owed one quarter's dues ; had been reinstated six months and 
had been sick nine days. He applied for benefits, when the 
C. C. declared that he was not entitled to them, because he had 
not been reinstated six months. The Lodge had no By-Laws 
fixing a probation. On appeal the G. L. Held, That the brother 
had complied with all the Laws and was entitled to benefits, 
which was sustained by the Supreme Lodge. — Appeal of Me- 
chanics Lodge No. S3 vs. G. L. Md. S. L. Jour.. 1875, 1161. 

402. Benefits : Brother not to be deprived of 
on Account of Mistake Of M. of F.: When a brother 
becoming sick and applying for benefits and the M. of F. re- 
ported him indebted to the Lodge $1.80, and gave the brother 
a statement to that effect, and it was afterward discovered 
that the M. of F. had made a mistake, and the brother was in 
fact, indebted to the Lodge $4.15, which would deprive him of 
the right to benefits : Held, On appeal, that the brother was en- 



COMMON LAW. 317 

titled to benefits. — Appeal of Fidelity Lodge, vs. G. L. Pa. (See 
Appeals, Sec. 127.) S. L., Jour. 1878, 1633, 1634. 

403. Benefits : Suspending Payment of by Res- 
olution Illegal : A Lodge cannot by resolution suspend the 
payment of all benefits for any length of time. The Supreme 
Law requires at least the minimum amount to be paid. The 
action of a Grand Lodge sustaining such a resolution is illegal. 

— Appeal of F. W. Taylor, vs. G. L. of Del. 

S.L. Jour. 1878, 1640-1. 

404. Benefits: A Brother Convalescent Entit- 
led to, when : On the query, to wit : A brother being con- 
valescent but unable from weakness to resume his daily avoc- 
ations, is he entitled to benefits ? Held, A brother who is un- 
able to attend to any business, whereby he may gain a livelihood, 
is entitled to benefits.* — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L., Jour. 1882, 2274. 2465. 

405. Benefits : Brother Cannot he Deprived of 
for Failing to Pay Dues in Advance: (See Dues, 
Sec. 938,) S. L., Jour. 1875, 1042, 1043. 

406. Benefits : Memhers Under Suspension not 
Entitled to the Minimum : A construction placed upon 
the Law by the Gr. C. of Mafne,was reversed, that only members 
in good standing are entitled to benefits. (See Suspension, 
Sec. 2391.) S, L., Jour. 1880, 2038. 

407. Benefits: Lodge may Provide for Pay- 
ment of Different Amounts : A Lodge may provide for 
the payment of a given amount of benefits for a certain num- 
ber of weeks, and then for a larger or smaller amount during 
same sickness, provided that in no event shall the amount be 
less than one dollar per weekt — Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C. 
(See Ante, Sec. 388.) G. L. 111., Jour. 1882, 821, 900. 

408. Benefits: Lodge may Provide Different 
amounts Weekly, During Sickness : A Lodge may 
make a By-Law permitting the payment of $2.00 benefits for 
the first week, and $10.00 weekly for the remainder of a 
brother's illness. G. L. Cal., Jour. 1877, 1068, 1074. 

*The committee say that this decision is correct as applied to the facts therein 
stated. tSee Expo, title Benefits, for a notice of the rule in Pennsylvania. 



318 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

409. Benefits : Member in Arrears Cannot Be- 
come Entitled to by Payment of Dues: A brother 
three months in arrears for dues when taken sick, cannot, by 
paying his dues, entitle himself to benefits during that sickness. 
—Dec. oj G. W. Herdman, G. C. 

G. L. 111., Jour. 1881, 664, 720. 

410. Benefits : A Member Holding Withdraw- 
al Card not Entitled to : A person holding W. C. is not 
entitled to benefits and cannot claim assistance from a relief 
board.— Dec. of R. L, C. White, G. C. (See Exposition, title 
Withdrawal Card.) G. L. Term., Jour. 1880 391, 425. 

411. Benefits: Member Entitled to without 
Physician's Certificate : A member of the Lodge cannot 
be compelled to produce a physician's certificate before receiv- 
ing benefits. G. L. of Ontario, Jour. 1879. 

412. Benefits : Cannot be Withheld on Mere 
Verbal Accusation : On the query can weekly benefits be 
withheld from a beneficial brother, when sick and unable to fol- 
low his usual^occupation by reason of his being afflicted with 
the same disease previous to his initiation, unless there have 
been written charges preferred against him ? Held, The Lodge 
cannot withhold benefits from a Beneficial member on a mere 
verbal accusation, there must be written charges pending 
against him, to warrant a Lodge in stopping his benefits. — Rep. 
of com. on Law. G. L. Pa. Jour. July 1872, 387. 

413. Benefits : Payment of may be Withheld, 
when : It is perfectly legal for a Lodge to pass a resolution 
withholding benefits pending the investigation of a case, prior to 
the preferring of charges. — Rul. of J. Mackintosh, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Feb. 1875, 436. 

414. Benefits : May be Withheld Pendiug Ap- 
peal : Where a relief committee has reported in favor of al- 
lowing benefits to a brother, but an appeal is taken from the 
action of the Lodge. Held, A Lodge has the right to withhold 
benefits from a brother, declared entitled thereto, pending an 
appeal. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa.. Jour. Aug. 1879, 606, 624. 



COMMON LAW. 



319 



415. Benefits : Payment of Cannot be Refused 
on Mere Suspicion, when : Where a Lodge is paying 
benefits to a member in good standing: Held, That it can- 
not withhold the same on mere suspicion that the brother's ill- 
ness is the result of immoral conduct. To justify the Lodge, an 
investigation must be had and charges preferred. A Lodge 
cannot require a sick brother, who is in good standing, to fur- 
nish evidence of his own guilt or innocence, on rumor of immor- 
al conduct, before it will pay benefits. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Ind., Jour. 1880, 289, 290. 

416. Benefits : May be Withheld to offset a Pre- 
vious Erroneous Payment : Where benefits were paid er- 
roneously,to a member not beneficial,and where,upon demand, 
the brother agreed to refund the amount, but failing to do so, 
until he is again sick and makes a claim for benefits, which 
otherwise would be payable. Held, The Lodge may withhold 
the benefits due, to an amount sufficient to cover the errroneous 
payment. — Rep. of com. on Law. (See post, Sec. 1184.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. July 1872, 396. 

417. Benefits: Member's Right not Barred 
When Less than Three Months in Arrears: (See 

Arrears, Sec. 186.) G. L. Md., Jour. 1873, 61, 64. 

418. Benefits: Member not Entitled to when 
one Qnarter in Arrears : Where a brother owes one 
quarter's dues on the last meeting night in December, and does 
not pay that night, he is non-beneficial. A quarter, in Lodge 
matters, terminates on Lodge nights, and not according to 
dates. — Dec. of J. B. Groome, G. C. 

G. L. Md., Jour. 1877, 280, 388, 

419. Benefits : Members not Entitled to when 
Three Months in Arrears : A member over three months 
in arrears for dues, is not in good standing, and is not entitled 
to benefits. — Dec. of R. B, Mitchell, G. C. 

G. L. Nev., Jour. 1883, 626. 

420. Benefits : Members not Entitled to while 
in Arrears : A member taken sick while in arrears cannot, 
by paying his arrears, entitle himself to benefits during that 
sickness.— Dec. of A. Meyer, G. C. 

G. L. Nebr., Jour. 1878, 544, 577. 



320 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

421. Benefits : ^ot Payable to Members in Ar- 
rears for Assessments Charged During Absence, 

when : (See Absence, Sec. 260.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug, 1875. 26, 183, 184. 

422. Benefits: Misappropriation of: A Lodge 
has no right to appropriate the benefits due a sick brother, to- 
wards paying the bill of a physician who attended him — Bee. 
ofE. W. Scott, G. C* G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1876, 447, 546. 

423. Benefits: Lodge not Liable for, when: 
Actual Payment of Dues Necessary : Where a brother 
is in arrears and sends his money to a brother of the Lodge to 
be paid for him, but which the brother neglects to do, until 
after the brother is taken sick and claims his benefits. Held, 
As the brother was in arrears when taken sick, the Lodge is 
not bound to pay him benefits. The brother having sent his 
money by another brother, who neglected to pay the same, does 
not alter the case, as the brother, and not the Lodge, is respon- 
sible for the loss. — Rep. of com. on Laiv. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. July 1873, 567, Feb. 1874, 738. 

424. Benefits : Not Payable when there is a 
Failure to Comply with the Law : When a brother 
fails to report, or cause himself to be reported to the Lodge, 
and does not comply with the Constitution, he is not entitled to 
benefits. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1880, 113, 119. 

425. Benefits : Payment of Arrearages : Con- 
struction of By-Laws : When the By-Laws of a Lodge 
provide, that, "every member in arrears to the Lodge to the 
amount of three month's dues, shall be four weeks, and every 
member who owes $3.12, shall be eight weeks, out of benefits, 
counting from the day on which the last payment was made ; 
and where a brother in arrears made a payment on his dues, 
leaving twenty-four cents unpaid, and having been taken sick, 
made a claim for benefits, and where the C. C. decided that the 
brother had not made the last payment: Held, The brother was 
not entitled to benefits, owing to the balance of twenty-four 
cents still due. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1881, 294, 303. 

*See Expo. title Benefits, for a discussion of the question of the legal liability of the 
Lodge, for benefits. 



COMMON LAW. 321 

426. Benefits : Member not Entitled to, when : 
Construction of Law : Where a member, while in arrears, 
and not entitled to benefits, was stricken with paralysis, but 
subsequently paid his arrearages, after which he was afflicted 
with dropsy, in addition to the paralysis, which still continued. 
Inasmuch as he had paid his dues, he claimed benefits for this 
latter affliction : Held, Where the Constitution enacts that, 
"a member if taken sick or disabled when in arrears to the 
Lodge to the amount of three month's dues, cannot, by the pay- 
ment of such arrears become entitled to benefits during that 
sickness or disability," that, that sickness or disability must be 
ended before he can become entitled to benefits for another 
sickness. Therefore, the brother, in the case stated, will not 
be entitled to benefits in consequence of disability arising from 
dropsy, until his disease from paralysis has ended. — Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Pa., Jour. 1882, 535, 570. 

427. Benefits: Application of not Controlled 
by the Constitution : Where a Lodge was paying benefits 
for an insane brother, for whom the Court had appointed a 
trustee, and where the Lodge had reason to believe the trustee 
was not making a proper application of the benefits, and that 
the insane brother was neglected : Held, The Lodge should 
pay the benefits, but that the Constitution did not authorize it 
to control the application. If the trustee was duly appointed, 
the Lodge should pay him the weekly benefits, unless his au- 
thority to receive the same is revoked by the court.* — Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Pa., Jour. 1882, 536, 574. 

4:28. Benefits: Brother Entitled to on Deposit 
of Card, when: On the query: "Upon a Knight deposit- 
ing his card, when will he become beneficial ?" Held, Immediate- 
ly, to the extent of the minimum of weekly and funeral benefits, 
and to full benefits, at such time as may be provided by the 
Law of the Lodge. — Dec. of A. A. Curme, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour. 1880, 221, 249. 

429. Benefits : Lodge Mable for Notwithstand- 
ing the Needs of The Brother: On the query: "Can 
a Lodge, after a time, cease paying benefits to a sick brother 
who is in good circumstances, and does not need the benefits, 

*See. Expo., title Benefits, for comments on this decision. 

21 



322 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the brother yet remaining unable to attend to his business.'* 
Held, There is no way whereby a Lodge can cease to pay 
benefits to a brother, so long as he remains unable to attend to 
his business or occupation. The benefits must be paid as long 
as the disability exists regardless of his circumstances. — Dec. 
of J. R. Carnahan, G. C. Q. L. Ind., Jour. 1881, 20, 63-4. 

430. Benefits: Subject of may be Regulated 
by Lodges : The Law permits Sub. Lodges to regulate their 
own benefits, but a Lodge having regulated its benefits, and 
made said regulation a part of its By-Laws, cannot re-regulate, 
change, alter or affect said regulation and Law, except by 
amendment to said By-Laws as provided therein. — Dec. of G. 
J. L. Foxwell, G. C. Q. L., D. C, Jour. Jan 1873, 576, 606. 

431. Benefits: Member not Entitled to While 
Charges are Pending : Sustaining demurrer to complaint, 
does not dismiss charges, when the committee is given time to 
amend the complaint, and where the committee presents an 
amended complaint, it was error in the C. C. to declare the ac- 
cused entitled to benefits. During the time from the filing of 
the first complaint to the filing of the amended complaint, 
charges were in effect pending against the appellant, and there- 
fore he was not entitled to benefits for the two weeks interven- 
ing — Dec. of J. H. Harney, G. C, in appeal of A. G. Quinlan, 
vs. Metropolitan Lodge. G. L. Cal., Jour. 1882, 1673. 1765. 

432. Benefits : Page and Esquire not Entitled 

to : A Page or an Esquire is not entitled to funeral or other 
benefits, under any circumstances. Any action of the Lodge 
in the premises is eutirely within the discretion of the Lodge, 
as a Page or an Esquire is not entitled to burial benefits, and 
the burial of a Page or an Esquire, is left entirely to the charity 
of the Lodge.— Dec. of D. McClure, G. C. 

G. L. Cal.. Jour. 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 

433. Benefits: Payable to Insane Brother, 
Notwithstanding his Wdalth : A Lodge must pay sick 
benefits to the family af an insane brother, who is in good 
standing, but who has been removed to on asylum, notwith- 
standing he has property. It matters not whether he be a pau- 
per or a millionaire. — Dec. of Co P. Vanneman, G. C. (See 
ante. Sec. 429.) G. L. N. J., Jour. 1884, 1475, 1512. 



COMMON LAW. 323 

434. Benefits: Member Entitled to Though 
Permanently Insane : A member, whose dues are paid 
up, becomes permanently insane, is entitled to benefits indefin- 
itely, without further payment of dues. — Dec. of C. D. Iddings 
G. C. G. L. of Ohio, Jour. 1881, 689, 717. 

435. Benefits : Member Afflicted with Insanity 
Entitled to: A By-Law of a Lodge which provides that 
"sick benefits shall not be given in case of insanity, while the 
member shall be confined in an insane asylum," is clearly il- 
legal, and is in direct violation of our Laws, as, according to our 
best works on medical jurisprudence, insanity is a disease. — 
Dec. of J. H. Harney, G. C. 

G. L. Cal., Jour. 1882, 1672, 1745, 1753. 

436. Benefits: Payable to Brother Insane, 
when : Where a brother, while in good standing, becomes 
insane, and is taken charge of by the authorities : Held, Our 
Order being beneficial, the Lodge is liable for the benefits, and 
they are payable to any one legally constituted to receive them. 
— Rep. of com. on Law. G. L. W. Va., Jour. 1877, 19, 28- 

437. Benefits : Due Insane Brother : To Whom 
Payable : Where the benefits are made payable to a brother 
himself, if he is insane, they may be expended by the relief 
committee of the Lodge directly for his use, unless a committee 
is appointed by the court to represent the lunatic. — Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Pa., Jour. 1883, 48, 93, 

438. Benefits: Payable Though By-Laws do 
not Provide for it : A Lodge must pay at least $1.00 per 
week sick benefits, although the By-Laws make no provision 
for the payment of any. — Dec of O. W. Shedd, G. C. 

G. L. N. Y., Jour. 1881, 16, 70, 77. 

439. Benefits : Lodge may Dednct Dues from 
Before Payment, when : (See Dues, Sec. 930. ) 

G. L., D. C, Jour. Jan. 1882, 400, 401. 

440. Benefits : Are Offset by Operation of Law 
in Payment of Dues : (See Good Standing, Sec, 1375.) 

G. L. Maine, Jour. 1879, 49, 135. 



324 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

441. Benefits : May Offset Claim for Dues and 
Prevent Suspension : A Lodge cannot legally suspend a 
member for non-payment of dues, when it is indebted to the 
brother for benefits more than enough to pay all his back dues. 
— Black vs. Excelsior Lodge. 

G. L. Cal., Jour. 1872. 300, 337, 347. 

442. Benefits : Payable Though Dues Have not 
Been Actually Paid During Sickness : On the query, 
to wit : Should a brother who was sick, or is sick, allow him- 
self to become in arrears with his dues while sick, and receiv- 
ing benefits, and be notified of his standing, and he fails to 
order his dues to be paid from his benefits, and is reported 
from under the care of the Lodge, and remains so for one week, 
and is again taken sick without paying- his dues, is the Lodge 
compelled to pay him benefits ? Held, Yes, the C. C. has 
no right to allow the brother to become in arrears for dues 

while sick. — Rep, of com. on Law. 

G. L. W . Va, Jour. 1873, 18, 24. 

443. Benefits: Non-Payment of Dues does not 
Forfeit, when : A brother does not forfeit his benefits or 
other privileges during sickness, It is the duty of the C. C. to 
pay the brother's dues out of his benefits, but he cannot be de- 
prived of his benefits, if the C. C. fails or neglects to do so.* — 

Dec. of J. F. Shumate, G. C. 

G. L. Ohio., Jour. 1883, 863, 928. 

444. Benefits : Member Entitled to from Date 
of Sickness : When a member was taken sick but failed to 
report to the Lodge at once, and the C. C. held, that the broth- 
er was entitled to benefits, only, from the time he was reported 
to the Lodge, which decision the Lodge reversed : Held, The 
action of the Lodge was correct, that the By-Laws do not re- 
quire a notice of sickness before benefits begin to run ; that the 
brother is entitled to benefits from the date of sickness, regard- 
less of the notice to the Lodge.-— Appeal of G. W. Lindsay, vs. 
Monumental Lodge. G. L. Md., Jour. 1882, 18. 

445. Benefits: Motion to Allow Necessary: 

The C. C. cannot direct that an order be drawn for sick benefits 

*This presumes that the brother is in good standing at the time of his sickness, 
In which case it is true. 



COMMON LAW. 325 

which may be due a member. To allow them, a motion must 
be made and a vote taken. — Rep, of com. on Law, 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Jan. 1872, 76. 

446. Benefits: Member Entitled to, when: 
Distinction Between Indisposition, and Sickness, 
as to Paying Arrearages : A brother who pays his ar- 
rears when indisposed and yet unable to attend to his usual 
business, would be entitled to benefits should such indisposi- 
tion terminate in sickness. The term sickness, within the 
meaning of the Law, relative to payment of arrearages while 
sick or disabled, implies a state of health which prevents one 
from attending to his ordinary vocation. — Dec. of P. Lowry, 
G. C. G. L. Pa., Jour. Jan. 1871, 183, 261. 

447. Benefits: By-Laws Must Fix a Stated 

Amount : "Where a Lodge's By-Laws provided, that "on the 
death of a member in good standing, the C. C. shall draw on 
the M. of E. for the sum equal in amount to that raised under 
Sec. 2 Art. Ill of these By-Laws." The said Sec 2 Art. Ill, 
provided that on the death of a member in good standing, each 
member shall be taxed $1.00 as funeral benefits, which should 
be due at the end of the term. Held, A Lodge must in all 
cases have a stated sum for funeral and weekly benefits. — 
Rep of com on Law. G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1875, 76, 77. 

448. Benefits : Cannot be Regulated for a De- 
finite Time by Amendment to By-Laws : Where a 
Lodge attempted to reduce its benefits for six months by an 
amendment to its By-Laws. Held, A Lodge cannot amend 
its By-Laws for a definite time, By-Laws amended stand good 
until re-amended. — Dec. of A. A. Duke, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1879, 569, 696. 

449. Benefits: Member Entitled to from the 
Time he is Reported Sick if in Good Standing: 

When a brother in good standing notified the Lodge of an ac- 
cident to himself and claiming benefits, also that he would 
furnish his physician's certificate, but previous to the furnish- 
ing of the certificate a member of the Lodge died, and a funer- 
al assessment was made of one dollar, this added to the ac- 
count of the brother claiming benefits, would place him in ar- 



326 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

rears. Query, Is he entitled to benefits ? Held, Yes, the 
brother being in good standing when he reported to the Lodge, 
is entitled to benefits— Pec. of A. A. Duke, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1879, 569, 696. 

450. Benefits : Not Payable where Fraud was 
Practiced in Gaining Admission : (See Funeral Bene- 
fits, Sec. 1163.) G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1879, 604, 624. 

451- Benefits : Brother is Entitled to when he 
has Exercised Diligence in Reporting Himself: 

Where a brother was sick and requested a member of the Lodge 
to report the fact, which the brother neglected to do until some 
time afterward. Held, He had exercised diligence in report- 
ing himself, and should not be debarred his benefits on account 
of the failure of the brother to report him.* — Rep. of com. on 
Law. G. L. Pa„ Jour. 1880, 118, 123. 

452. Benefits: Payable to a Member Beyond 
the Jurisdiction of the Relief Committee, when : 

On the query as to "whether a member was entitled to benefits 
after removing, or whether he can receive benefits when not 
reported by the relief committee, being out of their jurisdiction, 
having been sick and receiving benefits for a considerable time 
prior to departure ?" Held, He is entitled to benefits but 
must comply with the Constitution. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1880, 113, 119. 

453. Benefits: Paid Voluntarily to a Member 

not Entitled, Cannot be Recovered Back: (See 

Funeral Benefits, Sec. 1184.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1882. 593, 540, 581. 

454. Benefits: Right of Lodge to Demand 
Proof of Sickness Before Paying: Where a By-Law 
providing that a member shall furnish the certificate of a phy- 
sician, and such other evidence as the Lodge may require as to 
the nature and extent of a brother's disease, etc, before he 
shall receive weekly benefits. Held, The provision does not 
conflict with the Constitution. The Lodge has the right to re- 
quire from sick or disabled members any practicable and 

*In this case the Grand Lodge modified the decision of the committee by holding 
that the brother was entitled to benefits from the time of reporting to the relief com- 
mittee, which perhaps, was not exact justice. 



COMMON LAW. 327 

reasonable information relative to their sickness or dis- 
ability. — Rep. of com. on Laiv. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1883, 58, 116. 

455. Benefits, Lodge not Liable for where 
Brother Renounces the Order : Where a member by 
confession to the priest renounces the Order, and informs the 
C. C. that he has so renounced the Order, and the C. C. reports 
the facts to the Lodge. Held, That where the brother has 
voluntarily renounced the Order, and in a manner which rend- 
ers necessary a violation of his obligation to the Order, he 
clearly has no further claim on his Lodge or the Order.* — Dec. 
of W. T. Baily, G. C. G. L., D. C, Jour. 1878, 152, 170 

456. Benefits: Reduction of Pursuant to 

Amendment to By-Laws Legal : Where a Lodge is pay- 
ing benefits to a sick brother according to its By-Laws, and 
where in the meantime the By-Laws are amended reducing 
weekly benefits. Held, That where the By-Laws have been 
legally submitted to the Lodge and acted upon, and said By- 
Laws having been approved by the committee on Law, and the 
Grand Chancellor, they take effect immediately upon official 
notice having been given the Lodge of such approval, and ben- 
efits can only be demanded in accordance with the provision of 
said By-Law. — Dec. of T. G. Sample, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1880, 28, 176. 

457. Benefits: Maybe Reduced During Sick- 
ness of a Member : By amendment to its By-Laws, a 

Lodge may reduce its benefits during the sickness of a mem- 
ber, and all members of the Lodge, whether sick or well, be- 
come subject thereto. G. L. Cal., Jour. 1879, 1356, 1377. 

458. Benefits: Amount of may be Regulated 
by the Lodge at any Time : On the query, to wit : "Do 
the By-Laws, reducing weekly benefits, affect a brother who 
may be under the care of the Lodge ?" Held, The question 
of the amount of weekly benefits, above the minimum fixed by 
the general Laws, is one over which the Lodge has absolute 
control, and if the By-Laws provide for amendments, there is 
no reason why the benefits may not be increased or diminished 

*It would seem that the better practice is, in cases of this kind, to institute a 
formal investigation and trial, and if, in renouncing the Order, a brothher has violated 
his obligation he may be dealt with accordingly. (See Expo. , title Renouncing Order.) 



328 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

at any time, with this proviso, that the minimum must in all 
cases be paid. — Dec. of H. Linger/elder, G. C* 

G. L. Md., Jour. Feb. 1869, 55, 139. 

459, Benefits : To be Entitled to under Shield, 
Member must have Semi- Annual Pass Word: 

(See Belief, Sec. 2176.) G. L. Ohio, Jour. 1882, 763. 806. 

460. Benefits : Allowed as Matter of Right, not 
of Charity : The supreme Law contends that sick and fu- 
neral benefits shall not appear as a charity, but as a right, and 
that every member, be he sick or poor, should receive them, — 
Dec. of C. A. Mack, G. C. (See ante. Sees. 429-433.) 

G. L. Mich., Jour. 1882, 8, 50- 

401. Benefits : Fraction of Bays not Recognized 
when : Where a member is taken sick on the morning fol- 
lowing a Lodge meeting; Query, Would he be entitled to a 
full week's benefits at the next rsgular meeting ? Held, The 
member's sickness should be regarded as a week's sickness. 
Fractions of a day are not recognized in such matters. — Rep. 
of com. on Law. G. L. Pa., Jour. 1883, 44, 92. 

462. Benefits : Payable for Fractional Parts of 
a week : If a member is entitled, under the Laws, to benefits, 
is sick more than one week, he is entitled to receive weekly ben- 
efits so long as the sick visiting committee shall report him 
disabled, etc., for the actual time.f — Dec. af W. H. Williams, 
G. C. G. L. Conn., Jour. 1880, 8, 24. 

463. Benefits : Claim for, may be Allowed with- 
out Reference to Finance Committee: (See Bills 
and Accounts, Sec. 506.) G. L. Ala., Jour. 1880, 81, 220. 

464. Benefits : How Liability of Lodge for, De- 
termined in case of Doubt : Where a Lodge had been 
paying benefits to a brother and where a question arose as to 
whether the nature of his disability entitled him to benefits ; 
Held, Whenever there is a case of doubt as to the exact disa- 
bility of a brother claiming benefits, the Lodge should direct 

*The committee on Law reversed this decision but it does not appear that the re- 
port was acted upon. But this question is now well settled. 

+This may not be good Law, and does not accord with the rule in the last two pre- 
ceding sections. 



COMMON LAW. 329 

the relief committee to call in a respectable physician to exam- 
ine the brother, and upon his decision the Lodge should be 
guided. — Rep. of com. on Law. G. L. Pa. Jour., Jan., 1873, 108. 

465. Benefits : Payable where a Memoer is Par- 
tially Disabled : Where a member, who is an attorney at 
law, is unable to attend to his usual office work by reason of a 
dislocated shoulder, but is able to attend his office and give 
advice and counsel ; Held, He is entitled to benefits. — Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Pa. Jour., Jan., 1873, 132. 

466. Benefits : Member not Entitled to, if Able 
to Follow Ms Regular Business: Where a brother 
is the proprietor of a factory or other business house, and su- 
perintends it, purchasing materials for the same, sells the 
manufactured work and oversees the employes of the estab- 
lishment, and only works at the bench when he finds time from 
his other duties, and not as a regular occupation ; Held, His 
being disabled for work at the bench, and not for his regular 
business, would not entitle him to benefits, his disability not 
being such as contemplated by the Supreme or Grand Lodges 
in the payment of benefits. — Dec. of J. R. Carnahan, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour., 1881, 17, 63, 

467- Benefits : Member not Entitled to, if able 
to follow his Usual Vocation. Where a brother in 
good standing had the misfortune to break his arm, and while 
it prevents him from doing manual labor, he is able to super- 
intend the work placed in his charge and receives his regular 
salary therefor, Held, That while a member may be incapaci- 
tated from pursuing all the branches of his usual avocation, 
yet, if he is enabled to superintend his usual work, and does 
so, and receives his usual salary, he is in fact able to pursue 
his "usual avocation" and so is not entitled to benefits. 
—Rep. of com. on Law. G. L. Gal, Jour. 1882, 1730, 1740, 1752. 

468. Benefits: Member Entitled to though able to 
Superintend his Business : A brother sick and disabled, 
and unable to perform any manual labor, but goes to his place 
of business and superintends the same; as also the brother 
who goes to his place of business but is compelled to employ a 
man to attend to his business duties, are entitled to benefits. 

G. L., Md., Jour. 1883, 321, 334. 



330 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

469. Benefits : Liability of Lodge for, to member 
injured when : On the query, to-wit, "Is a Lodge compelled 
to pay sick benefits to a member when disabled by his calling, 
he being a member of a volunteer fire company ? Or when dis- 
abled in playing base ball?" Held, Volunteer fire companies 
being honorable and praiseworthy associations, a member in- 
jured in the performance of his duties, if in good standing is 
entitled to benefits. Base ball being a business, a calling of 
some who depend upon it for a living, if injured in the lawful 
pursuance of their calling, if in good standing are entitled to 
benefits. — Dec, of H. W. Long, G. C. 

G. L. N. J., Jour. 1881, 1231, 1261. 

470. Benefits: Lodge Liable for when paid to 

its members by another Lodge: Whenever a Sub. 
Lodge shall pay money, either by itself, or through a relief 
committee, to a member of another Lodge, who is entitled to 
such relief, under a relief shield, the Lodge of which the per- 
son relieved is a member, shall be responsible for the repay- 
ment to the Lodge, or relief committee, of the money so paid, 
and must promptly discharge such liability. (See Belief, Sec. 
2173 and note.) s. L. Jour., 1880, 1989, 2005. 

471. Benefits: Lodge not Liable for money ad- 
vanced to aid a member when: Where a Lodge ad- 
vances money to a member of another Lodge, on the individ- 
ual request of the member : Held, The latter Lodge is not re- 
sponsible for money so advanced without the authority of the 
Lodge, duly attested. — Appeal of Crescent Lodge of Ohio vs. 
Eureka Lodge of Rhode Island. S. L. Jour. 1880, 2009. 

472. Benefits may be Forfeited by non-pay- 
ment of Assessments : (See Fines, Sec. 1197.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2394, 2467. 

473. Benefits: Funeral: Compulsory Assess- 
ments in Payment of, not Approved : (See Sec. 1185, 
Mortuary Laws, Sec. 1604.) s. L. Jour., 1876, 1288, 1290, 1293. 

BLANKS. 

474. To be Furnished by Supreme Lodge : Re- 
solved, That the Supreme Lodge furnish the G. K. of E. & S. 
of each Grand Jurisdiction, and D. G. Cs. where no Grand 



COMMON LAW. 331 

Lodge exists, printed blanks to report to the S. C, S. K. of R. 
& S. and S. M. of E. all moneys paid by them to the Supreme 
Lodge, which shall be in the following form, to wit : 

Office of G. K. of E. & S. of the | 

Grand Jurisdiction of No. . . ) 

Dear Sir and Bro.: 

I herewith inclose my for the sum 

dollars in payment of 

Yours fraternally, 

, G. K. ofE. &S. 

To , S. K. of E. & S. 

Office of G. K. of E. & S. of the ) 

Grand Jurisdiction of No. . . . \ 

Dear Sir and Bro. : 

I have this day forwarded by the sum of 

dollars in payment of 

Yours fraternally, 

■-....., G. K. of R.&S. 

To , S. C. 

Office of G. K. of E, & S. of the 

Jurisdiction of No 

Dear Sir and Bro.: 

I have this day forwarded by the sum of 

dollars in payment of 

Your fraternally, 

, G.K. of R.&S. 

To.. S.M.ofE. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 698, 716. 

BLANK FOBMS. 

475. Those Submitted by the S. K. of R. & S. 
Declared Official : The blank forms now used by the S. 
K. of E. & S. for Grand Lodge returns were declared the offi- 
cial forms and the Grand Keeper of Eecords and Seals of each 
Jurisdiction must comply with said form in each and every 

particular item specifically called for. 

S. L. Jour. 1880, 20M. 

BANNEB. 

476. Adoption ot : In respect to the style of banner 
for the Order, the supreme Lodge adopted the following reso- 



332 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

lution presented by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Resolved, That 
our representatives to the Supreme Lodge be instructed to use 
their influence toward the adoption by the Supreme Lodge of a 
banner for the Order, and we most cordially endorse and 
recommend the design presented by Brother Chas. A. Bird, of 
Excelsior Lodge No. 9, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 687, 740, 742. 

4-77. Banner: May be used on Displays: Query: 
Can banners be used for display or parades, and if so, what 
should be the prescribed form, size of mounting for either 
Sub., Grand, or Supreme Lodges : Held, That the query was 
answered by the action of the Supreme Lodge on Doc. 29. 
(Doc. 29 referred to is the one set forth in the preceding section). 

S. L., Jour. 1873, 708, 740. 

478. Banner : A Lodge has no right to Design, 
or use when : On the query whether it would be proper for 
Sub. Lodge in getting up a banner, to be used in public pa- 
rade, to paint upon said banner the representation of any em- 
blem that, to them, may be appropriate to the Order, etc., 
Held, That the Supreme Lodge has provided a flag with de- 
signs, and that no flag should be used by the Order except that 
devised in strict conformity to the decree of the Supreme 

Lodge. — Hep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Ind., Jour. July, 1872, 193, 200. 
G. L. Ind., Jour. Jan. 1873, 67. 

BLACK BALL. 

479. Disclosing name of Brother Casting : Ques- 
tion concerning : The Supreme Lodge refused to answer 
the following query: "Is it not lawful for one member of a 
Lodge to be allowed to disclose to another member of the 
Lodge or Order, the name of a brother who may speak or vote 
against a candidate for membership" ; holding it to be a sub- 
ject for local legislation. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300. 

480. Black Ball: Member's Reasons for Cast- 
ing, Cannot foe called for : A member cannot be called 
upon to give his reasons for casting a black ball. — Dec. of W. 
H. Lee, G. C. G. L. Mass., Jour. 1879, 1057, 1090. 



COMMON LAW. 333 

481. Black Ball: Reasons for Casting Cannot 

"be Demanded : A member cannot be called upon to give 
his reasons for casting a black ball. — Dec. of T. H. Mannen, 
G- C. G. L. Ky. Jour., 1879, 587, 637. 

482. Black Ball : Member's Reasons for Cast- 
ing Cannot be Questioned even though Actuated 
by Malice : On the query, to-wit : "What redress has a re- 
jected applicant, or member recommending him, in case it can 
be proved that the parties blackballing him were actuated by 
malice?" Held, None. The ballot is secret and no brother can 
be required to state how he voted, and if he voluntarily dis- 
closes his vote, his integrity cannot be questioned, and the 
members casting black balls cannot be required to give their 

leasons. — Dec. of R. B. Mitchell, G. C. 

G. L. Nev. Jour., 1883. 626. 

483. Blackball : Dropping Name from List of 
applicants does not have the effect to : (See Eejection, 
Sec. 2198.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 40. 

484. Black Ball: Number necessary to reject 
without new ballot. (See Ballot, Sec. 294.) 

G. L. Cal. Jour., 1882, 1671, 1745, 1753. 

485 Black Ball : Subordinate Lodges may fix 
the number necessary to reject when : A Subordinate 
Lodge may legislate that one black ball may reject a candi- 
date, but cannot go beyond the maximum of two, established 
by the Supreme Lodge. — Dec. of S. H. Goddard, G. C. 

G. L. Nev. Jour., 1875, 93, 137. 

BIENNIAL SESSIONS. 

486. Grand Lodges have no right to hold : (See 

Grand Lodge, Sec. 1317 and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1945, 1980. 
S. L. Jour., 1877, 1413, 1429. 

BADGE. 

487. Design of for Past Chancellors and Knights 
Adopted : Supreme Scribe C. M. Barton, offered a beautiful 
design for badge for Past Chancellors and Knights, designed by 
brother T. W. Bacon, of New Haven, Conn. Design adopted. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 224. 



334 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

488. Badge: Description of Design not found: 
Rep. of Com. Concerning: At the instance of the Su- 
preme Chancellor, the committee on the state of the Order was 
instructed to report upon the design of the badge for Past 
Chancellors and Knights, mentioned in preceding section. 
The committee reported, that the design of the badge could 
not be found, and therefore unable to report any description of 
the badge referred to. (See Jewels, Sec. 1489.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1373, 1423. 

489. Badge: for Founder: Order concerning: 
Presentation of: (See Founder, Sec. 1148 to 1152.) 

S. L. Jour., 1868, 20. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1282. 

S.L. Jour., 1877, 1418. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1505, 1668. 

490. Badge: For Funerals: Description of : (See 
Funeral Badge, Sec. 1160, and note.) s. L. Jour., 1872, 620, 631. 

BOABD OF CONTEOL. 

491. For Endowment Rank: The trustees of the 
Supreme Lodge were authorized to appoint two members of 
the Supreme Lodge, and who should also be members of the 
Endowment Eank, who, with the Supreme Chancellor, should 
constitute the Board of Control of the Endowment Eank. 

S. L. Jour., 1880. 2077. 

493. Board: Of Control: For Ontario: (See 
Endowment Eank, Sec. 1068.) s. L. Jour. 1882, 2557. 

BANQUETS. 

493. Invitation to Declined : (See Public Celebra- 
tions, Sec. 2015.) S. L. Jour. 1877, 1432. 

BY-LAWS. 

494. Amendments to : May be Amended, when : 

Where an amendment to By-Laws is upon its passage at the 
time provided by Law, it is competent to change, alter, or 
amend, or add to the original amendment, nor is it necessary, 
that notice of the amendment to the amendment shall be con- 
current with the reading of the original amendment, nor is it 



COMMON LAW. 335 

required to lie over as if it was an original proposition. — Dec, 
of W. R. McCormick, G. C, G. L. Ills., Jour. 1883, 976, 1034. 

495. By-Laws: Denying Benefits : Valid, when: 

A By-Law, that, (declares) if the sickness of a member is 
caused by his own misconduct, he shall not be entitled to ben- 
efits, is valid. — Dec, of J, H. Drummond, G, C. 

G. L. Maine, Jour. 1877, 173, 237. 

496. By-Laws: Cannot Have a Retroactive 
Effect : A Lodge cannot pass a By-Law to take effect prior 
to its passage. It would be ex post facto, neither good in equi- 
ty, nor law. — Dec, of H a G. Allis, G. C. 

G. L. Ark., Jour. 1883, 119, 136. 

49?. By-Laws : Right of Committee on Law to 
Change or Correct : Where a Lodge submitted the draft 
of its By-Laws to two members of the Committee on L. & S., 
and these two members submitted a report changing the By- 
Laws, in this ; Art. II, Sec. 1, provided that the meetings be 
held on the 1st, and Sd, Thursdays of each month, deeming this 
to be in conflict with the constitution which required weekly 
meetings, it was changed so as to require the meetings of the 
Lodge to be held on Thursdays of each iveek. Held: That the 
Committee on Law have no power to change the By-Laws of a 
Lodge. If the committee find the Laws unconstitutional, they 
may disapprove them, and may indicate wherein the objection 
lies, leaving the Lodge to correct its own By-Lavs. — Maj. Rep, 
of com. on Law, G. L. Cal., Jour. 1877, 1054, 1090. 

498. By-Laws: Construction of Law as to 
Amendments: On the query: "Where the By-Laws of a 
Subordinate Lodge provide that no alteration, amendment or 
addition, shall be made to the By-Laws, unless a proposition in 
writing, specifying such amendment, alteration or addition, be 
made at least two regular meetings previous to being acted 
upon." Could a Lodge, when such proposition came up to be 
acted upon, adopt an amendment offered to such proposition, 
which would in effect, amend the By-Laws in a different 
manner than that intended by the "proposition in writing" first 
made ? In other words, would not the proposition, as amended, 
have to be laid over for two regular meetings previous to fur- 



336 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ther action ? Held, That it is proper to amend an amendment 
to By-Laws that has been presented and laid over the proper 
time under rule, and to pass such amendment at the same 
meeting at which such amendment to the amendment to the 
By-Laws is offered. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Cal. Jour. 1883, 1911, 1930. 

499. By-Laws: Amendment to, Will Effect 
Change of Meeting Night Without Dispensation : 

It does not require a dispensation to change from semi-monthly 
to weekly meetings, a By-Law to that effect will answer the 
purpose. — Dec. of G. H. Harney, G. C. 

. G. L. Cal. Jour., 1883, 1823, 1925. 

500. By-Law : Void if in Conflict with the Gen- 
eral Law : Where the General Laws provide that the M. of 
F. shall serve on the relief committee, and a By-Law of the 
Lodge exempts him from that duty; Held, That the latter 

is void, — Rep of com. on Law. 

G. L. Ind. Jour., Jan., 1877, 26, 27. 

501. By-Laws: Amendments to go into Effect 
after Approval. Amendments to By-Laws are operative 
and binding upon the members of the Lodge only, after their 
approval by the committee on Law, and the G. C. — Rep. of 
com. on Law. (See Benefits, sec. 456.) 

G. L. Pa., Jou-r. 1880, 28, 176, 115, 122. 

502. By-Laws : Cannot be amended for a Defi- 
nite Time : (See Benefits, Sec. 448.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1879, 569, 696. 

503. By-Laws : A Sub. Lodge has no Right to 
charge for, when : A Lodge cannot charge their members 
with the By-Laws of the Lodge, and enter that charge at the 
end of the term as dues. — Dec. of E. W. Scott, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1876, 448, 546. 

504. By-Law: In Conflict with Constitution 
Void although Approved by Grand Lodge:— A 

By-Law not in accordance with the Constitution, general Laws, 
or usages of the Order, although it may have, inadvertently, re- 
ceived the sanction of the committee on Law, and the G. C, 
must cease to be operative whenever the Lodge is officially 
informed of the fact. — Dec. of P. Loivry, G. 0. 

G. L. Pa.. Jour. Jan. 1870, 540, 577. 



COMMON LAW. 337 

BUSINESS. 

505. Of Sub. Lodge must be Conducted in the 
Third Rank : A Lodge has no right to permit a ballot to be 
taken while open in the second rank, all business of the Lodge 
of whatsoever nature, — except the actual conferring of the 
ranks, — must be transacted in the Knight's rank, therefore the 
Lodge has no right to permit an Esquire to participate in a 
ballot, or permit him to observe the manner of voting or bal- 
loting,— Rep. of J. W. Wheeler, G. C. (See Sec. 624.) 

G. L. Kan., Jour. 1878, 8, 26, 34. 

BILLS AND ACCOUNTS. 

506. Reference of to finance committee does 
not include claim for benefits : Where a Lodge's By- 
Law require all bills and accounts to be referred to the finance 
committee before being paid : — Held, That this does not in- 
clude a claim for benefits reported by a relief committee, and 
that the ruling of the C. C. and the action of the Lodge in or- 
dering a warrant for the amount without such reference was 
legal and proper. — Dec. of G. F. Taylor, G. C. 

G. L. Ala. Jour., 1880, 81, 220. 

BLINDNESS. 

50? . Effect of an agreement to indemnify Lodge 
in case of: Where two applicants for membership had 
lost the sight of one of their eyes, each ; but as a condition to 
their admission agreed as follows : "I hereby agree to release 
the Lodge from liability, in case of permanent disability of 
both eyes." Held, That the agreement was binding upon the 
members who entered into it previous to their initiation. — Rep. 
of com. on Law. G. L. Pa. Jour., 1882, 539, 581. 

508. Blindness: Disqualifies applicant for 
membership : (See Applicant, Sec. 74.) 

G. L. Ind. Jour., 1881, 17, 63. 

BENEFICIAEY. 

509. May be a Friend: Construction of Law: 

There is no provision of Law which would authorize the Su- 
preme officers to reject an original application for membership 

22 



338 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

to the Endowment" Bank simply because the beneficiary named 
therein is designated as a "friend," and does not appear to be 
a relative of the applicant. There is a Law preventing the trans- 
fer of a certificate for a pecuniary consideration, or for any 
cause but "natural love and affection," but there is no such 
Law in reference to an original application. — Dec. of J. P. 
Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour. 1884, 2790, 3052. 

510. Beneficiary: Cannot be Deprived of En- 
dowment Fund, by Will: (See Endowment, Sec. 1040.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

511. Beneficiary: Change of for "Natural Love 
and Affection": Terms Defined: "Natural love and 
affection," is denned as "the affection which a husband, a fa- 
ther, a brother or other near relative, naturally feels towards 
those who are so nearly allied to them," and as a member of 
the E. E. cannot in this sense have a "natural love and affec- 
tiOxi" for his Lodge, he cannot assign his endowment policy to 
it, under the terms of the constitutional prohibition, found in 
Sec. 2, Art. IX. of the Endowment Eank constitution. — Dec. of 
J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

512. Beneficiary: Change of During Life of 

Member : When a member of a section has requested, in 
the prescribed form, a change of his beneficiary, the request 
being received and favorably acted upon by his section, and 
formal notice of such change under the seal of his section, 
has been received at the office of the S. M. of E., before the 
death of the member, the endowment is payable to the last 
named beneficiary, even though the old certificate has not been 
received at the office of the S. M. & E., until after the death of 
the member. No change should be made in the books of the 
S. M. of E., stating any event occuring after death, and no new 
certificates should be issued.* — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour. 1884, 2789, 3052. 

BALDEIC. 

513. Use of Abolished : Resolved, That the baldric 
is hereby abolished as part of the uniform of the Order, and its 
use in any rank is hereby prohibited. S. L. Jour. 1884, 3045. 

*See Sec. 2, Art. IX, Const. E. E. 



COMMON LAW. 339 

CONCLAVES. 

514. Of the Order of S. P. K. . Not Recognized : 

The Supreme Lodge having refused to recognize any higher 
degree, adopted a preamble and resolution warning the breth- 
ern against affiliating with any institution pretending to have 
any connection with the Knights of Pythias, and ordering that 
the preamble and resolution be sent officially to every Subor- 
dinate Lodge in the country. (See Higher Degree, 1383, S. P. 
K., 2333, and note.) S. L. Jour., 1868, 43. 

515. Conclaves: Approving Action of Supreme 
Chancellor in respect to : The Supreme Chancellor 
called the attention of the Supreme Lodge to the fact, that 
conclaves have been organized by members of the Order, on 
Sunday, denouncing the same. The action of the Supreme 
Chancellor was approved, and said Order denominated a 
hanger-on, and a drag to the prosperity of the Order of Knights 
of Pythias. S. L. Jour.. 1868, 27, 45. 

516. Conclaves: Committee of conference on: 

Pending a resolution requiring all members of the Order, who 
were members of the conclaves to withdraw therefrom, or suf- 
fer suspension, a committee of conference was appointed, 
which resulted in the exemplification of the ritual of the con 
claves before the Supreme Lodge, the members thereof obli- 
gating themselves to secrecy, and the resolution to suspend 
members of the conclave was indefinitely postponed. 

S. L. Jour., 1869, 102, 108, 110, 112. 

517. Conclaves: To be under control of the 
Supreme Lodge for one year: The Supreme Lodge 
resolved to take charge of all conclaves and place the control 
and government thereof in the hands of four members of the 
Supreme Lodge until the next annual session, and that the 
committee was to be admitted into all conclaves or official 
business connected with the Supreme Lodge. 

S. L. Jour., 1869, 114. 

COMMITTEES. 

518. Of Supreme Lodge: Shall be notified of 
Appointment and duties : It is the duty of the S. K. of 



340 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

E & S to notify the committees of their appointment and 
duties. (See S. K. of R & S., Sec. 2811.) g< ^ ^ ^ ^ 

519 Committees : Auditing : Authority of to 
Count Lodge money: (See Auditing Committee, Sec. 
277.) G. L. Nev. Jour., 1878, 316, 343. 

520. Comittees : Of Investigation . C. C. Eligi- 
ble to appointment on : On the query as to whether the 
V C. could appoint the C. C. on the committee of investigation 
on the petition of an applicant: Held, The V. C. has the 
right to appoint the minority of all committees unless other- 
wise ordered by the Lodge. The V. C. has the right to ap- 
point the C. C. on such committee if he deems proper, bearing 
in mind the restriction that such appointee shall not have 
recommended the applicant.— Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa. Jour., Jan.. 1872, 52, 53. 

521 Committee : Of Investigation on Petition 
of Applicant: Duties of Cease on Making Report : 

An investigating committee does not continue until the appli- 
cant is reported upon for the third rank, but is discharged on 
making report on the application. There is no written Law 
prohibiting committees being continued until the candidates 
have received the three ranks, but the constitution and usages 
of the Order evidently intend to convey the impression that the 
duties of the committee cease when the report is received on the 
qualification of the applicant.-^, g^g*^^ 

522. Committee : Of Investigation : What Mem- 
bers Exempt from : No member is exempt from service 
on investigating committee except the brother who recommends 
the candidate. But the rules of propriety ought to exclude the 
C C and V C, they having the appointing power.— Hep. oj 

O. Kj. dim v . v, , j & ^^ jQur ^ lg82} lgL 

com. on Law, 

523. Committee : On Appeals Cannot Legally act 
During Vacancy in: (See Co-tr-to 

524. Committee: on Appeals: Province of : No 
Authority to Re-try the Case or Hear new Evi- 
dence: On the Query, to wit: "Has the committee on ap- 



COMMON LAW. 341 

peals of the Grand Lodge a lawful right to refuse to hear evi- 
dence to prove the truth or falsity of matters set forth in an 
appeal, such evidence not having been heard by the Lodge 
when the case was on trial?" Held, Yes ; it is not only their 
right, but their duty to refuse to hear such evidence. The 
committee is not appointed for the purpose of re-trying cases, 
which have been already passed upon by the Lodge. The 
questions before the committee are merely these : 

1. Is the appeal in regular form, and was it made in proper 
time and manner ? 

2. Was the trial legally conducted ? 

3. Was the judgment of the Lodge legally imposed? 

4. Was the sentence legally imposed ? 

5. Is the sentence a legal one ? 

They are not the judges of the truth or falsity of the evi- 
dence given before the Lodge committee on charges ; The lat- 
ter is the sole judge of the weight to be attached to the evidence. 
The duty of the committee is with the record alone.— Dec. of 
W. J. MacMullan, G. C. G. L. Pa., Jour., July, 1873. 484-5. 

525. Committee : On Appeals : Decision of, final 
when : (See Appeals, Sec. 158.) 

So L. Jour. 1878, 1572. 

526. Committee : On Credentials and Returns, 
To be Furnished with Information as to Ar- 
rears of Grand Lodges : (See Arrears, Sec. 201.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2458. 

52?. Committee: Special: Of Supreme Lodge : 
Payment of Expenses of: On the resolution providing 
for the payment of the mileage and per diem to the special 
committee called to Indianapolis, (to the office of the S. M. of 
E.) on special work under instruction of the Supreme Lodge, 
the committee on finance report : Resolved, That mileage and 
per diem be allowed such members of special committees who 
are not members of the Supreme Lodge, and per diem only to 
those members who are representatives. 

S. L., Jour. 1878, 1572, 1608. 

528. Committee : Of Sub. Lodge : Have no Au- 
thority to pass upon the conduct of the Supreme 
Lodge or its Officers when: Where a document was 



342 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

presented to the Supreme Lodge purporting to be charges by a 
committee of a Sub. Lodge against certain Supreme Lodge of- 
ficers, Held, That the document should not go upon the jour- 
nal of the Supreme Lodge : That it related to a private specu- 
lation, and a covert attempt to advertize the same : that an 
improper and illegal course had been pursued in bringing it 
before the Supreme Lodge ; that the committee named in the 
same have no authority or right to pass upon the conduct of 
the Supreme Lodge or its officers except in the regular way 
and in accordance with the law; that the document makes 
harsh and unjust charges against members of the Order, and 
of this body upon ex parte testimony ; that the document be 
returned to the parties. — Doc. 74, presented by Hep. C ashman, 
of III.) S. L. } Jour. 1877, 1433, 1446, 1447. 

529. Committee : On Endowment Rank : Shall 
be Composed of Members of that Rank : (See E. R, 

Sec. 1080.) S. L. Jour. 1882, 2481, 2491. 

530. Committee: On Distribution of Grand 
Officers' Reports, may Recommend Action ; Where, 
upon reading the Grand Chancellor's report, it was ordered, 
that it be referred to a special committee of three for distribu- 
tion, and where said committee, instead of distributing the 
entire report, recommended that certain portion be approved. 
Held, on point of order raised, that the special committee 
might make such recommendation. — Rid. ofO. M. Shedd, G. C. 

G. L. N. Y. Jour., 1881,47. 

531. Committee : On Law and Supervision : 
Authority of to Change By-Laws: (See By-Laws, 
Sec. 497.) G. L. Cal. Jour., 1877, 1054, 1090. 

532. Committee: Of Supreme Lodge: Who 
Eligible on : The practice having obtained to some extent 
of appointing members of the Order on Supreme Lodge com- 
mittees who were not members of the Supreme Lodge, it was 
Resolved, That none others than Past Supreme Chancellors, 
officers of, and representatives to, this Supreme Lodge, are 
eligible to appointment, either upon standing or special com- 
mittees thereof .—Rep. of Com. on L. and S. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1607. 



COMMON LAW. 343 

533. Committee : Should not Report on Mat- 
ters not Properly Before Them: When committees 
find subjects improperly before them, or not within their pre- 
scribed duties to consider, they should ask that such subjects 
be referred to the proper committee. — Recommendation of S, S. 
Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1229. 

r 534. Committee : Liable to Fine for Failing to 
JReport, but Entitled to Hearing : (See Fine, Sec. 1210.) 

G. L., Va., Jour. 1875, 17, 18. 

535. Committee: Subject to Fine for Failing 
to Report, when : (See Fines, Sec. 1199.) 

S. L. Jour. 1880,.2011.. 

536. Committee : Reports of may be made by 
Chairman, when : Where a Lodge provided by Law, for 
fining committees which failed to report at each stated meet- 
ing ; Held, The individual members of committees are not re- 
quired to report, that, the chairman's report is sufficient, and 
answers for all, except on final report, which must be signed 
by a majority of the committee. — Rep. of com. on Laio, as mod- 
ified by the Grand Lodge. G. L. Pa., Jour., Feb. 1875, 385. 

Aug. 1875, 53. 

537. Committee : Appointment of After Close 
of Lodge Illegal : Where the C. C. appointed an auditing 
committee after the close of the Lodge ; Held, The appoint- 
ment was illegal. Auditing committees should be appointed 
in open Lodge at the last meeting in the term.* — Rep of com. on 
Law. G-. L. Pa., Jour. Aug. 1876, 477, 484. 

COLOKED LODGES. 

538. Supreme Chancellor authorized to make 
Public Declaration concerning : Resolved. That this 
Supreme Lodge does not recognize Lodges of this Order com- 
posed of ladies, persons under age or colored persons, and the 
Supreme Chancellor is authorized to make such public decla- 
ration or publication of this fact, as he may in his judgment 
deem necessary to prevent deception or imposition. — Rep. of 
oom. on S. of O. S. L. Jour., 1871, 382. 

*There is perhaps no good reason for this rule . 



344 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

539. Colored Lodges: Petition for tabled: A 

petition for a large number of colored men, asking the Supreme 
Lodge to authorize the institution of Lodges for colored K. of 
P. was upon motion tabled. (See Petition, Sec. 1825.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1628. 

540. Colored Lodges : Reaffirming Former De- 
cision Concerning : Resolved, That, this Supreme Lodge 
reaffirms its former position and decision, that Lodges com- 
posed of colored persons cannot be formed under the Jurisdic- 
tion of this Supreme Lodge, nor can colored persons be ad- 
mitted as members in any Subordinate Lodge of this Order. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 379, 383. 

CONSTITUTION. 

541. Of Grand Lodges to toe Deposited with S. 

K. of R„ and S. (See Grand Lodge, Sec. 1296.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 426, 1870, 175. 

542. Constitution: of Grand Lodge: Amend- 
ments to must be Approved: (See Appeal, Sec. 157.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1619. 

543. Constitution: Repeal of Old: On the adop- 
tion of the new Constitution, in 1874, the old Constitution was 
repealed, as was also all inconsistent legislation. 

S. L. Jour,, 1874, 947. 

544. Constitution : The Right of Grand Lodge to 
Supersede hy Resolution : (See Grand Lodge, Sec. 1294 ; 
Appeal and note, Sec. 149.) s. L. Jour., 1870, 205, 206 

545. Constitution: Obligatory Portions: Query: 
Are the obligatory portions of the Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges adopted by the Supreme Lodge, considered appli- 
able to Subordinate Lodges under jurisdiction of a Grand 
Lodge, or only to Subordinate Lodges under the immediate 
control of the Supreme Lodge ? Ans: By the committee : That 
the obligatory portions of the Constitution apply to all Subor- 
dinate Lodges. (See Obligatory Laws, Sec. 1765.) 

S..L. Jour., 1872, 536, 579. 



COMMON LAW. 345 

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW. 

546. Motion Conflicting therewith is out of Or- 
der : A motion to adopt the report of a committee recom- 
mending the abolishment of the apron used as outside regalia, 
was ruled out of order inasmuch as it would require an amend- 
ment to the Constitution to change the Law in that respect. 
—Rul. of S. Read, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1870, 190, 191. 

647. Constitutional Law: Right of Grand 
Lodge to Supersede Constitution by Resolution : 

The right of a Grand Lodge to supersede its Constitution by 
resolution was upheld by the Supreme Lodge. (See Grand 
Lodge, Sec. 1294. (Appeal, Sec. 149, and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 205, 206, 

548. Constitutional Law : Casting Ballot : Elec- 
tion of Officers : To a motion that a member be author- 
ized to cast the vote of the Supreme Lodge where there was 
but one nominee a point of order was raised, that the Consti- 
tution declares that the election of officers must be by ballot : 
Held, That the point was not well taken, as the body was com- 
petent to designate any member to cast the ballot for them. 
Held further, that those who voted against the motion had an 
inherent right to cast their indvidual vote. — Rul. of S. Read, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1870, 194, 195, 196. 

549. Constitutional Law: A By-Law in Con- 
flict with, void: (See By-Law, Sec. 500.) 

G. L. Ind., Jour. Jan., 1877, 26, 27. 

550. Constitutional Law : Right of a Subordi- 
nate Lodge to levy Assessments : (See Assessments, 
Sec. 22.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 2058. 

551. Constitutional Law: Power of Supreme 
Lodge to Authorize Meinuer to Travel : (See Organi- 
zation of Lodges, Sec. 1775.) S. L. Jour., 1871, 427, 428. 

552. Constitutional Law: Amendments Pro- 
posed may be Amended when : An amendment to the 
Constitution being under consideration, it is perfectly compe- 
tent for the Lodge to amend the amendment, in any of the fol- 



346 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

lowing forms, viz : To add or insert certain words, — or to strike 
out certain words, and insert other words. — Dec. of D. B. Wood- 
ruff, S. C, sustaining the G. C. 

G. L., D. C, Jour, of Nov. 1879, 245, 246. 

553. Constitutional Law: The Supreme Lodge 
Constitution Paramount : (See Banks, Sec. 2235.) 

S. L. Jour. 1884. 2776, 2988. 

CONSTEUCTION OP CONSTITUTION. 

554. On Creation of Past Grand Chancellor: 

(See P. G. C, Sec. 1846.) s. L. Jour., 1876, 1283, 1286. 

555* Construction of Constitution : Meaning of 
term " Full Vote : " The Constitution of the Grand Lodge 
of Kansas provides that : " When a question arises concerning 
a Sub. Lodge the vote shall be taken by Lodges, when the rep- 
resentative or the representatives of each Lodge present shall 
cast the full vote of his or their Lodge," The Grand Chan- 
cellor ruled, that the "full vote" meant the number of repre- 
sentatives to which the Lodge was entitled. On appeal from 
this decision, Held, That the decision of the Grand Chancel- 
lor was correct. (Appeal of R. H. Atwood vs the G. L. of Kan- 
sas.) S. L. Jour. 1878, 1617. 

556. Construction of Constitution: Terms of 
Grand Lodges : Effect of Change in Time of Meet- 
ing: Where a Grand Lodge changed its time of meeting, 
shortening the term of its officers thereby: Held, That 
f -he session was valid, and the terms and honors of the offi- 
cers were not affected. (See Grand Lodge, 1318.) 

S. L. Jour. 1880, 1969, 1988, 2004. 

551. Construction of Constitution: Clause in 
Respect to Appropriation of Funds Construed: 

Where the Constitution provided that all questions on motions, 
which affect the By-Laws, involve an appropriation or expendi- 
ture of money, remove an officer, etc., shall require the concur- 
rence of two-thirds of the valid votes cast ; Held, that a vote 
adopted by a majority of five to four, authorizing the chairman 
of the "sick committee" to hire a competent nurse to sit up 
with sick members, at any expense not to exceed $7.00 per 



COMMON LAW. 347 

week, the amount to be equally assessed upon the members of 
the Lodge, was in conflict with the Constitution, inasmuch as, 
it was an "appropriation of money" and it did not receive a two- 
third vote.* — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G, L. D. C, Jour. Jan. 1873, 593. 

CONSTEUCTION OF LAWS. 

558. Re-Election of Grand Chancellor : Effect 

of: The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts re-elected the Grand 
Chancellor, the Grand Chancellor decided by reason of his re- 
election, the G. V. P., would hold over, which decision the Grand 
Lodge reversed, and proceeded to elect a G. V. P. On appeal 
to the Supreme Lodge. Held, The Grand Lodge of Massa- 
chusetts exceeded its powers in electing a G. V. P., after the 
re-election of their Grand Chancellor, t — Appeal of W. W. 
Gray, vs. G.L., of Mass. g. L., Jour., 1871, 380, 392. 

559. Construction of Laws : Defining Force of 
Obligatory Laws. (See Obligatory Laws Sec. 1765.) 

S. L., Jour., 1873, 699, 734. 

560. Construction of Laws: Right of Grand 
Lodge to Legislate Concerning Arrears and S. A. 

P. W : Pending the consideration of a resolution declaring 
that a Grand Lodge was authorized to legislate concerning 
arrears, and the right of a brother to the S. A. P. W., a point 
of order was raised to the effect, that Item 4 of Sec. I, Art. I, 
of the Constitution gives all matter of Pass Words to the Su- 
preme Lodge, as also does Art. XVI. (See Appendix.) Held, 
not well taken, that the resolution was not in conflict with the 
supreme Laws. (See S. A. P. W., Sec. 2436.) 

S. L., Jour., 1875, 1121. 

561. Construction of Laws: As to Payment of 
Officers and Representatives : Construing the follow- 
ing clause of the G. L. Constitution, to wit. : " The Grand Lodge 

♦The soundness of this decision may be questioned on one ground, viz : The 
Lodge proposed to meet this expense by an assessment. It does not appear that the 
money was to be taken out of the exchecquer, and it is plainly inferable that the Con- 
stitutional inhibition applies only to Lodge funds. 

fThis ruling would hardly seem to be in consonance with any principle of reason 
or justice now, and it is certainly in conflict with the usage and custom, obtaining in 
many of the Jurisdictions. To say that a Past Grand Chancellor holds over, in the 
event of there-election of a Grand Chancellor, in these days of Pythian progress,would 
be to call down upon one a torrent of criticism. See Expo, title, Eligibility, where this 
question is discussed, also Sitting P. C 



348 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

shall pay the actual and necessary expenses of its officers and 
representatives." The G. G. ruled that, "Actual and necessary 
expenses," meant actual railroad fare going to and returning 
from the session of the Grand Lodge, meals on the route, 
sleeping car fare, and hotel bill while the Grand Lodge was in 
session. Objection was raised to this construction, on the 
ground that the Grand Lodge had not paid for sleeping car 
fare, or meals on the route, foi the last two sessions, and for 
this reason the chair was, on appeal, reversed. — RuLofA. 
Brandt. G. C. G. L. Ga., Jour. 1881, 345. 

562. Construction of Laws : As to Payment of 
Officers and Representatives : Rule Adhered to : 

On request, to define what constitutes the traveling expenses 
of officers and representatives, the G. C, ruled in accordance 
with the previous legislation, (as set forth in the preceding sec- 
tion,) whereupon it was moved that the actual traveling expen- 
ses of representatives and officers, shall include sleeping car 
fare and meals on the road, to which a point of order was 
raised, on the ground that it had been, decided by the last 
Grand Lodge, that sleeping car fare and meals should not be 
allowed, which was held well taken, that the motion was out of 
order. On appeal, the chair was reversed, the motion then 
being put to vote, was carried fifteen to three.* — Rid. ofS. C. 
Roberts, G. C. G. L. Ga., Jour. 1882, 362. 

563. Construction of Laws: Meaning of Term 
" Clear of the Books :" On a query, propounded. Held, 
Any member owing less than one-quarter's dues stands "clear 
of the books."— Dec. J. E. Mitchell, G. G. 

G. L., D. C. Jour. Jan. 1881, 342, 343. 

564. Construction of Laws. A Vacancy in Com- 
mittee on Appeals Disqualifies Committee from 
Acting: Where the Laws provide that the committee on 
appeals shall consist of three, and where the chairman resigns, 
thus leaving a vacancy in the committee, it cannot legally act 
upon appeals before it while such vacancy exists. It can be 
clearly seen and understood that, with but two members of 

*This construction placed upon the words " actual and necessary traveling expen- 
ses" seems to be a reasonable one, and it is inserted here for the consideration of such 
Grand Jurisdictions as have similar constitutional provisions. The S. L. has taken 
similar action in respect to the same question — Jour. 1884. In connection with this 
matter the G. C. held that the appeal from his decision was not debatable, a ruling 
at variance with a universally conceded principle of parliamentary Law. — See Expo. 
Appeal. 



COMMON LAW. 349 

that committee the contemplation of the Law will be defeated. 
—Rep. of com. on Law. G. L., D. C., Jour. 1883, 433, 435. 

565. Construction of Laws: As to Decision of 
Medicial Examiner-in- chief s (See Medical Examiner- 
in-chief, Sec. 1669.) S. L., Jour. 1884, 2788, 3052. 

CHARTEE. 

566. For Subordinate Lodges : By whom Signed : 

Where Lodges are organized by authority of the Supreme 
Chancellor and a Grand Lodge is afterward instituted and in- 
vested with authority over the Jurisdiction, it becomes a ques- 
tion for the Grand Lodge to determine what names shall appear 
on the Charters of the Lodges under dispensation, and is not 
under the control of the Supreme Chancellor. — Dec. ofS. Read, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1872. 466, 612. 

567. Charter : Must he present in Lodge room : 

The Lodge has no right to work without its Charter, or Dis- 
pensation present in the Lodge room. 

S. L. Jour. 1872, 564, 585. 

568. Charter: Work Illegal Without: Lodges, 
Grand and Subordinate, work illegally without the Charter or 
Dispensation in the Lodge or ante room. — Dec. of H. C. Berry, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 36. 

569. Charter : Of Subordinate Lodge : Surren- 
dered: Disposition Of: It was held by the Supreme 
Lodge that the disposition of a surrendered Charter was a mat- 
ter of local legislation. (See Local Legislation, Sec. 1572,) 

S. L. Jour. 1873, 693, 752. 

570 Charter: Optional with Lodge to Exhibit 
it on Demand of Visiting Brother : A Knight in good 
standing and evidencing the sama to a proper officer or party, 
mayor can ask to see the Charter or Dispensation of the Lodge, 
but there is no law or usage warranting a demand therefor, 
there being no clandestine organization of our Order, I should 
say that it is optional with a Lodge to do so, or not, at its pleas- 
ure.— Dec. ofH. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 1934.) 

S. L. Jour. 1873, app. 39. 



350 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

571, Charter: Of Subordinate Lodge: Forfei- 
ture of: Local Legislation : As to the number of fail- 
ures to hold stated meetings so as to work a forfeiture of Char- 
ter, it was held to be a subject of local legislation. (See Local 
Legislation, Sec. 1563.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1285, 1299. 

5*72. Charter: Destruction of: Warrant may 
Issue in Lieu Thereof: Where a Grand Lodge suffered 
the loss of its charter by fire, the action of the Supreme Chan- 
cellor in issuing a dispensation or warrant of authority, author- 
izing said Grand Lodge to continue in the exercise of every pre- 
rogative enjoyed under its charter until the next session of the 
Supreme Lodge, was approved. — Action o/D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1823, 2015. 

573. Charter : Of Subordinate Lodge Cannot be 
Surrendered, when: Resolved, That no Subordinate 
Lodge shall be allowed to dissolve or surrender its charter 
by vote so long as nine members remain willing to sustain 
the Lodge, except by permission of the Grand Lodge, or during 
the recess of the Grand Lodge, by the Grand Chancellor of the 
Jurisdiction. S. L. Jour., 1872, 563, 594. 

574. Charter : Granted in lieu of old one lost, 
what Names shall Appear on : In case a Lodge Charter 
is lost and the Grand Lodge grants another, the names ap- 
pearing on the same shall be as on the original.* — Dec. of G. 
P. Appleton, G. C. G. L„ N. H. Jour., 1883, 89,104. 

575. Charter : Of Subordinate Lodge : Cannot be 
Altered except by Grand Lodge : On the query as to 
whether the name of a Grand officer, appearing upon the 
Charter could be expunged therefrom : Held, The Charter of 
a Subordinate Lodge being an official act of the Grand Lodge, 
cannot be altered in any manner except by legislation of the 
Grand Lodge. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Md. Jour., 1876, 104, 155 

576. Charter: Erasing names from, Illegal: 

Where a Lodge asked permission to erase from its Charter 
four names and insert four others : Held, A Charter once filled 

*The Supreme Lodge has left this matter to the Grand Lodges, (See ante. Charter) ; 
and it is for them to say what shall be the form of a new charter issued in the place of the 
one lost • of course it should be a duplicate, if possible. 



COMMON LAW. 351 

up becomes, as it were, perpetual ; each and every name en- 
tered are those of the charter members of the Lodge, no 
matter what may become of them in after years : they may be 
suspended or withdraw, no authority can be given to erase the 
names : such a transaction, (the erasure) would revoke the 
Charter. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa. Jour., Aug. 1875, 80-81. 

CHAETEE MEMBEES. 

577. Rank Tax Chargeable For: (See Eank Tax, 
Sec. 2237.) S. L., Jour. 1877, 1406, 1438. 

5K8. Charter Members: Must be Balloted for 

When : After a Lodge has been instituted, its dispensation 
handed over, and its officers installed, it is then working under 
the Constitution, and all applicants who did not receive their 
ranks on the night of institution must then apply in regular 
form.*— Dec. of T, W. Deering, G. C. 

G. L. Kan., Jour. Sept. 1873, 13, 31. 

579. Charter Members: Person Cannot be Ac- 
cepted, as When: A person who has been rejected by a 
Lodge, cannot be accepted as a charter member of a new 
Lodge.— Rep. of com. on Law. G. L. Miss., Jour. 1880, 89. 

580. Charter Members: Designation of: Upon 
the query ; to wit : "Who are charter members ?" Held, Those 
who apply for dispensation. — Dec. of C.A. Brown, G. C. 

G. L. Ky., Jour. 1872, 11, 26. 

CHAETEE PLATES. 

581. For the Printing of Charters, Procured by 
the Supreme Lodge : In order that all Charters, and the 
price thereof, might be uniform, the Supreme Chancellor rec- 
ommended that the Supreme Lodge issue all Charters, and to 
that end, to purchase the Charter Plates, then owued by the 
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The Supreme Lodge adopting 

*This is certainly not in accordance with the practice of the Lodges, nevertheless 
it ought to be the Law. Some instituting officers in working up a Lodge, will procure 
a large number of names to the petition, and then, on the night of institution, confer 
the ranks on a few only, leaving the Lodge to confer the ranks on the remainder "for 
practice." This is well enough, perhaps, but the Lodges, too frequently confer these 
ranks without even electing the applicants, much less requiring them to make appli- 
cation. 



352 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

these recommendations, authorized the purchase of the Char- 
ter Plate, and appointed a committee for that purpose. At the 
following session the committee reported that the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania had generously presented the Plate to the 
Supreme Lodge, — Recdm. of S. Read, S. C. 

S. L. Jour. 1869, 68. 120. 
Eep. of com. S. L. Jour. 1870, 175. 

CHAKTEE BOOKS. 

582. Term of: Unknown to the Law: Upon fre- 
quent application for a dispensation To open the Charter books 
of a Lodge that it might receive members or applications for a 
less sum than that fixed by the Constitution, the Supreme 
Chancellor says ; "I have failed to find anything in your Laws 
which recognizes such a thing as 'Charter Books,' in the sense 
in which it is used, and I have invariably declined to recognize 
it officially." Held, "That under the existing Constitution the 
ruling of the Supreme Chancellor relative to opening Charter 
Books, so called, is correct. s. L. Jour. 1875, 1033, 1113. 

583. Charter Books : Cannot he Opened hy Dis- 
pensation : There can be no dispensation, to open Charter 
Books, granted. The only way that more than one rank can be 
conferred on the same evening is by granting a dispensation 
in each case, and payment of the fee for each rank. — Dec. of 
T. G. Sample, G. C. G. L. Pa. Jour. 1880, 25, 176. 

CHANCELLOB COMMANDER. 

584. Entitled to Rank of Past Chancellor, 
When : A brother having served as Chancellor, at the instal- 
lation of his successor, is entitled to the rank, but is not a Past 
Chancellor in full until he has been obligated and instructed ; 
though I see no good reason why he may not wear a Past 
Chancellor's regalia in his own Lodge during the interim be- 
tween the time of service and the Grand Lodge session.— Dec. 
of S. Read, S. C. (See Sees. 1913, 1916.) 

S. L., Jour 1872, 468, 613. 

585. Chancellor Commander: Entitled to the 
Rank, when : Although the records may fail to show the 
Chancellor Commander was actually installed, if in fact he 



COMMON LAW. 353 

was, and served his full term, he is entitled to the rank of P. 
C. — Appeal of Red Cross Lodge vs. G. L. of Ohio. 

S. L., Jour. 1877, 1447. 

586. Chancellor Commander : Eligible To The 
Hank of Past Chancellor and Office of Grand Rep- 
resentative, when: (See Grand Eep., Sec. 1356.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

587. Chancellor Commander: Eligibility Of 
After Passing The Chair: A C. C, after passing the 
Chair, is entitled to the rank of P. C, and is eligible as Eep- 
resentative to his Grand Lodge ; but the P. C. rank being a rit- 
ualistic one, and fully provided for in the Grand Lodge Eitual, 
can only be conferred in the Grand Lodge, with its attendant 
ceremonies. A P. C. in full, is one who has been regularly 
obligated and instructed in the Grand Lodge, in that rank. — 
Dec. ofE. T. Sykes, G. C. G. L. Miss., Jour. 1881, 11, 68. 

588. Chancellor Commander : On Re-Election 
Of- Chair of P. C. How Filled : A C. C. may be re- 
elected from among the Past Chancellors of the Lodge.* — Dec. 
of J. S. Cain, G. C. Dec of E. T. Sykes, G. C. (See Sec. 
1882.) G. L. Miss., Jour. 1876, 28, 55. Jour. 1881, 7, 68. 

589. Chancellor Commander : Not Entitled to 
Honors of Office Upon Resignation : If a C. C. resigns 
before his term of office expires, he is not entitled to the honors 
of P. C. He must serve a full term. — Dec. of J. A . Hinsey, G. C. 

G. L. Wis., Jour. 1883, 637, 741. 

590. Chancellor Commander: Is Eligible to 
Office of Grand Representative, when : A retiring 
C. C. is eligible to the office of Grand Eepresentative as soon 
as his successor is installed. — Dec. of T. R. Hicks, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour. 1882, 13, 40. 

* It will be seen that Miss, has adhered to this rule since 1876. It is undoubt- 
edly a reasonable and sensible rule ; Miss, however, has gone a step farther than 
seems to be wal ranted by the Law. Both Grand Chancellors held that the office of 
the P. C. could be filled by election from among the Knights. This might be true if 
the Lodges were authorized to create a P. C. in the event of the re-election of the C. 
C, but this the Lodge cannot do until the C. C. has served out his second term, in 
which case the Lodge could create a P. C. to receive the honors of the term, and then 
elect him to the office of P. C. It is well understood that even this has not been 
the accepted theory in many of the Jurisdictions, but there is no Tftlid reason why it 
should not be. 

23 



354 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

591. Chancellor Commander: Is Eligible to 
the Office of Grand Representative, when: (See 
Grand Bepresentative, Sec. 1364.) 

G. L. Mo., Jour. 1875, 147; Jour. 1877, 241. 

592. Chancellor Commander : Elected to Serve 
Unexpired Term is Entitled to P. C.'s Certificate: 

(See P. C., Sec. 1945.) G. L. W. Va., Jour. 1880, 7, 29. 

593. Chancellor Commander: Entitled to the 
Rank of P. C, without Service as Such. Where a 
C. C. is re-elected, but resigns before the close of his second 
term, Held, He is entitled to the rank of P. C, although he 
has not served as P. C. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Cal., Jour. 1877, 1070, 1085. 

594. Chancellor Commander : Entitled to Rank 
of Pi C. for Service When no Vacancy has been 
Declared : (See P. C. Sec. 1921.) 

G. L. Cal., Jour. 1879, 1303, 1351, 1357. 

595. Chancellor Commander : Entitled to Hon- 
ors Without Actual Service where Office has not 
been Declared Vacant. (See Honors, Sec. 1395.) 

G. L. Ind., Jour. July 1877, 26, 27. 

596. Chancellor Commander: Entitled To 
Rank of P. C, where Lodge Surrenders Charter 
on Last Night of Term. (See P. C. Sec. 1913.) 

G. L. Cal., Jour. 1881, 1538, 1602, 1604. 

597. Chancellor Commander : Entitled to Rank 
of P. C. Without Installation, when: (See Honors, 
Sec. 1392.) G. L. Maine, Jour. 1876, 113, 139. 

598. Chancellor Commander. On Re-Election 
is entitled to Honors Immediately After Instal- 
lation : (See Honors, Sec. 1393.) 

G. L. Maine, Jour. 1878, 284, 343. 

599. Chancellor Commander: Taking Card at 
End of Term : Entitled To Rank of P. C. : The 

G. C. decided, that a C. C. taking his card at the end of his 
term as such officer, was not entitled to the honors of P.C., 



COMMON LAW. 355 

but this the Grand Lodge reversed.*— Dec, of M. T. Badgley, 
G. C G. L., N. J., Jour. 1875, 597, 689. 

600. Chancellor Commander : not Entitled 
to Rank of Past Chancellor, when: Where a 
Lodge surrenders its charter two months after the election 
of officers; Held, The Chancellor Commander was not 
entitled to the rank of Past Chancellor. (See P. C. See's. 
1913, 1921, 1932.) S. L. Jour. 1877,, 1439. 

601. Chancellor Commander: Decisions of Fi- 
nal, when : The decisions of a Chancellor Commander upon 
all questions of a legal and ritualistic nature are final, until 
reversed by higher authority, therefore a Chancellor Command- 
er may refuse to entertain any motionwhich is in contravention 
of any law of either the Supreme or Grand Lodges, and the 
Subordinate Lodge cannot compel him to entertain any such 
motion. The only remedy for the Lodge is to appeal. — Bee. of 
W. H. Lee, G. C. G. L. Mass. Jour., 1878, 1001, 1019. 

60S. Chancellor Commander: Is Gnilty of Of- 
ficial Misconduct, when : A Chancellor Commander who 
confers the rank of Page on a candidate who refuses to comply 
with the requirements of the Eitual is guilty of official miscon- 
duct. (See Candidate, Sec. 746.) 

G. L. Mass. Jour., 1877, 903, 938. 

603. Chancellor Commander: May Compel 
Members to Vote, when : (See Voting, Sec. 2682.) 

G. L. Mass. Jour., 1878, 1000, 1019. 

604. Chancellor Commander: Must open and 
close Lodge in due form: (See Opening Ceremonies, 
Sec. 1811.) G. L -> !owa Jour., 1881, 575, 598. 

G. L. Mass. Jour., 1878, 283, 343. 

605. Chancellor Commander : Is the Only One 
Authorized to Communicate the S. A. P. W. (See 
S. A. P. W., Sees. 2426, 2432.) G. L. N. J. Jour., 1874, 473, 566. 

G. L. 111. Jour., 1875, 262, 322. 

606. Chancellor Commander: May Communi- 
cate the S. A. P. W. Outside Lodge Room, when: 

On the query, "Can a C. C. of any Lodge instruct a brother in 

* This same G. C. also decided that a C. C. could not be re-elected, as it was nec- 
essarv he serve one term as Jr. P. C. This, however, has been held in other Jurisdic- 
tions," but it is now pretty well settled that, actual service as Jr. or sitting P. C. is not 
essential. 



356 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the P. W., outside of the Lodge room, knowing the brother is 
in good standing? Held, Yes. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Ind. Jour. Jan. 1877, 87. 

607. Chancellor Commander: Cannot Author- 
ize a Member to Communicate to Another the 

S. A. P. W. (See S. A. P. W., Sec. 2427.) 

G. L. Va., Jour. 1881, 44. 

608. Chancellor Commander : May Not Instruct 
a Visitor in Pass Words, when : It is not proper for 
a C. C. to instruct a visiting brother in the Pass Words oi the 
ranks, he being in possession of the S. A. P. W., unless he pre- 
sents a written order therefor. s. L. Jour. 1878, 1508, 1607. 

609. Chancellor Commander: Can Communi- 
cate the S. A. P. W. On Order, when: (See S. A. P. 
W., Sec. 2434.) S. L. Jour. 1875, 1042, 1114. Jour. 1876, 1228. 

610. Chancellor Commander: Cannot Appoint 
Committee on Charges, when: (See Charges, Sec. 

707.) G. L. Pa. Jour. Jan. 1870, 535, 546. 

611. Chancellor Commander : Right of, In Re- 
spect to Ballot : The C. C. has a right to vote upon any 
and all ballots —Dec. of S. P. OyW, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour. Jan. 1874, 159, 174. 

612. Chancellor Commander : Right of to Bal- 
lot on Petition of Candidate : (See Ballot, Sec. 325.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour. 1881, 327, 360. 

613. Chancellor Commander : Rights of In Re- 
spect to Voting : (See Voting, Sec. 2694.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour., July 1872, 373, 374. 

614. Chancellor Commander : Rights of in Re- 
spect to Voting. A C. C. has no right to vote, except on 
a question where the yeas and nays are ordered, election of 
candidates, or election of officers, and when the Lodge is 
equally divided, to give the casting vote. — Dec. of J. W. 
Thompson, G. C. G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan. 1870, 243, 260-1. 

615. Chancellor Commander : Rights of in Re- 
spect to Voting : A C. C. has the right to vote for candi- 



COMMON LAW. 357 

dates, and in the election of officers, and on all other questions 
where there is a tie. — Dec. of H. D. Walker, G. C. 

G. L. Iowa, Jour., July 1874, 140, 147. 

616. Chancellor Commander : May Leave His 
Chair to Vote, when : (See Ballot, Sec, 2351.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour., 1883, 50, 112. 

617. Chancellor Commander: Cannot Hold Of- 
fice of M. of E. : On the query, to wit : "Has a brother the 
right to hold two offices at the same time ; for instance, the 
C. C. and also the M. of E. ? " Held, He cannot hold two of 
the active offices at once, and more particularly that of M. of 
E. and C. C— Dys. of T. G. Sample, G. C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., 1880, 31, 177. 

618. Chancellor Commander: Retiring: no 
Form of Installation except to be Conducted 
to Chair : (See Installation, Sec. 1437.) 

G. L. Ind., Jour., July 1877, 27. 

619. Chancellor Commander: To Engage in 
Debate Must Vacate Chair : (See Debate, Sec. 902 to 
904.) G. L. N. J., Jour., July 1870, 117, 140-1. 

620. Chancellor Commander : Authority of, to 
Close Lodge : When Closed Cannot be Reopened 
by Other Members : The C. C. has the authority to close 
his Lodge even without form, in time of excitement and great 
disorder, and he is the sole judge of the emergency, or neces- 
sity. A Lodge may subsequently inquire into and even cen- 
sure or suspend for arbitrary abuse of power. The C. C. is 
the presiding officer, and is held responsible for the order and 
decorum of the same. It seems evident that a C. C. must 
necessarily possess the power to close the Lodge when, in his 
judgment its harmony and peace would be jeopardized if he 
failed to do so. Where the Lodge has been so closed for that 
session no other member has the right to reopen it. — Appeal of 
J, W. Bradbury vs. Syracusians Lodge. 

G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1873, 497, 498, 499. 

621. Chancellor Commander : Holds Over Un- 
til Successor is Installed : Where the C. C. elect is not 
installed on account of sickness, it is the duty of the present 



358 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

C. C* to hold over until relieved by his successor, and in the 
absence of the C. C the V. C, will perform the duties of the 
office.*— Dec. of J. M. Powell, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1878, 967, 1022, 1024. 

622. Chancellor Commander: Has no Au- 
thority to Change, Alter or Omit, any of the Rit- 
ual Work : (See Eitual Sec. 2097.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1052, 1087, 1091. 

623. Chancellor Commander : During Absense 
of, V. C. Must Preside : (See V. C, Sec. 2670.) 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1875, 57, 68. 

624. Chancellor Commander : Chair of must he 
Filled by an Officer of the Lodge : All business of a 
Lodge except the conferring of ranks, or when open as a Lodge 
of instruction, must be transacted with an officer of the Lodge 
in the chair, but a C. C. may call any duly qualified member of 
the Order to the chair when conferring ranks, or to give instruc- 
tion.!— Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880,1827, 1828, 2003. 

625. Chancellor Commander : is not Obliged to 
call the V. Co to the Chair, on a Temporary Va- 
cation of it : Upon vacating his chair for the purpose of 
speaking to a question, or engaging in other business the C. C. 
is not obliged to call the Y. C. to the chair. The duty of the 
V. C. is to preside in the absence of the C. C, not when he is 

present. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., Feb. 1875, 407. 
Aug., 1875, 63. 

626. Chancellor Commander: May be Elected 
while Under Charges : A candidate for the position of 
C. C. can be elected and installed while charges are pending 
against him, but he cannot perform any official act in connec- 
tion with said charges. G. L. Cal., Jour., 1878, 1188, 1240. 

627. Chancellor Commander: Lodge Cannot 
Elect the V. C. to office of, when: On the query: 
"Will it be legal to elect our present V. C. for the unexpired 

*Sf>e post Section, 634 and note. 

+The soundness of this rule may well be questioned. See Expo, title C. C. 



COMMON LAW. 359 

term, to the C. C.'s chair?" Held, no.*— Dec. of S. Johnson, 
Jr., G. C. G. L. Del., Jour., 1881, 293, 310. 

628. Chancellor Commander: Member Acting 
pro tempore, Authority Of: Any P. C. or V. C. of the 

Lodge occupying the chair (during tne absence or in the pres- 
ence of C. C.) is legally and thoroughly invested, during the 
time it is so occupied, with all the prerogatives, powers and 
authority of the de facto and dejure C. C. of said Lodge. — Dee. 
ofA.G. Levy, G. C. N. Y. ; Wm. B. Haines, G. C. Mass. 

G. L. N. Y. Jour., Jan. 1870, 251, 287. 
G. L. Mass. Jour., 1870, 34. 

629. Chancellor Commander : Pro tem. has Au- 
thority to Sign Orders, when : A C. C. pro tem. has 
authority to sign orders drawn on the M. of E., ordered by the 
Lodge during the absence of the C. C. — Dec.of H.W.Rice, G.C % ; 
Dec. of S.J. Willett,G.C. 

G. L. 111. Jour., 1874, 118, 180 ; 1877, 156, 212. 

630. Chancellor Commander : Knight Eligible 
to Office of, when : Upon a query presented, it was held that 
a Lodge could elect a Knight to the office of C. C. or V.C. with- 
out his previous service, in an appointive office, provided, there 
is no local legislation to the contrary. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2448, 2477, 2568. 

631. Chancellor Commander: Knight Eligible 
to Office of, when : A Knight elected to the office of V. C, 
to serve out an unexpired term, is eligible to the office of C. C. 
upon the expiration of the term. —Dec. of Maner Jenkins, G.C. 

G.L. W. Va. Jour., Nov. 1874, 13, 31. 

632. Chancellor Commander, May be Elected 
to FillVacancy Without Notice to Members, when : 

(See Election, Sec. 1006.) G. L., N. Y., Jour. 1882, 12, 40. 

633. Chancellor Commander : Has no Right to 
Vote on an Appeal from his Decision : (See Appeals, 
Sec. 136.) G. L. Tex., Jour. 1883, 60. 

634. Chancellor Commander: Elect : Absence of 
at Installation : Effect of: The failure to install the C. 

*It was held by the G. C. of N. H. that a Lodge might elect the V. C. to the va- 
cant office of C. C, but this the G. L. ovenuled as not in accord -with the Laws and 
usages of the. order. (Jour, of N. H., 1878, 16, 36.) See Expo. Eligibility. 



360 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

C. elect for any cause at the time of the installation of the 
other officers of the Lodge, does not entitle the V. C. to assume 
the station and duties of the C. C, and the installing officer 
cannot by delivering him the properties of the Lodge invest 
him with the office of the C. C. for the term.* — Dec. of J. A. 
Sweezy, G. C. G. L. Mich., Jour. 1880, 60, 87. 

635. Chancellor Commander : Elect: Refusal 
of to be Installed : Duty of D. D. GL C. : Where the C. C. 
elect refuses to be installed, it is the duty of the D. D. G. C. to 
call an election, and if one can be secured who will serve, pro- 
ceed with the installation. The same rule applies in case the 
retiring C. C. refuses to serve as P. C. — Dec. of J. J. Scott, G. C. 

G. L. Lousiana, Jour. 1881, 33, 101. 

636. Chancellor Commander : Right of Lodge 

to Re-Elect : A Lodge has the right to re-elect their C. C.f 

—Dec. ofW.A. Cotter, G. C. 

G. L. Ky., Jour., Jan. 1874, 125, 212. 

637. Chancellor Commander : Has no Power to 
Install an Officer : A C. C. has no power to install an officer 
unless he is a P. C. and has been commissioned for that pur- 
pose.— Dec. of T. W. Deering, G. C. 

G. L. Kan., Jour., Mar. 1874, 61, 73. 

638. Chancellor Commander: May Prevent 

Members Leaving Lodge Room, when: (See Eetir- 

ing from Lodge Koom, Sec. 2195.) 

G. L. Md., Jour. 1874, 153, 195. 

639. Chancellor Commander: Duty of, in Re- 
spect to Members Entering or Retiring from Lodge 
Room : (See Entering Lodge, Sec. 1141.) 

G. L. Kan., Jour.. Sept., 1873, 14, 31. 

640. Chancellor Commander: Constitutionally 
Eligible to Re-El ection : AC. C. is constitutionally 
eligible to re-election, that is, it is not necessary that he act- 
ually pass to, and serve in the office of P. C, after his first 
term, but may be re-elected and continue in office, notwiMi- 

*See Expo, title V. C. for discussion of this question. 
+The Grand Lodge overruled this decision of the G. C. as being in conflict with the 
Law. That a Lodge nas the right to re-elect a C. C. will perhaps not be doubted out- 
side of Kentucky, and possibly Indiana. But this rule was abandoned in Kentucky, 
as appears from a decision of B. W. Morris, G. C in 1881, by which the decision of 
Grand Chancellor Cotter, above given, is confirmed.— See Expo, title Sitting Past 
Chancellor. 



COMMON LAW. 361 

standing there are P. . C.s and a V. C. in the Lodge, at the time 
the nomination and election take place. — Dec. of T. W. Deer- 
ing. G. C. GL L. Kan., Jour., Sept., 1873, 11, 31. 

641. Chancellor Commander : Is Entitled to the 
Courtesy of the Members, when : (See Courtesy, Sec, 
765.) GL L. Kan., Jour. 1883, 8, 23. 

642. Chancellor Commander: Should Refuse 
Admission to Brother under Suspension, when: 

(See Admission, Section 230.) G. L. 111., Jour. 1879, 385, 448. 

643. Chancellor Commander: Has no Author- 
ity to Declare Conditional Suspension, when: 

(See Suspension, Sec. 2348.) G-. L. 111., Jour., 1880, 522, 546. 

644=. Chancellor Commander : Has No Authority 
to Appoint Grand Representative, when : (See Grand 
Eepresentative, Sec. 1363 and note.) G. L. of 111. Jour. 1880, 556 

645. Chancellor Commander : Has No Authority 
to Give Instructions to Member in the Endowment 
Rank : (See Endowment Rank, Sec. 1088.) 

S. L. Jour. 1882, 2291, 2479. 

646. Chancellor Commander : Shold Alone An- 
nounce the Ballot, when : (See Ballot, Sec. 339.) 

S. L. Jour. 1876, 1227, 1296. 
S. L. Jour. 1882, 2275, 2465. 

641. Chancellor Commander. May Refuse Ad- 
mission to Any One Unless in Possession of the 

S. A. P. W. : (See Admission and note, Sec. 211.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873 app. 38. 

648. Chancellor Commander : May Resign Du- 
ring the Term : Notwithstanding his obligation at instal- 
lation, to perform the duties of his office for the present term, 
a C. C. is at liberty to resign during the term. 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 564, 585. 

649. Chancellor Commander: May Resign at 
Will During Term : A C. C. can resign his office at any 
time he may desire to do so. — Dec. of J. B. Grayson, G. C. 

G. L. Ala., Jour. 1882 14, 76. 



362 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

650. Chancellor Commander : Duty of Con- 
cerning Rituals : It is the duty of the Chancellor Com- 
mander to keep the rituals, and other private work under lock 
and key, and prevent their being removed from the Lodge room. 
(See Eituals, Sec. 2087.) S. L. Jour. 1875, 1152. 

651. Chancellor Commander : Who Eligible to 
Office Of: Lodges may elect whom they please Chancellor 
Commander, if eligible otherwise, under the local Law. There 
is no general Law "making it rotative from lower offices up." — 
Bee. ofH. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 1934.) 

S. L. Jour. 1873, app. 37. 

652. Chancellor Commander : Any Knight El- 
igible to, when :* (See Eligibility, 1128.) 

S. L. Jour. 1884, 2776, 2988. 

653. Chancellor Commander : Illegally Elected 
is not the Proper Person to Fill the Chair of: (See 

V. C, Sec. 2674.) S. L. Jour. 1884, 2776, 2988. 

CAP. 

654. Shall not be Worn, when : Resolved, That the 
uniform cap of the Order as adopted shall not be worn in the 
Lodge room during the sessions except by order of the Chan- 
cellor Commander. S. L. Jour. 1873, 683, 740, 742. 

CEETIFICATE. 

655* Of Past Chancellor and Knight Adopted : 

The Supreme Lodge on motion adopted a design for Past 
Chancellor Certificate, by G. T. Perry, of Pennsylvania, and a 
design for Knights by A. A. Campbell, and a design for 
Knight's Certificate, submitted by the Grand Lodge of Massa- 
chusetts. (See P. C. sec. 1878. See K't. sec. 1519.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 190, 222 

656. Certificate of Knight: Design Adopted: 

The Supreme Lodge adopted a design for Knight Certificate. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 701, 770. 

657. Certificate: Of Past Grand Chancellor: 
The Right of a Grand Lodge to Annul: (See P. G. 

C. McMullan's case, sec. 1874.) s. L. Jour., 1875, 1127. 

*See Expo, title Eligibility, 



COMMON LAW. 363 

658. Certificate : of Medical Examiner : Form 

Of: (See E. B., Sec. 1059.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2286, 2478. 

659. Certificate : Of Good Standing : Held to be 
Unofficial : Where a Grand Vice Chancellor and Acting 
Grand Chancellor signed officially a communication to the Su- 
preme Lodge certifying that a brother was a member in good 
standing of a certain Subordinate Lodge, also of the Grand 
Lodge ; Held, That the communication was unofficial. — Rid. 

D. B. Woodruff, S. V. C. (In the chair.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1194. 

660. Certificate: Of Past Rank: Essential, 
when : (See P. C„ Sec, 1934.) s. L. Jour., 1873, app. 36. 

661. Certificate: Of Past Rank Essential on 
Deposit of card : (See W. C, Sec. 2747.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1883, 6. 

662. Certificate : Of Physician : not Essential to 
Entitle Member to Benefits, when : (See Benefits, 

Sec 411.) G. L. Ontario, Jour., 1879. 

663. Certificate : Of Membership : Issued in Lieu 
of Withdrawal Card, when: (See Withdrawal Card, 
Sec. 2779.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2279, 2473. 

664. Certificate: Of Endowment, may Issue 
Beiore O. B. N. is Taken, when: (See Endowment 
Bank, Sec. 1047.) S. L. Jour., 1884, 3054. 

665. Certificate : For Supreme Representatives : 
Adoption of: Resolved, That the S. K. of E. & S. is hereby 
instructed to prepare and issue a new form of certificate for 
Supreme Kepresentatives which shall contain an explicit state- 
ment of the exact date on which the bearer attained the rank 
of P. G. C, and the exact date upon which he was elected 
Supreme Eepresentative. S. L. Jour., 1884,3026. 

666. Certificate: Of Endowment: May be made 
to a '*Friend :" (See Beneficiary, See. 509.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 



364 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

CEETIFICATE OF MEMBEESHIP. 

661. Adoption of: As a source of revenue, on the 
recommendation of the Supreme Chancellor, and report of com- 
mittee on printing, the Supreme Lodge concluded to create 
and issue an official chart or certificate of membership. 

S. L. Jour. 1874, 842, 936. 

668. Certificate of Membership: Description Of : 

On the report of the committee on unwritten work the Supreme 
Lodge adopted what is known as the "Official Memorial Chart 
and Patent of Membership," for sale to members of the Order, 
fixing the various styles and prices, and repealing all legisla- 
tion theretofore had, concerning certificate of membership, and 
withdrew all official recognition of charts issued by others.* 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 979, 980. 

CHAEGES. 

669. Must by Preferred, to Effect Vacancy in 
Office, when: An office in the Lodge cannot be de- 
clared vacant even if the brother holding it has been absent 
three successive meetings, until a charge has been preferred 
and the brother had an opportunity to defend himself, t — Dec. of 
A. O. Buxton, D. D. G. 0. G. L. Mass. Jour., 1875, 694, 729. 

670. Charges : Against Applicant of the Ranks : 
Preferred, when : After an applicant is elected, if a brother 
objects to his receiving the ranks, he must prefer charges in 
writing. I — Dec. of W. H. Rudolph, G. C. 

G. L. Mo. Jour., 1880, 84, 127. 

671. Charges : Cannot be Prefer red, when : Charges 
cannot be preferred against a member who, having received the 
ranks of Page and Esquire, and proceeds through a portion of 
the Knight's rank, and refuses to proceed any farther with that 
rank. The Esquire is, however, not entitled to any benefits, 
privileges, or honors of the Knight's rank. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1133, 1140. 

*Forthe attendant details, prices, styles, etc., of these Charts see Jour, of 1S74, 
980-83 • Jour. 1875, 1023. As to right of Supreme Lodge to issue certificates gen- 
erally see Sec. 1311. 

■(•The principle involved in this decision is apparent, but the necessity, always, of 
a formal charge, may not be generally conceded. The practice obtains in some Juris- 
dictions of merely citing the brother to show cause why the office should not be 
declared vacant 

tThe same rule obtains in Nebraska, where it is held that a ballot cannot be recon- 
sidered, and the applicant's right to the ranks can only be barred by charges.— Neb. 
1882, 19, 114. 



COMMON LAW. 385 

612. Charges : Against a Chancellor Command- 
er : Must Vacate Chair : Where the Constitution requires 
that the Chancellor Commander shall vacate his official chair 
and cease to perform the duties of his office until acquitted of 
the charges, the Vice Chancellor becoming acting Chancellor 
Commander, and if the Chancellor Commander refuses to com- 
ply with the rules of order, it is the duty of the Lodge to sus- 
pend him.— Dec. ofF. P. Wiley, G. C. 

G. L. Mo. Jour., 1881, 13, 61. 

673. Charges : May be Preferred Against Pages 
and Esquires : Charges can be preferred, and a brother put 
on trial before he is made a Knight, or has taken that rank. — 
Dec. of R. B. Foss, G. C. G. L. N. H. Jour. 1881, 15, 31. 

674. Charges : Against a Grand Lodge Officer : 
Where Made : On the query, to-wit : Can charges be pre- 
ierred against a D. D. G. C, in a Subordinate Lodge, or must 
the facts of which he is guilty be given to the Grand Lodge, 
and it proceed against him ? Held, in regard to his official 
acts as D. D. G. C, the charges should be preferred in the 
Grand Lodge, as to his acts as a member of the Order, the 
proper tribunal is a Subordinate Lodge. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa. Jour.. Jan. 1872, 81. 

675. Charges: Against an Officer: Effect of: 

Where charges are pending against a C. C. Held, While they 
are so pending he is not entitled to take his seat as P. C. nor 
does he become a P. C, his certificate should be withheld until 
the charges are settled. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., July 1872, 398. 

616. Charges: When Preferred Against C. C. 
and V. C. : Who Shall Preside : Where charges are 
preferred against the C. C. and the V. C, the P. C. can preside 
pro tern. If no P. C. is present any Knight may be called to 
the chair and preside as C. C. pro tern. — Dec. ofS. P. Oyler, G. C. 

G. L. s Ind. s Jour., Jan. 1874, 159, 174. 

61*7. Charges : May he Preferred Against Mem- 
ber Holding card : A Lodge cannot compel a member to 
give up his card, but charges may be preferred against him, 
and he may be tried the same as any member of the Lodge. — 
Dec. of M. F. Badgley, G. C. G. L., N. J., Jour., 1875, 596, 689. 



366 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

678. Charges: Against an Officer Elect Will 
defer Installation : If charges are preferred against an 
officer elect, the D. D. G. C. can delay the installation one 
week, or any brother can object to the installation at the time, 
and make his charges afterward.— Dec. of J. F. Shumate, G. C. 

G. L. Ohio, Jour., 1883, 862, 928. 

679. Charges: Against a Member to Whom 
Card is Issued: Brought, where: A Lodge cannot 
take action against a brother who has taken his card and de- 
posited it in another Lodge ; the action must be in the Lodge 
where the card is deposited and accepted. — Dec. of T. R. Hicks, 
G- C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1882, 12, 40. 

680. Charges : May be Preferred for Fraudulent 
Announcement of Ballot : (See Ballot, Sec. 342.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1883, 9, 15, 68. 

681. Charges : Against a Member of a Foreign 
Jurisdiction : How Tried : A Lodge cannot entertain and 
try charges against a member of another Jurisdiction. If the 
member acts so as to justify it, the Lodge can prefer charges 
against him, and transmit them to his Lodge for action — Dec. 
of T. O. Benton, G. C. G. L. Lousiana, Jour., 1883, 29, 64. 

682. Charges : Against Supreme Lodge Officers, 
by Committees of Subordinate Lodge will Not be 
Entertained, when : (See Committees, Sec. 528.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1433, 1446, 1447. 

683. Charges : When Preferred Against Grand 
Chancellor How Investigated: Where charges are 
preferred against a Grand Chancellor during recess, and are 
presented to G. V. C, he appoints the majority and the G. P., 
being the next in rank, appoints the minority of the committee 
to investigate.* — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. (See Trial, Sec. 
2594.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2274, 2465. 

684. Charges: Against Grand Officers: Form 
for Trial Of: (See Trial, Sec. 2594.) s. L. Jour., 1878, 1573. 

685. Charges : May be Dismissed, without Pun- 
ishment, After Finding of Guilty : On the query, 

*In giving this decision the S. C. refers to the form of procedure for trial of officers 
of Grand Lodges, etc., from which it -will he observed that this decision cannot apply 
to Grand Lodges which have prescribed a different mode for the trial of officers under 
charges. 



COMMON LAW. 367 

to-wit : "After a brother has been iried and found guilty, can 
a Lodge dismiss the case without punishment?" Held, Yes. 
The Lodge cannot be compelled to punish..* Dec. of A. A. Duke, 
G. C G. L. Pa. Jour., Aug. 1879, 569, 698. 

686. Charges: May be Preferred by Member 
Charged, when : A brother against whom charges are pend- 
ing has the technical right to prefer charges against any other 
member of the Lodge.— Dec. of S. P. Oyler, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour., Jan. 1874, 159, 174. 

687. Charges: No bar to the Admission of a 
Member otherwise Qualified: On the query. "Can a 
member come into the Lodge room when charges are pending 
against him, he being otherwise in good standing?" Held, 
Yes. He is held innocent until convicted by a vote of the 
Lodge.— Dec. of W. H. Gillum, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour., 1882, 121, 161, 163. 

688. Charges: Must be Preferred in Order to 
Subject a Member to Penalty for Contempt: (See 
Contempt, Sec. 756.) G. L., N. C, Jour., 1883, 40, 47. 

689. Charges : Specification of must State Facts : 

When the charge against a brother is "Conduct unbecoming a 
Knight." Held, That the specification must state what the 
actual conduct was. It is not sufficient to state merely the ef- 
fect of such conduct, as creating certain impressions upon the 
minds of outside parties.! — Damon Lodge vs. Kelley. 

G. L. Cal., Jour., 1873, 428, 471. 

690. Charges : Right of Brother to sit in Lodge 
During Pendency of: A member has the right to sit in 
the Lodge room during the pendency of charges against him, 
except when the ballot is taking. — Dec. ofA.D. Sheldon, G. C, 

G. L. Del., Jour., 1883,400, 418. 

691. Charges : Against a Brother Must be in his 
own Lodge. On the query : Can a Subordinate Lodge prefer 
charges against a brother of another Subordinate Lodge, and 

*This is perhaps the first recorded opinion on this question, and while there may 
be some doubt as to its soundness, yet it can be readily seen that a case might arise 
justifying the Lodge in dismissing the accused without punishment. 

tThis is true in respect to specifications generally, as was held further in this same 
case, an offense must be alleged with sufficient particularity to apprise the accused 
of the exact nature of the charge, and this can only be done by stating clearly the 
facts relied upon to convict. 



368 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

summon him to meet a committee from that Lodge to try him, 
without notifying the Subordinate Lodge of which the brother 
is a member ? Held, that charges should be preferred through 

the Lodge of which the brother is a member.* 

Bui. of C. F. Abbott, G. V. C. G. L. Md., Jour., Dec. 1868, 51, 

692. Charges : Against a Member Can Only be 
Preferred in His Own Lodge: On the query as to 
whether charges can be preferred against a member in a Lodge 
other than his own : Held, charges against a member can be 
preferred only in the Lodge of which he is a member. —Rep. of 
com. on Law. G. L. Pa, Jour., 1883, 65, 117. 

693. Charges: Trial in Absence of Accused, May 
be Had, when : (See Trial, Sec. 2607.) 

G. L. Md, Jour., 1873, 34. 

694. Charges : May be Withdrawn with Consent 
of Lodge : Where a brother is charged with an offence, a 
committee appointed to investigate, which recommends with- 
drawal of the charges, the accused apologizes to the Lodge, is 
satisfied, and the Lodge accepts the action of the committee, 
query : has the Lodge acted unlawfully : Held, the committee 
to whom is referred the complaint of a brother, is always jus- 
tified in effecting a compromise and settling the difficulty, if 
possible, and the Lodge should ever be ready to aid the com- 
mittee in making peace. There is no impropriety in the action 
of the Lodge or the committee. — Dec. of T. O. Benton, G. C. 

G. L. Louisiana, Jour., 1883, 24, 64. 

695. Charges : Subordinate Lodge may be In- 
structed to Prefer, when : A Grand Lodge has the au- 
thority to instruct a Subordinate Lodge to prefer charges 
against any delinquent member or officer of the Grand Lodge. 

G. L. Neb., Jour., 1877, 503. 

696. Charges : Against an Officer, Effects Sus- 
pension from Office, when : The fact of charges being 
preferred against an officer suspends him from office during the 
trial unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge. — Dec. of J. W. 
Wheeler, G. C. G. L. Kan., Jour., 1878, 8, 26, 34. 

*This raeans that a member of the Order is subject to trial only in his own Lodge. 
The G. V. C. further held, in the same decision, that if the member was a member 
of the Grand Lodge the matter should be brought to the attention of the Grand 
Lodge. This can scarcely be considered the Law now in respect to the charges against, 
and trials of, Grand Lodge members. (See Charges, Sec. 074. ) 



COMMON LAW. 369 

69?. Charges: Pending Against an Officer Pre- 
cludes Official Acts, when: During the pendency of 
charges against an officer, he shall not perform any official act 
associated with such charges. — Dec. of W. A. Schmitt, G. C. 

G. L. 111., Jour., 1879, 390.448. 

698. Charges: Rights of Brother Pending: A 

brother against whom charges are pending, has a right to 
speak on any question before the Lodge, and is entitled to all 
the rights and privileges of the Order during the pendency of 
the charges, except receiving withdrawal card. — Dec. of J. S. 
Farrington, G. C. (See Trial, Sec. 2601.) 

G. L. Mass., Jour., 1872, 178. 

G. L. Mass., Jour., 1873, 220. 

699. Charges: Rights of Member Under: A 

brother under charges has the right to vote and is also entitled 
to the S. A. P. W.—Dec. of W. F. Ewing, G. C. 

G. L. Kan., 1881, 6, 8, 36. 

700. Charges : Against Member Holding With- 
drawal Card Preferred, where: Charges against a 
brother holding a withdrawal card can only be preferred in the 
Lodge that granted the card. — Dec. of F. R. Allen, G. C. 

G. L. Mo., Jour., 1874, 67, 
G. L. Mo., Jour., 1875, 161. 

701. Charges: Preferred Against a Visitor, 

when : (See Visitors, Sec, 2699.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

701. Charges: Preferred Against a Member: 
A Grand Lodge may be Required to give them a 
Hearing : Where Sub. Lodges preferred charges against a 
grand officer, the Grand Lodge may be required to give the 
matter a fair and proper consideration, and the parties a hear- 
ing. — Appeal of Excelsior Lodge vs. G. L. oj Venn. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 346, 423. 

W3. Charges: May be Preferred at a Semi- 
Annual Session : Where the Constitution of a Grand Lodge 
required all business of a general character affecting the inter- 
ests of the Order, to be transacted at the annual session, the 
Supreme Chancellor decided that preferring charges against a 
24 



370 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

G. C, at a semi-annual session, and deposing him from office, 
were irregular; this decision was reversed by the Supreme 
Lodge, by refusing to admit the brother to the Supreme Lodge 
and conferring upon him the rank of P. G. C. — Dec. ofH. C. 
Berry, S. C. s. L. Jour., 1874, 861 ; Jour. 1875, 1127. 

704. Charges : Must State an Offense or They 
will not be Sustained : (See Appeals, Sec. 153.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2574. 

705. Charges : Of a Criminal Nature : Will not 
Iiie, when : "Where charges, in form and substance crim- 
inal, are brought against a Lodge, by a member thereof ; and 
where the claim upon which such charges are based is for 
money alleged to be due to the member bringing the charges ; 
Held, That a claim for money owed cannot be prosecuted un- 
der a criminal charge. — Appeal of C. W. Ross, vs G. L. Me. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2574-5. 

706. Charges : Cannot be Preferred against a 
Member Suspended, when : Charges cannot be prefer- 
red against a member suspended, for the reason that he is not 
a member of the Order. — Dec. ofS. D. Young, G. C. 

G. L.,'.N. J„ Jour., 1876, 735, 799. 

•707. Charges: Committee on, Cannot be Ap- 
pointed by the C. O. or V. C, when : Where the C. C. 
or V. C. prefer charges against a member they are not compe- 
tent to appoint the committee to try the case. — Dec of P. Dowry, 
6r, C. G. L. Pa., Jour., Jan. 1870, 535, 576. 

T08. Charges: Committee on, cannot be Ap- 
pointed by Chancellor Commander and Vice 
Chancellor when: Where a C. C. and V. C. prefer 
charges against a member, they thereby become incompetent, 
to appoint the committee to investigate the charges, and it is 
error to do so. — Appeal of P. C.Mulford vs. G. D. ofN. J. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2061, 2062. 

709. Charges: Against Pages: Charges can be 
brought against a Page.*— Dec. of J. D. Weeks, G. C. 

G. L. Iowa, Jour. July, 1872, 59. 
*See Expo, title, Page. 



COMMON LAW. 371 

710. Charges: A Member Under, cannot be 
Suspended, when :* (See Suspension, Sec. 2402.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1112, 1156. 

¥11. Charges: Cannot be Preferred Second 
Time for Same Offense : It would be contrary to Pythian 
Law, and all civilized countries, to prefer charges and pu£ a 
brother on trial a second time for same offense. — Dec. of J. R. 
Camahan, G. C. G. L. Ind., Jour., 1881, 18, 19, 63. 

COLOKADO. 9 

712. Jurisdiction of Extended : Resolved: That un- 
til otherwise ordered by the Supreme Lodge, or Supreme 
Chancellor, the Lodges in the Territory of Wyoming be placed 
under the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, and 
that this resolution be published with the Constitution of the 
Grand Lodge of that state, t (See Curative Legislation, Sec. 
734.) S. L. Jour., 1776, 1310. 

CONSOLIDATION. 

713. Of Subordinate Lodges: Subject for Local 
Legislation : On request for legislation to permit Lodges to 
consolidate, retaining their property, it was held that the sub- 
ject was one for local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1421, 1428. 

714. Consolidation : Of Lodge Under Control of 
Supreme Lodge Authorized : The Supreme Lodge au- 
thorized the consolidation of two Lodges at St. Johns, N. B. 

(See Subordinate Lodges, Sec. 2495.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1407. 

715 : Consolidation : Of Subordinate Lodges, no 
Authority for, when : The is no authority for Subordinate 
Lodges to consolidate. The matter rests in the discretion of 
the Grand Lodge.! G. L. Ga., Jour., 1876,203-4. 

*See Sec. 2. Clause 21, Art. VICE, Supreme Lodge Constitution, Appendix. 

+The Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Colorado submittEd to the Supreme 
Lodge for approval at the session of 1876, contained provisions giving to the Grand 
Lodge jurisdiction over the Lodges of Wyoming. This assumption of ''extra territorial 
jurisdiction" was repudiated by the Supreme Lodge and the provisions in respect to 
Wyoming, were stricken out. The above resolution was then passed. 

tit is well settled now, that Grand Lodges can authorize the consolidation of Sub- 
ordinate Lodges upon such terms as it may seem fit. 



372 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

716. Consolidation : Of Offices of K. of R. & S. 

and M. of F. not Permitted, when : A Lodge cannot 
elect one member to fill the position of both K. of E. & S. and 
M. of F., it being contrary to Law.* — Dec. of A. A. Duke, G.C. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., 1879, 567, 696. 

717. Consolidation: Of Offices: G. C. has no 
Authority to Permit : Upon request to grant permission 
to consolidate the offices of M. of F. and K. of E. & S. under 
the authority of the Supreme Lodge as provided at its Detroit 
session in 1882. Held. It would necessitate an amendment to 
the Constitution, which must be done by the Grand Lodge, 
that the G. C. has no authority to grant a dispensation for any 
such purpose. — Dec. of T. 0. Benton, G. C. 

G. L., La., Jour., 1883, 26, 64. 

718. Consolidation : Of Lodges : Rights of Sus- 
pended Member After : A suspended member of Lodge 
consolidating with another, is entitled to all the privileges at 
the hands of the consolidated Lodge, that he would have en- 
joyed if his Lodge had not consolidated. — Dec. of J. J. Acker, 
G. C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1878, 14, 51. 

719. Consolidation : Of Sections of Endowment 
Rank : No Law for : Transfer of membership is only by 
Clearance Card. It cannot be effected by consolidation of sec- 
tions. (See E. E. Sec. 1087.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1816, 2076. 

CIBCULAKS. 

720. Grand Lodges and Grand Officers May not 
Issue, when : Grand Lodges or their officers cannot issue 
circulars, asking aid, to be sent out of their Jurisdictions, 
without the permission of the Supreme Lodge or Supreme 
Chancellor, and the same with Subordinate Lodges under the 
immediate control of the Supreme Lodge! — Dec. of S. S. Davis, 
S. C. S. L., Jour., 1878, 1502. 

*In 1879 when this decision was rendered it was but the declaration of a univer- 
sal Law, since the adoption of the new Ritual at the session of 1S82 and the concom- 
itant legislation in respect thereto, Grand Lodges are permitted to authorize the con- 
solidation of these offices, so that in Jurisdictions, where this authority has been given, 
the above decision connot be taken as Law. 

•(■"Where the G. C. of Miss, had issued a circular asking aid for the yellow fever 
sufferers, the Supreme Chancellor was instsucted to telegraph him to recall the same. 
See Sec. 1339. 



COMMON LAW. 373 

721. Circulars : Province of Supreme Chancel- 
lor to Issue, when : The S. M. of E. had issued a circular, 
making a note of it in his report. Held, That it is not in the 
province of such officers to issue such documents, the Supreme 
Chancellor alone being empowered to perform such functions. 
— Rep. of com. on E. R. g. L. Jour., 1878, 1675. 

722. Circulars: Illegal for Lodge to Issue, or 
Act Upon, for Purposes not Connected with the 
Order : It is illegal for members of the Order to issue cir- 
culars, signed by them as members of the Order, requesting 
Subordinate Lodges to elect delegates to a convention for out- 
side purposes not connected with the Order ; and it is illegal 
for a Lodge to receive such circulars and act upon them — Dec. 
of W. J. Macmullan, G. C. G. L. Pa., Jour. July 1873, 483. 

723. Circulars: Soliciting Relief, Prohibited: 

Resolved, That hereafter no Subordinate Lodge whether under 
the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge or the Supreme Lodge, shall 
issue a circular or request for aid from other Lodges or from 
brother Knights, whether to be used in their own, or intended 
to be sent to other Jurisdictions, without having first obtained 
a dispensation authorizing it to do so ; from the G. C, or the 
S. C, as the case may be. S. L. Jour., 1884, 3044. 

CLEAEANCE CAED. 

724. Used in Endowment Rank : (See E. E., Sec. 

1085.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2479, 2487. 

725. Clearance Card: Member Holding will be 
Suspended After Six Months: (See E. E„ Sec. 1117.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 

726. Clearance Card: Member must Present 
when Joining New Section: (See E. E., Sec. 1087.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1816, 2076. 

727. Clearance Card : In Endowment Rank : Is- 
sued Only to Members Changing Their Residence: 

(See E. E., Sec. 1086.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1818, 2076. 



374 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

728. Clearance Card : After Expiration of,Mem- 
ber Holding, Not Entitled to Reinstatement : (See 
Keinstatement, Sec. 2165.) s. L. T our., 1884,2789,3052. 

729. Clearance Card: Member Entitled to, 
when : A member of the E. E., paying all charges and as- 
sessments appearing against him on the booKs of the section, 
and against whom no charges are pending, is entitled to clear- 
ance card from his section, if he demands it. Of course if not 
clear on the books, or if charges are pending, he is not entitled. 
A section cannot properly refuse a clearance card to a member 
entitled to it.— Dec. of J. P. Linton S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

730. Clearance Card : Sections May Charge for : 

There is no provision in the general Laws of the Order or the 
E. E. to prevent a section from enacting a by-law charging a 
reasonable sum for a clearance card.— Dec. ofJ.P. Linton,S.C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2789, 3052. 

CLEAKANCE CEETIFICATE. 

731. Grand Lodge Has No Authority to Issne: 

(See Grand Lodge, Sec. 13li) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2274, 2465. 

CONTESTANT. 

732. Not Entitled to Mileage and Per Diem, 
when : (See Mileage and Per Diem, Sec. 1593.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882. 2428, 2468. 

CUEATIVE LEGISLATION. 

733. Legalizing the Conferring of the Ranks 
on Minor: Resolved, That all the rights, privileges, and 
honors of a Past Chancellor be and are hereby conferred on J. 
W. Scott, of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, he having been 
initiated before he attained the required age, through an 
oversight on the part of D. G. C. Dawson, Provided however, 
That this is not to be cited as a precedent in justification for 
like action by any officer hereafter, S. L. Jour., 1870, 191, 192. 

734. Curative Legislation: Act of a Grand 
Lodge Assuming Extra Territorial Jurisdiction 
Legalized : Where the Grand Lodge of Ontario, organized 



COMMON LAW. 375 

a Lodge beyond the limits of its jurisdiction without, however, 
any intent to assume extra territorial jurisdiction ; the institu- 
tion of the Lodge was legalized, and the Supreme Chancellor 
authorized, to act in the premises as he might deem best in re- 
spect to the jurisdiction of the Lodge, whereupon on request of 
the Lodge, the Supreme Chancellor issued his order severing 
its connection with the Grand Lodge of Ontario, and trans- 
ferring it to the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge. 
(See Colorado, Sec. 712 and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 930, 931. 
Jour., 1875, 1035-37. 

COLLEGES. 

735. For the Gratuitous Education of Knight's 
Sons : Local Legislation; The project of establishing a 
college for the gratuitous education of Knight's, sons was not 
favorably considered by the Supreme Lodge, deeming it a sub- 
ject which should be left to the Jurisdictions. 

S. L, Jour., 1877, 1413, 1418. 

CHAET. 

736. Of Membership: Adoption of: (See Certifi- 
cate, Sec. 668.) g. L. Jour., 1874, 979-80. 

CEIME. 

•737. Member Guilty of May be Disciplined: 

One guilty of any crime, whether of the grade of misdemeanor 
or felony, is liable to discipline therefor by his Lodge, "for 
conduct unbecoming a Knight." — Dec. ofH. R. Lovell, G. C. 

G. L. Mich., Jour. 1881, 12, 49, 50. 

CBIMINAL OFFENSE. 

738. Will Bar Admission of Applicant, when : 

(See Applicant, Sec. 82.) g. L. Ala., Jour.,1880, 81, 220. 

CEIMINAL INTENT. 

739. Where Evidence does not Show, Case will 
be Reversed : (See Suspension, Sec. 2403.) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 938. 



376 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

CKEDENTIAL. 

740. Of Past Hank shall Accompany With- 
drawal Card when Affiliating : (See P. C, Sec. 1934 
and note.) g. l. Jour., 1873, app. 36. 

741. Credential. Of Past Grand Chancellor: 
Contents of: (See P. G. C. Sec. 1865.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2015. 

COMPLAINT. 

742. To Supreme Lodge : Right of Subordinate 
Lodge to Enter : (See Sub. Lodge, Sec. 2489.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 347, 352, 425. 

CELEBBATIQNS. 

743. Supreme Lodge Peremptorily Declines 
Invitations to : (See Public Celebrations, Sec. 2015.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1432. 

COMMISSION. 

744. Of Deputy Supreme Chancellor : Form of: 

(See D. S. C, Sec. 815.) s. L. Jour., 1878, 1510, 1572. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 746, app. 12. 

CANDIDATE. 

745. Not Required to Submit to an Examination 
as to Efficiency : (See Examination, Sec. 1032.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1615, 1661. 

746. Candidate: Refusing to Comply with 
Ritual, Proceedings Stayed : When a candidate refuses 
to comply with the requirements of the Kitual all further pro- 
ceedings should be stayed. — Bee, of W. M. Wihon, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., Feb., 1877, 834, 865. 

747. Candidate: Not Held Accountable for 
Offense Against Other Secret Orders, when: A 

candidate who has been guilty of an offense against another 
secret order, which is not a crime before the law, nor an of- 



COMMON LAW. g 377 

fense against Pythian law, cannot be held accountable by a 
Lodge of K. of V.—Dec. of J. L. Weeks, G. C. 

G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1872. 59. 

148. Candidate : May be Initiated on Night of 
Election : (See Initiation Sec. 1453.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1881, 327, 360. 

749. Candidate: May be Refused Admission 
After Election, when : After a candidate has been elected, 
if found unworthy, the matter may be referred to a committee, 
and if they sustain the objections, a simple motion supported 
by a majority is sufficient to prevent admission. — Dec. of J. 
M. Powell, G. C, G. L., N, J., Jour., 1878, 966, 1022. 

750. Candidate : Advancement of may be Pro- 
hibited by the D. D. G. C, when: A Lodge has no 
right to give instructions to an Esquire in the third rank un- 
less he is willing to conform strictly to the commands given, 
and when a D. D. G. C, witnesses the conferring of the third 
rank, and notices that the Esquire does not conform strictly to 
the commands, it is his duty to order the C. C, to refuse 
further advencement to the Esquire. A D. D. G. C, having 
assumed the exercise of this authority, was upheld by the G. 
C— Dec. of C. E. Spencer, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1877, 7, 81. 

751. Candidate: May be Denied Ranks After 
Election, when : (See Applicant, Sec. 60.) 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1881, 452, 485. 

COSTUME. 

752. For Lodge Work : Chancellor Commander 
Cannot Require Officer to wear, when : (See Armor, 
Sec. 274.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1877, 17, 106. 

CONTEMPT. 

753. Member Guilty of, when: A member duly 
summoned to appear before a committee to give testimony, 
and failing to appear, may be adjudged guilty of contempt. 
—Dec. of J. T. West, G. C. G. L., Minn., Jour., 1880, 6, 89. 



378 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

754. Contempt: Brother may be Suspended 
for, when : If a brother fails to appear for trial, either in 
person or by counsel, he may be suspended for contempt. — 
Dec. of D. W. Day, G. C. q. l., Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 

155, Contempt : Member may be Found Guilty 
•of, for Failing to Appear for Sentence: Should a 
member on being found guilty on charges and trial, fail to ap- 
pear on order of the Lodge to receive his sentence, he may be 
found guilty of contempt, and the Lodge may proceed against 
him and inflict such punishment as the case might merit. — 
Bep, of Com. on State of the Order. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1876, 885. 

156* Contempt: Brother Guilty of Cannot be 
Suspended on Motion : Where a brother has been sum- 
moned to attend his Lodge and fails to do so, and the Lodge 
considers he has treated it with contempt, it cannot, neverthe- 
less, suspend him on a mere motion without trial, but charges 
must be preferred against him for contempt. 

G. L., N. C, Jour. 1883, 40, 47. 

151, Contempt: Member Failing to Answer 
Summons Guilty of: A member failing to answer a sum- 
mons, should be summoned again to show cause why he did not 
answer the first summons, failing to respond to the second 
summons properly served, would place the brother under con- 
tempt and he should be dealt with in accordance with the Laws ; 
such conduct cannot be too strongly disapproved, * * * 
as such disobedience is a clear violation of a brother's solemn 

obligation. — Dec. of J. A. Bonitz, G. C. 

G, L., N. C, Jour. 1882, 10, 32. 

CLOSING LODGE. 

758. Motion to Proceed to Close not in Order, 
when : While the Lodge is working under the heads of new 
business, and good of the Order, a motion to proceed to close is 
not in order.* — Dec. ofE. H. Hibben, G. C. Appeal of J. Gun- 
daker vs. Damon No. 10 of Iowa. G. L. Iowa., Jour. 1882, 657, 761. 

759. Closing Lodge : Lodge Cannot flxTime for : 

No Lodge can fix a time in its By-Laws for closing its ses- 

*In Neb. it is provided by a rule of order recommended by the Grand Lodge that 
a motion to proceed to close is only in order after the regular order of business is 
called. This is also the rule in Ontario. 



COMMON LAW. 379 

sions. Once opened it must remain in session until all regu- 
lar and necessary business is disposed of. — Dec. ofL. S. Dun- 
gan, G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour. 1878, 469, 513. 

760. Closing Lodge: Authority of Chancellor 
Commander to Close: When Closed Cannot be 
Reopened : (See C. C, 620.) 

G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1873, 497, 498, 499. 

761.. Closing Lodge : Power of the Chancellor 
Commander: In Respect to: Appeal to the 
Lodge will not Lie : Where the C. C, rises to close the 
Lodge, it is optional with him whether he will entertain any 
question. It is his prerogative to close his Lodge, if he so de- 
cides. When the closing ceremonies of a Lodge are in pro- 
gress, and a brother rises and makes a motion or submits a 
resolution, the C. C, may refuse to put the one, or entertain 
the other, and no appeal will lie to the Lodge from his decis- 
ion. — Dec. of H. H. Morrison, G. C. 

G. L.Ind., Jour., Jan., 1875, 10, 66. 

CHANGE OF VENUE. 

762. Application For : Law Construed : Where 
the Law requires the application for a change of venue to be 
signed by five members, there must be five exclusive of the 
name of the accused.* — Dec. of J. H. Lyon. G. V. C. 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1881, 8, 34, 37. 

CLEAE ON THE BOOKS. 

763. Construction of Term : Where the question 
arose as to the right of an officer elect to be installed, he being 
in arrears for some thing less than three months' dues. 
Held, He can be installed if not three months in arrears 
for dues and under charges. To be clear on the books, 
infers he must owe less than three months dues. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L„ Pa., Jour., Jan., 1873, 146. 

COUKTESY. 

764. Should be Observed on Entering or Retir- 
ing From the Lodge. (See Entering Lodge, Sec. 1137.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1871, 40. 

*See Expo, title, Venue. 



380 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

765. Courtesy : To the Presiding Officer, Mem- 
bers Should Observe when : Members should not pass 
between the chair of the C. C. and the altar while the Lodge is 
working. This should be observed as a mark of courtesy to the 
presiding officer and its observance is recommended. — Dec. of 
D. J. Holland, G. C. Q. L., Kan., Jour., 1883, 8, 23. 

766. Courtesy : To Charge for Conferring Rank 
for Sister Lodge Would be a Violation of: (See 
Eanks Sec. 2227.) G. L., Kan., Jour. 1884, 9, 33. 

CLAIM. 

767. Of Member Against his Lodge Should not 

be Sued : (See Offenses, Sec. 1819.) 

G. L., 111., Jour. 1883, 970, 979. 

768. Claim: Will Stand in Lieu of Dues, Fines 

and Assessments : Where a member holds a claim against 

his Lodge it is the duty of the Lodge to give him credit for it, 

and any recognized legal claim will stand in lieu of dues, fines 

and assessments, until such claim shall have been paid in 

money or by cancellation of said dues, fines, and assessments. 

—Dec. of G. W. Herdman, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour. 1880, 523, 558. 

769. Claim : Against Lodge, will offset dues and 
Prevent Suspension : (See Suspension, Sec. 2390.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., July, 1869, 110, 210. 

COMMUNICATIONS. 

770. To the D. D. G. C. : When Official : All com- 
munications from the Lodge to the D. D. G-. C, should be 
under the seal to be official. — Dec, of S. D. Young, G. C, 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1876. 734, 799. 

CITIZEN. 

771. Meaning of in Respect to Qualification for 
Membership : The proper construction of the word "citi- 
zen" mentioned in the general Laws of this Jurisdiction, is 
that the applicant must be a resident of the county where the 
Lodge is located, and is not intended necessarily to mean that 



COMMON LAW. 381 

an applicant shall possess the ngh„ of the elective franchise. — 
Rep. of com. on Law. G. L., Md., Jour., 1877, 383. 

COUNCIL. 

772. Uniform of, Cannot be Worn in Public 
Parade : (See Uniform, Sec. 2635.) 

G. L., Conn., Jour., 1883, 13, 40. 

COUNSEL. 

773. May Charge a Fee, for Prosecuting a Case, 
when: As to whether a brother, a lawyer by profession, 
could take a fee to prosecute another brother, against whom 
charges had been preferred ; Held, That the right to practice 
law for a fee or reward could not be taken away, and that the 
brother hac 1 e right to charge a fee for his services.* — Dec oj 
P. W. Meldrim, G. C> G. L., Ga., Jour., 1879, 276, 291. 

DEPUTY GEAND CHANCELLOE. 

774. Authority of: A Deputy Grand Chancellor has 
no authority to issue a dispensation to organize a Lodge,! — 
Dec. of S. Read, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1868, 26, 45. 

775. Deputy Grand Chancellor: For German 
Lodges Entitled to Rank of Past Grand Chancellor, 
when: Resolved, That when the jurisdiction of a D. G. 
C, for German Lodges, is co-extensive with the state, and the 
said D. G. C, has served for three consecutive years in that 
office he shall be created a Past Grand Chancellor, by dispen- 
sation. I S. L. Jour. , 1872. 592. 

776. Deputy Grand Chancellor : Cannot Accept 
Rejected Material, when: A P. G. C, where the fact 
is known to him, cannot accept "rejected material" on a roll 
of charter members for a new Lodge, — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. 
C. (See note to Sec. 1934.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

*As to the right of a brother who does not speak the German language, to appear 
as counsel in a German Lodge, See Sec 2619. 

tThis is one of the early decisions, and refers to the D. G. Cs., appointed by the 
Supreme Chancellor before the organization of a Grand Lodge. The committee ap- 
proving this decision hold that under the Laws of the Provisional Supreme Lodge 
(The G. L. of D. C.^ a D. G C, had the authority to issue such dispensation. 

IThis is modified and additional restrictions added by the present Constitution. 
See S. L. Const., Art. XXI, app. 



382 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

7 7 7. Deputy Grand Chancellor: If Accepted 

Innocently, Censurable : If such material is accepted in- 
nocently it is censurable but not criminal. — Dec. of H. C. 
Berry, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

•H8. Deputy Grand Chancellor: Duty of to En- 
quire : It ought always be made a preliminary interroga- 
tory, "Have you ever applied to any Lodge of the Order and 
been rejected?" If the answer is negative proceed; if after- 
wards found to be a falsehood, apply your penal Law in its 
most stringent shape.* — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1873. app. 39. 

779. Deputy Grand Chancellor : Cannot Initiate 
Charter Members : When Protest Filed: A D. G. 

C. cannot proceed to initiate the charter members of a new 
Lodge against the protest of another Lodge. The protest or 
objection, being filed in regular form covering valid grounds 
for basing them on, must be heard and passed upon and or- 
ders issued from this office to proceed, before it can be ^one.t 
—Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 1934.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

780. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Has no 
Inherent Powers : District Deputy Grand Chancellors are 
vested with no inherent powers, and their authority extends no 
further than their instructions. Jour, of 111., 1876, 85 ; 1877, 211. 

781. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Not an 
Officer of the Grand Lodge : A D. D. G. C. is not ex- 

officio, an officer of the Grand Lodge. They are deputies ap- 
pointed by the G. C. ; holding their office at his pleasure, and 
possessing no authority beyond that expressly delegated. — Dec. 
of J. M. Price, G. C. G. L., Kan., Jour., 1879, 8, 34. 

782. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Sus- 
pension of Vacates Office: Where a D. D. G. C. is sus- 
pended by his Lodge ; Held, He has no right to install the of- 
ficers for the ensuing term. His suspension debars him from 
taking any part as D. D. G. C. — Dec. of A. A. Duke, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug. 1879, 569, 698. 

♦This applied specially to D. G. Cs., for Lodges under the immediate control of the 
Supreme Lodge. The matter may be said to be effectually provided for by the new 
Ritual adopted at the session of 1882. In respect to enforcing the penal Law, see 
Suspension. 

•(•This of course applies to Deputy Grand Chancellors for Lodges under the control 
of the Supreme Lodges. 



COMMON LAW. 388 

783. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Duty 
of in respect to Installation : It is the duty of a D. D. 
G. C, who is unable to attend the Lodge at the proper time for 
the purpose of installing its officers, to appoint some compe- 
tent P. C. to perform that duty, but that the brother, thus se- 
lected, has no power other than the right to install the officers, 
a*nd does not, by virtue of such appointment, become a D. D. G. 

C, and that no one, except the G. C. has authority to appoint a 

D. D. G. C— Dec. of S. P. Oyler, G. C. 

G. L. Ind., Jour., Jan., 1874,158, 174. 

784. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Au- 
thority of to Annul Dispensation Granted : A D. D. 

G. C, has the authority to annul a dispensation granted by 

him.— Dec. of G. H. Kidder, G. C. V 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1880, 1164. 

785. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: 
Should not Appear to Prosecute or Defend in a 
Trial Before the Lodge : A D. D. G. C, has no right to 
appear in defense or to prosecute a brother who is arraigned 
by his Lodge for trial. He is the representative of the G. C, 
and should never take part in any matters upon which he 
may have to give an opinion as D. D. G. C. His duty is to 
see that the Laws are obeyed. He should be an impartial and 
disinterested party in case of trials, and have a supervisory 
control over his Lodge. — Dec. of J. L. Dudley, G. C. 

G. L., N. C, Jour., 1881, 10, 45. 

786. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: 
Should not be Permitted to Serve, when : A D. D. 

G. C, cannot serve as such when in arrears for dues. His 
commission should be revoked by the G. C, when notified of 
the fact.— Dec. of M. E. Kuhn, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1879, 549, 584. 

787. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Au- 
thority of to Prevent the Advancement of Can- 
didates: (See Candidates, Sec. 750.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1877, 7, 81. 

788. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Has no 
Authority to Command the Chair of the C. C, 
when: A D. D. G. C. has no authority to command the chair 



384 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

of the C. C. of a Lodge except when officially acting and then 
he must apply at the door of the Lodge, notifying it of his of- 
ficial visitation, and be properly admitted, when he can take 
the chair, transact his business, after which being done he must 
relinquish it to the C. C. — Dec. of J. H. Meech, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1875, 15. 

•789. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Has 
no Authority to Communicate the Semi Annual 
Pass Word, when : AD. D. G. C. has no authority to 
communicate the S. A. P. W. to any member of a Subordinate 
Lodge except the C. C, unless the party has authority through 
the C. C. to receive it. — Dec. of J. H. Meech, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour.. 1875. 15. 

790. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Orders 
of to be Obeyed : It is the duty of the C. C. to enforce the 
orders of a D. D. G. C, regarding the work of the Order, until 
such orders or instructions, are reversed, on appeal by the 
G. C. or Grand Lodge.— Dec. of G. F. Taylor, G. C. 

G. L., Ala., Jour.. 1880, 83, 220. 

791. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Eli- 
gibility to Office in Subordinate Lodge: On the 

query: Can a P. C. hold the office of D. D. G. C. and C. C. at 
the same time ? Held, Not illegal but inexpedient. 

G. L. Neb., Jour., 1876, 447-8. 

792. District Deputy Grand Chancellor Has 
no Authority to Susbend a Lodge : Where a D. D. 
G. C. had suspended a Lodge, "for flagrant violation of the 
Constitution and disregard of regulations adopted for the gov- 
ernment of the Order," the G. C. expressing his opinion as to 
the authority of the D. D. G. C, Held, I can find no Law 
however, to justify a D. D. G. C. in taking from a Lodge, — 
summarily at least, — its charter and suspending its operations 
as such. The G. C. during the recess of the Grand Lodge 
might for any grave offence, be justified in exercising the ex- 
treme power of suspending the operations of a Subordinate 
Lodge, and, in my judgment, no D. D. G. C. is allowed under 
existing Law to commit the grave act of suspending a Lodge 

. . . . only express orders from the Grand Lodge or 
Grand Chancellor, can, I think, give such authority. — Dec. of 
L. L. Bass, G. C. G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 11. 12, 57. 



COMMON LAW. 385 

193 District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Has no 
Authority to Annul the Action of the Lodge: 

Where a D. D. G. C. annuls the action of a Lodge he trans- 
sends his power, and the error is not made right by the action 
of the Grand Lodge. (See W. C, Sec, 2790.) 

. S. L., Jour., 1878, 1626. 

Y94. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Has 
no Authority to Suspend an Officer of Subordinate 
Lodge : (See Suspension, Sec. 2394.) 

G. L., Ya., Jour., 1872, 48, 49. 

¥95. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Must 
be a Past Chancellor: A D. D. G. C. must be a P. C— 
Dec. of A. Emerson, G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1874. 223, 241. 

?96. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: May 
he a P. C. Who has not Taken the Grand Lodge 
Rank:* (See P. C, Sec. 1900.) 

G. L. 5 Tenn., Jour., 1883, 68, 96, 98. 

?97. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Eli- 
gible, Before Taking Grand Lodge Rank: A P. C. 

is eligible to the office of D. D. G. C, without having taken the 
Grand Lodge Bank. G. L., Tex., Jour., 1882, 85. 

798. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: May 
Delegate his Authority, when : (See Installation, Sec. 
1428.) G. L. Tenn., Jour., 1880, 418, 419. 

799. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: May 
A-uthorize Knight to install Officers, when: (See 
Installation, Sec. 1429.) G. L., Mo., Jour., 1878, 339. 

800. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: May 
Deputize a P, C. to Install Officers, when: A 

D.D. G. C. may deputize a P. C. in his stead, to install an of- 
ficer, but cannot authorize a C. C. to appoint at pleasure for 
the purpose of installing officers. — Dec. of T. R. Hicks, G. C. 

G. L., N. T., Jour., 1882, 12, 40. 

801. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Ex- 
tent of Power to Delegate Authority : A D. D. G. 

C, can by written commission appoint a P. C, as his repre- 
sses Expo. Title D. D. G. C, Sec. 125. 

25 



386 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

sentative for a special purpose, but be cannot authorize a C. 
C, to appoint.— Dec. of 0. M. Shedd, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1831, 16, 70, 77. 

802. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Can- 
not Delegate Authority, when : AD.D. G. C., cannot 
delegate bis authority to a P. C., to institute a new Lodge. — 
Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2274, 2465. 

803. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Coin- 
mission of, Expires when : Tbe commission of a D. D. 
G. C., expires with the term of office of the Grand Chancellor 
appointing the Deputies. It is the prerogative of the Grand 
Chancellor to make his own appointments. — Dec. of G. W. 
Herdman, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 510, 576. 

804. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Ex- 
piration of Term of: The term of a D. D. G. C. expires 
with the term of the Grand Chancellor whose deputy he is. — 
Dec. of T. Hardeman, 6r, C. G. L. 5 Ga., Jour., 1875, 141. 

805. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Must 
See That the Work is Properly Done : A D. D. G. C. 

is not, as such, an officer of the Subordinate Lodge. He 
cannot render a decision affecting the action of a Subordinate 
Lodge, but in case the work is not properly done, it is his duty 
to call attention to the matter, when his authority must be 
recognized and respected, he being the representative of the 
Grand Chancellor in such matters. — Dec. of J. F. Spalding. 
G. C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1877, 243, 297. 

806. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Can- 
not Grant Dispensation, when : AD. D. G. C. has no 

authority to grant a dispensation to a Subordinate Lodge to 
confer the ranks for a sum less than the Lodge By-Laws pre- 
scribe. — Dec. of J, A. Hinsey, G. C. 

G. L. Wis., Jour., 1883, 636, 741. 

807. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Au- 
thority of in Certain Cases to Issue Dispensation : 

A D. D. G. C. has the authority to issue a dispensation to in- 
itiate a candidate over fifty years of age.* — Dec. of J. 0. Bo~ 
zorth, G. C. G. L., Oregon, Jour., 1883, 157, 218. 

*This is not the Law in all Jurisdictions. In fact in some Jurisdictions the 
authority of the D. D. to issue dispensations is entirely withheld. There is to reason 
in this ; the D. D. should always be just as qualified to act as the G. C. himself. 



COMMON LAW. 387 

808. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Ex- 
tent of Authority of, to Grant Dispensations : The 

authority of a D. D. is not impliedly coextensive with that of 
the G. C. in the matter of granting dispensations. He can 
grant dispensation for such purposes only, as are enumerated 
in the Constitution. — Dec. of T.Essex, G. C. 

S. L., Ark., Jour., 1882, 55, 82. 

809. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Can- 
not Grant Dispensation to Confer the Three 
Ranks in One Night, when : (See Notice, Sec. 1717,) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1883, 34, 35. 

810. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Decis- 
ion of Binding, Pending an Appeal : (See Appeals, 
Sec. 145.) G. L., Tex., Jour., 1883, 60. 

811. District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Official 
Decision of, Overrules C. C. when: The official decis- 
ion of a D. D. G. C, given when called upon, overrules the 

C. C. It is otherwise, when unofficial, at which time he is 
subordinate to the C. C. — Dec. of E. T. Danaker, G. C. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1876, 60, 164. 

812. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: Can- 
not Render Decision Affecting* Action of Lodge: A 

D. D. G. C. has no right to render a decision in a Subordinate 
Lodge, whereby the action of said Lodge may be affected.* 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1874, 102. 

813. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: May 
refuse to Install Officers, when: A District Deputy 
Grand Chancellor may refuse to install the officers of a Lodge, 
when he is positive they have been illegally elected. — Dec. of 
T. R. Hicks, G. C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1882, 13, 40. 

814. District Deputy Grand Chancellor: May 
order new Election, when : — (See Installation, Sec. 1420.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1881, 1537, 1602, 1604. 

*From this it may be inferred that the legitimate province of a D, D. G. C, in the 
matter of rendering decisions, is to give them when regularly requested. In other 
words, that even the sanction of his official garb is no justification for volunteered 
advice. 



388 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

DEPUTY SUPEEME CHANCELLOR 

815. Form of Commission of: In 1873, Supreme 
Chancellor Berry submitted a form of commission for a Deputy 
Supreme Chancellor. In 1878, upon the recommendation of 
Supreme Chancellor Davis, the form was modified, and is now 
as follows : 

Office of the Supeeme Chancellob, 

of the Supreme Lodge, 
Knights of Pythias, of the World. 

To all whom these presents may come, greeting: 

Know ye, Eeposing especial trust and confidence in our 

Knightly Brother, in "F. C. B.," , who, having 

attained the high, honorable, and responsible rank of 

in this Chivalric Order, now belonging to, and on the Eoster of 

Lodge, No. ... , of , and 

who is the bearer of this, our credential : 

That we do appoint, authorize, and commission him, the 

said , our Deputy, with the Rank and Grade 

of Deputy Supreme Chancellor, for and over the 

of , or othewise, as by me directed, where his 

official duties for, or during the term ending, , 

a. d. 18 , may require, unless sooner vacated by the insti- 
tution of a Grand Lodge, in regular form, and under the Laws 
of the Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of the world ; said 
Deputy Supreme Chancellor to act according to, and under, 
my instructions, as the Supreme Chancellor, and the Consti- 
tution, Laws, Usages, Ceremonials, and Formulas, as estab- 
lished, governing the Supreme Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of 
the world, and Lodges appendant thereto, and under its con- 
trol, or until revoked by me, as said Supreme Chancellor, prior 
to the expiration of the hereinbefore mentioned term. 

This commission may be revoked, annulled, or taken away, 

at the pleasure of the Supreme Chancellor. 

( S.C.'s ) In evidence whereof, we have hereunto affixed our 

\ official (• official seal and sign manual, the day and year 

( seal ) above written, and of the Pythian Period the 



Supreme Chancellor, K. of P. of the World. 

■Rep. ofH. C. Berry, S. C. Recom. ofS. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 746, app. 12. 
S. L. Jour., 1878, 1510, 1572. 



COMMON LAW. 389 

816. Deputy Supreme Chancellor: May Dele- 
gate His Authority, when: A D. S. C. may appoint a 
member of a Lodge distant from him, to install the officers and 
otherwise represent him, in said Lodge, and such appointed 
member shall be subject to instruction from the D, S. C. of the 
Jurisdiction, and is responsible to him for all his acts under 
the appointment. The Supreme Chancellor will hold the D. 
S. C. accountable for all acts of such members appointed in the 
several Lodges, and the Lodge must recognize such appoint- 
ments under the D. S. C. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1507, 1607. 

DEGBEES. 

■ 817. May be Conferred at Sight: Upon the sug- 
gestion of the Supreme Chancellor the committee on Law re- 
ported favorably upon the proposition to authorize the Su- 
preme Chancellor to confer the degrees of the Order at sight. 
In order to build up and extend the Order this was deemed a 
necessary prerogative, to be exercised with caution. — Rep. of 
S. Read, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1869, 69, 108. 

818. Degrees: Conferred at Sight by Present 
Supreme Chancellor: Resolved, That our present Su- 
preme Chancellor be empowered to make Knights at sight for 
the advancement of the Order, and, that he be permitted to 
use any Lodge room for this purpose during the session of the 
Lodge. S. L. Jour., 1869, 118. 

819. Degrees: Degree of Ruth: The motion to 
adopt the Degree of Ruth for ladies was rejected. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 191. 

820. Degrees : Conferred on Minors, Legalized : 

(See Curative Legislation, Sec. 733.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 191, 192. 

DEDICATION. 

821. Public Ceremonial for Adopted: The Su- 
preme Lodge adopted a form of dedication ceremony, offered 
by Supreme Representative Berry, and the S. K. of R. & S. 

was instructed to have the same printed. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 364, 385. 



390 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

822. Dedication : Ceremonies to be Reprinted : 

Resolved, That the ceremonial services for the dedication of 
Pythian Halls be reprinted, and the names of the officers 
changed so as to conform to the present Laws. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2095. 

DELEGATING AUTHOEITY. 

823. Power of Supreme Lodge to : The Supreme 
Lodge has no authority to authorize the employment of a per- 
son to travel on the Pacific coast and institute Lodges, charter 
to be issued by the Grand Chancellor of California. (See Su- 
preme Lodge, Sec. 2266.) S. L. Jour., 1871, 427. 

DISPENSATION. 

824. Special : Authority of Supreme Lodge to 
Grant : The Supreme Lodge assumes the authority to issue 
special dispensations authorizing the conferring the degrees of 
the Order, as evidenced by the adoption of the following reso- 
lution : Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of Indiana be and the 
same is hereby authorized to grant a dispensation to confer 

the degrees of the Order upon C. B. Black.* 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 595. 

825. Dispensation: Supreme Chancellor has no 

Authority to Issue, when: The Supreme Chancellor 
issued dispensations to confer the several ranks of the Order 
for a sum less than the minimum amount, to Lodges working 
under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, upon 
which action the committee report : "The minimum fee is 
fixed by the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge at $10.00 and 
no power is anywhere vested in the Supreme Chancellor to 
dispense with this provision, as to Lodges under the control of 
the Supreme Lodge." — Rep, of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1822, 2004. 

826. Dispensation : A Deputy Grand Chancellor 
Has No Authority to Issue, when : (See D. G. C, Sec. 
774 and note.) S. L. Jour., 1868, 26, 45. 

827. Dispensation: A Grand Chancellor May 
Authorize a District Deputy to Issue, when : As a 

*Itis remarkable that the Supreme Lodge should have concurred iu a resolution 
of this import without causing a record to be made of the reasons for such action. 



COMMON LAW. 391 

general rule a District Deputy Grand Chancellor should not be 
permitted to grant dispensations, but in isolated cases the 
Grand Chancellor may authorize the District Deputy to issue 
dispensations where the object is first made known to the Grand 
Chancellor. — Opinion of G. W, Herdman, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1881, 658, 711. 

828. Dispensation: Grand Chancellor Cannot 
Issue, when : A Grand Chancellor cannot issue a dispen- 
sation to extend beyond his term of office. — Dec. of W.A. Rad- 
cliff, G. C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1883, 201, 244. 

829. Dispensations : Cannot be Granted, when : 

Query. "Can a Grand Chancellor grant dispensations to initiate 
persons for less than the rates prescribed by Law, even though 
he have directions and authority from his Grand Lodge so to 
do?" Ans. No. S. L. Jour.. 1873, 705, 768. 

830. Dispensation : Grand Chancellor Cannot 
Issue, to Authorize a New Ballot : (See Ballot, Sec. 
366,) G. L. 3 Kan., Jour., 1881, 636. 

831. Dispensations: May Not be Granted by 
D. D. G. C. to Confer the Ranks, when : (See D. D. 

G. C, Sec. 806.) G. L., Wis., Jour., 1883 3 636, HI. 

832. Dispensation : To Initiate a Minor Cannot 
be Granted: Where the Constitution for Subordinate 
Lodges provided for the granting of dispensations to initiate 
minors ; Held, that the Constitution was void in this respect, 
inasmuch as it was in conflict with the Constitution of the Su- 
preme Lodge. That a D. G. C. would have no authority to 
issue such a dispensation.-— Dec. of J. O. Bozorth, G. C. (See 
Sees. 1673, 2276.) G. L., Oregon, Jour., 1882, 73. 

833. Dispensation : Necessary to Confer Ranks, 

when ; It is illegal to confer all three ranks upon one person 
at one meeting without a dispensation to do so. — Dec. of G. F, 
Taylor, G. C. G. L., Ala.. Jour., 1878, 311, 382. 

834. Dispensation : Cannot Issne to Confer the 

Three Ranks, without Notice to Sister Lodges, 

when: (See Notice, Sec. 1717.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1883, 34, 35. 



392 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

835. Dispensation: To institute New Lodge: 
Will Include Applicants Over Age : A dispensation 
granted to institute a new Lodge, carries with it the authority 
to confer the ranks on ail the applicants named in the petition, 
although over fifty years of age. The G. C, when acting as 
the instituting officer, can legally do all that a dispensation 
would authorize a Lodge to do. — Dec. of J. J. Cooper, G. G. 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1881, 454, 485. 

836. Dispensation: Necessary to Reinstate 
Member who Becomes Maimed During Suspen- 
sion :* (See Maimed Persons, Sec. 1622.) 

G. L., Cal., 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 

837. Dispensation: To Permit Discussion in 
Lodge, no Authority for: On a request to permit a 
Subordinate Lodge to discuss the word "Citizen," Held, It 
was the duty of the C. C. to decide when a question should, 
(or should not) be discussed, and that it was not a prerogative 
of the G. C. to grant any such request. — Dec. of J. J. McMul- 
len, G. G. G. L., Del., Jour., 1871, 51, 59. 

838. Dispensation: Not Necessary to Change 
Night of Meeting, when : (See By-Laws, Sec. 499.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1883, 1823, 1925. 

839. Dispensation : Fee for Must Accompany 
Application : To he Returned, when : It is necessary 
that the fee for a dispensation accompany the application. 
Where under the Law a dispensation is necessary to confer 
the ranks on an applicant over fifty years of age, and where 
the Laws requires the applicant to pay said fee, Held, That, 
upon the rejection of the applicant he is entitled to receive 
back said fee. — Dec. of J. A. Bonitz, G. C, 

G. L., N. C, Jour., 1882, 8, 9, 32. 

840. Dispensation: Authority of D a D. G. C. to 
Annul : (See D. D. G. C, Sec. 784.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1880, 1164. 

841. Dispensation: Necessary to have Excur- 
sion in Name of the Order : A Subordinate Lodge has 
right to get up and run an excursion using the name of the 

*Tliis does not accord with the rule in Wisconsin and is not good Law. Sec. 1622. 



COMMON LAW. 393 

Order, without obtaining a dispensation so to do. Should it 
refuse to make application and obtain a dispensation, after 
having been made aware of the necessity of one, it would be 
insubordinate and should be treated accordingly. — Dec. of H. 
W. Long, G. C. G. L., N. J., Jour., 1881, 1232, 1261. 

842. Dispensation : Cannot Issue to Create a 
P. C, when: (See P. 0., Sec. 1911.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., July, 1870, 117. 140. 

843. Dispensation: Necessary for Applicant 

Over Age : A person over fifty years of age cannot be re- 
ceived as a member of the Order without a dispensation,— 
Dec. of T. J. Hay nes, G. C. G. L., Miss., Jour., 1878, 35. 

844. Dispensation: To Admit Applicant over 
age: Lodge Should Apply for After Election : 

(See Applicant, Sec. 77 and note.) 

G. L., N. Jo, Jour., July, 1869, 59,64. 

845. Dispensation: Necessary Before Ballot 

on Candidate Over Age : It is positively necessary for 
the G. C. to issue a dispensation, before a candidate over fifty 
years old can be balloted on for membership. — Dec. of Wm. 
Glenny, G. C. G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1880, 468. 

G. L., Ontario, Jour., 1879. 

846. Dispensation : Appli cant Over A ge Charge- 
able with Fee for : (See Applicant, Sec. 89.) 

G. L., Neb., 1873, 168. 

847. Dispensation: Not Necessary to Confer 
the Second and Third Ranks on Applicant Over 
age, when: (See Applicant, Sec. 73.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1883, 49, 50. 

848. Dispensation: To Confer Ranks, Cannot 
be Granted by the Lodge Itself: On the query, to-. 
wit: Can a Lodge grant a dispensation to confer two or 
more degrees on the same evening by a two-thirds vote 
of members present ? and if not, why not ? Held, Under the 
Constitution such dispensations are granted by the D. D. G. 
C. The Lodge itself cannot grant dispensations.* — Rep. of 
com , on Law. G. L., Ind., Jour., 1878, 25-6. 

*The fact is significant, that, as late as 1878, we find a member propounding 
this extraordinary question, and making use of the term "Degrees." 



394 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

849. Dispensation: Cannot be Granted to 
Change Time of Election : A G. C. has no authority 
to grant a dispensation to permit a Lodge to elect its officers 
at a time other than that fixed by Law, for election of officers. 
—Bee. of T. G. Sample, G. C g. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 24, 176. 

850. Dispensation: To Advance Officers Does 
Not Annul Election Laws : (See Officers, Sec. 1741.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 25, 176. 

851. Dispensation: Cannot Issue to Reinstate 
Members Free of Charge : A G. C. has no power to 
grant a dispensation, authorizing a Lodge to reinstate mem- 
bers, who have been suspended, free of charge. — Dec. of T. G. 
Sample, G. C. G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 26 176. 

852. Dispensation Cannot be Granted to Wear 
Regalia, when : (See Kegalia, Sees. 2068, 2076.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour., Aug. 1874, 148. 

853. Dispensation: To Confer Ranks for the 
Minimum Fee: Effect of on Graded System of 

Fees: Where a Lodge has by Law provided a graded system 
of fees for initiation and the ranks, based upon the age of the 
applicant, Held, that a dispensation from the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, to confer the ranks for the minimum sum, annuls, or 
suspends the By-Laws, and all applicants, irrespective of age, 
may be admitted for the fee allowed by the dispensation.* — 
Rep. of com. on Law. G. L. 3 Pa.. Jour., Aug. 1877, 61, 63. 

854. Dispensation: To Authorize Parade of 
Division not Required, when : (See Division, Sec. 882.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

855. Dispensation: Cannot be Granted to In- 
stitute Division, when: (See Division, Sec. 884.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

DIGEST. 

856. Of Supreme Lodge : Authority to Prepare : 

Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to prepare a 
digest of the Laws, decisions, etc., of this Supreme Lodge to 

*Itmaybe well enough to remark, that the G. C. dissented from this view, but 
perhaps without conclusive reasoning inasmuch as the decision of the committee 
Was approved. 



COMMON LAW. 395 

report to the Supreme Chancellor as soon as possible, and that 
he have power to print the same. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1155. 

85K. Digest : Submission of: Authority to Print : 

Under the resolution at last session (see ante., 856) the Supreme 
Chancellor appointed a committee to prepare a digest, which 
being referred to the committee on Law, it was Resolved, That 
the Digest of Laws, prepared by Kepresentative Oyler, be re- 
ferred to the Supreme Chancellor and Supreme Keeper of 
Eecords and Seal, with authority to make such additions and 
corrections thereto as the legislation of this session may re- 
quire, or, an examination may in their judgment render proper, 
and with further authority to print and promulgate the same 
when the finances of the Supreme Lodge justify. 

S. L. Jour., 1576, 1226, 1301. 

S5S. Digest: Recognized as Official: Resolved, 
That the Digest of 1877, presented by the supreme officers be 
adopted as the "Official Digest" of the Laws of the Order. 

S. L.Jour., 1877,1456. 

859. Digest : Official to be Furnished Standing 
Committee : (See Standing Committee, Sec. 2469.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2421. 

860. Digest: Revision Authorized: Resolved, 
That E. E. Cowan, Past Grand Chancellor and Supreme Kep- 
resentative of Missouri, be authorized and empowered to re- 
vise and complete said Official Digest, and include the Laws, 
decisions and enactments of the present session of the Su- 
preme Lodge, and that such Official Digest shall be submitted 
to the incoming Supreme Chancellor, and when approved by 
him shall be published under the supervision of the Supreme 
Keeper of Eecords and Seal.* S. L. Jour., 1882, 2537. 

861. Digest: Repealing of Sections of: On the 

resolution to repeal certain sections of the official Digest it 
was Held, That the Official Digest is a mere compilation of 
the Laws and decisions of the Order, and would not be proper 
to repeal any portion of it. The proper way would be to re- 
peal the particular legislation referred to in the Digest. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2034, 2037. 
*The Digest was issued under the title of "Bevised Digest." 



396 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

DONATIONS. 

862. Authority of Lodge to make, Recognized : 

Lodges throughout the country were authorized to make do- 
nations in aid of the "Washington National Monument Society." 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1112, 1129. 

863. Donations : Lodges may Relieve Destitute 
Lodges in their own Jurisdiction by : A Subordinate 
Lodge can make donations to those in its own Jurisdiction, when 
in destitution and want. To act otherwise would be detri- 
mental to the reputation of the Order.* — Appeal of J. H. Sea- 
man vs. the Grand Lodge of N. Y. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1308. 

864. Donations : Of Fees Illegal : The donation 
or refunding of the initiation fees has been declared illegal. 
(See Fees, Sec. 1238.) s. L. Jour., 1875, 1133, 1140. 

865. Donation : Of Initiation fee to Applicant 
not Permitted : (See Fees, Sec. 1240.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1880, 221, 249. 

866. Donations: Of fees by way of Soliciting 
Members Illegal, when: (See Soliciting Membership, 
Sec. 2488.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 81, 84. 

867. Donations : Of Funds of Subordinate Lodge 
Illegal, when : (See Funds, Sec. 1276.) 

G. L., CaL, Jour., 1882, 1677, 1765. 

868. Donations : Of Lodge Funds for Securing 
Applicants Prohibited : Where a resolution was offered, 
allowing five dollars to every member who would bring in an 
acceptable applicant, the C. C, on a point of order raised, de- 
clared the motion out of order on the ground, that it was not 
a legitimate expenditure of funds as contemplated by the By- 
Laws, which decision was reversed by the Lodge, on appeal 
to the Grand Lodge; Held, The Lodge has no right to donate 
money as premiums to members who obtain acceptable appli- 
cants. — Appeal of G. W. McCaslin vs. Monumental Lodge. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1882, 18, 112. 

*As to the right of Lodges, or more especially of G. C.s to issue circulars outside of 
their Jurisdictions asking for aid, see title Circulars. 



COMMON LAW. 397 

869. Donations : Of Dues niay be Made, when : 

(See Dues, Sec. 934.' G. L. 5 Pa. 5 Jour., Jan., 1871, 181, 260. 

DUTIES OF OFFICEBS. 

870. Grand Lodge May Legislate Concerning, 
when: (See Grand Lodge, Sec. 1325.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 

DECISION. 

871. Of Committee on Appeals: Final, when: 

The decision of the committee on appeals, shall be final when 

confirmed by the Supreme Chancellor, until reversed by this 

Supreme Lodge. (See Appeals, Sec. 158.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1572. 

872. Decision: Of a Grand Chancellor, or His 
Deputies : Must be in Writing, when : Decisions of 
the Grand Chancellor, or his deputies shall be in writing to be 
binding upon Lodges, or individuals affected, except that de- 
cisions may be given verbally by the above officers in open 
Lodge at the request of the Chanceller Commander. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1875, 676. Jour. 1873, 235. 

DIVISION. 

873. Of Uniform Rank: Visiting, Must Wear 
Jewel :— Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. (See Uniform, Sec. 
2641.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 

874. Division : May Draft By-Laws, and Pro- 
vide Revenue, when : Divisions have the right to draft 
By-Laws, not inconsistent with the general Laws, provide a rev- 
enue by dues and assessments, impose fines upon officers and 
members, for cause, and prescribe their order of business. 
—Dec. ofD< B. Woodruff, S. C. S, L. Jour., 1880, 1841 2032. 

875. Division: Application to Organize does 
not Require Consent of Other Divisions, when : In 

localities where one or more Divisions already exist, an applica- 
tion for a new Division does not have to be accompanied by 
the consent of the Division established. — Dec. of D. B. Wood- 
ruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 



398 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

8H6. Division: Organization of Illegal With- 
out the Uniform : Where a Division was organized with- 
out conforming to the Law in respect to the procurement of 
uniform : Held, The organization was illegal, and the Divis- 
ion forbidden to hold meetings or parade. — Dec. of D. B. 
Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1842, 2032. 

871. Division: Disposition of Properties in 
Case of Disorganization: Upon the disorganization or 
disbanding of any Division of the Uniform Eank, the supplies 
held by such Division revert to and become the property of the 
Supreme Lodge ; and that in the case of the reorganization of 
said Division within a period of one year from the time of sur- 
render of its warrant the said supplies, or others in lieu thereof, 
should be delivered to said Division. — Rep. of com. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2032. 

878. Division: Cannot be Instituted Without 
Uniforms : (See Uniforms, Sec. 2638.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

879. Division : May Impose and Collect Fines 
as Dues, when : (See Fines, Sec. 1193.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

880. Division : Objection to Illegal Meeting of 
Must be Made, when : In order to vitiate or nullify the 
proceedings of a meeting of a Division of the Uniform Eank 
on the ground that a quorum of six Knights in good standing 
were not present at the meeting, the objection must be taken 
on the night of the meeting, and cannot afterward be alleged 
to set aside the proceedings.— Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

881. Division: Withdrawal Card from Lodge 
Severs Membership in, when : (See W. C, Sec. 2771.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884,2783, 3056. 

882. Division : May Parade Without Dispensa- 
tion from Grand Chancellor : Under the Law as it 
now stands a Division of the Uniform' Eank is not required to 
obtain a dispensation from the G. C. of the state in which the 
Division is located, in order to have a drill, parade, or celebra- 
tion.— Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 



COMMON LAW. 399 

883. Division: Officer in, niust be a Member 
Thereof: A Sir Knight is only eligible to office in the Division 
to which he belongs, one holding a discharge cannot hold an 
office in a Division until he has deposited his card and become 
a member of the Division. — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

884. Division : Institution of Cannot be Author- 
ized, with Less than Required Number: The S. C. 

cannot grant a dispensation authorizing a Division to be insti- 
tuted with less than twenty-seven members. — Dec of J. P. 
Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

DISCHARGE. 

885. From Uniform Rank : How Procured: Effect 

of: Application for an honorable discharge must be made to 
the Division and submitted to a vote, which, if decided by 
granting the discharge, his connection is severed, and he is no 
longer subject to future dues or fines. — Dec. ofD. B. Woodruff, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 

DOCUMENTS. 

886. Relative to Endowment Rank, Requiring 
Legislation Forwarded, when: (See E. R., Sec. 1056.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2091. 

88 1 . Documents : Reading of may he Demanded, 

when : (See Evidence, Sec. 1142.) 

G. L., Md.. Jour., 1874, 125, 

DEFUNCT LODGES. 

888. Members of: Entitled to Certificate in Lieu 
of Card, when : (See W. C, Sec. 2779.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2279, 2473. 

889. Defunct Lodges: Of Louisiana: Archives 
Surrendered: Members Entitled to Withdrawal 
Card, when; On the request of the Grand Lodge of 
Louisiana all books papers and archives of the defunct Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges of that state, in the possession of the 
Supreme Lodge, were turned over to the present Grand Lodge, 
and where there are no good reasons to the contrary, the pres- 



400 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ent Grand Lodge was authorized to issue withdrawal cards to 

the members of said defunct Lodges. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2411, 2473. 

890. Defunct Lodges: Revival of : Status of Old 
Members : When a defunct Lodge is revived, under the old 
name and number, it has control of all the old members, 
whether they joined in the organization or not, or whether 
they were in good standing or not, at the time the Lodge became 
defunct, or surrendered its charter. The new Lodge is liable 
for and must pay any recognized legal claim of a brother of 
the old Lodge. The new Lodge may suspend for non-payment 
of dues, all members who were indebted to the old Lodge. — Dec. 
o} G. W. Herclman, G, C. (See Good Standing, Sec. 1374.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 523 525, 559. 

891. Defunct Lodges : Members of Under Con- 
trol of Grand Lodge : A member of a defunct Lodge is 
under the Jurisdiction af the Grand Lodge until his Lodge is 
revived, and must apply to the Grand Lodge for final card. — 

Dec. of G. W. Herdman, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 525, 559. 

892. Defunct Lodges : Reorganized Shall Issue 
Cards to Old Members, when : (See Withdrawal Card, 
Sec. 2791.) G. L., Mass., Jour., 1877, 833, 865. 

893. Defunct Lodges : Rights of Members of, 
After Reorganization : Members of a defunct Lodge, 
whose accounts were square at, or were made so since revoca- 
tion of charter, have the right of admission after reorganiza- 
tion, and such reorganized Lodge has the right to admit such 
members without ballot. — Dec. of J. A. Hinsey, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1883, 637, 741. 

894. Defunct Lodges: Members of Retain Mem- 
bership on Reinstation : Where a defunct Lodge is re- 
instated a member in good standing at the date of dissolution 
is still a member in good standing at the reinstation, and with 
the reinstation his dues run against him as before. — Dec. of 
J. W. Mavity, G. C. G. L., Ky., Jour., 1876, 433. 

895. Defunct Lodges : Property of Cannot be 

Sold by the Members : After a Lodge becomes defunct 



COMMON LAW. 401 

from any cause, the property and funds become the property 
of the Grand Lodge, and the members have no right to sell 
or otherwise dispose of the properties or funds of the Lodge. 

G. L., Ala.. Jour., 1880, 143, 220, 225. 

896. Defunct Lodges: Reversion of Property 
of to Grand Lodge :* (See Property, Sees. 2044, 2047.) 

G. L., Term., Jour., 1883, 68, 96. 
G. L., Ala., Jour., 1881, 16, 71. 

DECLABATION OF PB1NCIPLES. 

897. Draft and Adoption of: (See Principles of the 
Order, Sees. 1998, 1999.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1236, 1274. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1419. 

DISPLAY OF EMBLEMS. 

898. Unlawful, when : (See Emblems, Sec. 1029.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1133, 1143. 

DEILL. 

899. Manual of Adopted : (See Manual of Drill, 

Sec. 1647.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1636, 1657. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2538. 
S. L. Jour., 1884, 2798. 

DISCUSSION. 

900. Dispensation to Permit: No Authority 
for. (See Dispensation, Sec. 837.) 

G. L., Del., Jour., 1871, 51, 59. 

DECLINATION. 

901. Effect of on Ballot for Election of Officers : 

At an election for trustees there were two candidates, one of 
whom declined during the first ballot ; each having the same 
number of votes, the C. C. declared it a tie vote. A second ballot 
was had with the same result. The C. C. held as before, that 
it was a tie vote : Held, On the second ballot there was but 
one candidate.! — Dec. of C. P. Vanneman, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1884, 1477, 1512. 

*See Expo, title, Property. 

•i-This goes to the question often raised in Subordinate Lodges, as to the affect oi 
a declination. It would seem therefore that votes cast for a candidate who had de* 
clined are in effect blanks, and cannot be counted. 

26 



402 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

DEBATE. 

902. Chancellor Commander to Engage in, not 
Obliged to Call V. C. to the Chair : (See Chancellor 
Commander, Sec. 625.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1875, 407. 

Aug., 1875, 63. 

903. Debate: Chancellor Commander to En- 
gage in Mnst Leave the Chair: A Chancellor Com- 
mander wishing to take part in any debate before the Lodge, 
mist leave the chair to do so, except that he may speak from 
his place upon questions of order.* — Dec. of W. H. Lee, G. C. 

G. L„ Mass., Jour., 1879, 1058, 1090. 
G. L., 111., Jour., 1875, 340, 344. 

904. Debate : Chancellor Commander may En- 
gage in, but must Vacate Chair : A C. C. of a Lodge 
desiring to participate in debate, must vacate his chair, and it 
would not be proper for him to resume his seat until the ques- 
tion he had debated, had been disposed of in some manner. — 
Dec. of J. H, Pierson, G. C. 

G. L. t N. J., Jour., July, 1870, 117, 140. 

DISCIPLINE. 

905. Member Holding Card Subject to: A 

member holding a W. C. can be disciplined by his Lodge. 
His card can be revoked if sufficient cause is shown and 
the holder brought to trial. — Dec. of F. Mutton, G. C. 

G. L.,Neb., Jour., 1881, 690, 705. 

DELINQUENT. 

906. Chargeable with Per Capita Tax, when : A 

Lodge is chargeable with the per capita tax on a delinquent 
member, so long as he is not suspended and his name stricken 
from the roll. G. L. Neb., Jour., 1876, 448. 

DELINQUENCY. 

901. For Dues: Does not Occur until Closing 
of Lodge on Last Night of Term : (See Dues, Sec. 
932.) G. L„ Ind., Jour., 1882, 140-1. 

*It will not be contended, perhaps, that a C. C. must vacate his chair in order to 
address the Lodge upon any matter of interest, by way of giving information or in- 
struction. 



COMMON LAW. 403 

DUES. 

908. Duty of Subordinate Lodges to Collect, 
and the Grand Lodges to Enforce: Whereas, The 
Order of Knights of Pythias has formed a union for mutual 
support and assistance in time of sickness and misfortune, by 
contributing certain stipulated dues, which secures to its mem- 
bers a right (and not as a charity) a certain fixed sum desig- 
nated by Law, to be paid to them during sickness or inability 
to procure a livelihood during such sickness ; and whereas, 
It is true this Supreme Lodge has never arrogated to itself to 
say how much the members shall contribute, or how much 
shall be paid by the Subordinate Lodges to its members during 
sickness, believing this must necessarily be left to the local 
authorities, in consequence of the great variety in the cost and 
expense of living, and the want of its members in the different 
localities under her jurisdiction; and whereas, The payment 
of weekly and funeral benefits to sick members, is a distinguish- 
ing characteristic of our Order, and may be regarded as a 
fundamental principle of the Order of the Knights of Pythias, 
which, combined with the moral precepts and teachings of the 
Order, has made our Order so successful ; therefore Resolved, 
That it is the duty of all Subordinate Lodges to tax their mem- 
bers, that they may be enabled to pay stipulated weekly and 
funeral benefits to sick members, or the family, and that all 
Subordinate Lodges shall pay some weekly and funeral bene- 
fits. Resolved, That all Grand Lodges are required to enforce 
the provisions and Laws contained in this preamble and reso- 
lutions.* S. L. Jour., 1873, 692, 753. 

909. Dues : Paid on Reinstatement : To be Re- 
turned, when : (See Eeinstatement, Sec. 2150.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1876, 28, 82. 

910. Dues : Amount a Lodge May Demand on 
Reinstatement: (See Eeinstatement, Sees. 2145, 2146.) 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 
G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 390, 448. 

911. Dues : Paid in Advance are not Returned 
in Case of Suspension for Cause : If a member who 

*It is a noteworthy fact, that when the committee recommended the adoption of 
these resolutions, the Supreme Chancellor ruled them out of order, on appeal to the 
Supreme Lodge, the chair was reversed and report adopted — 23 to 15. 



404 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

has paid his dues in advance, is suspended for. cause, said ad- 
vance dues shall not be returned. — Dec. of H. W. Wilson, G. 
C. G. L., Mass., Jour., 1881, 1198, 1232. 

912. Dues : Lodge Cannot Remit : A Lodge can- 
not remit the dues of a member, but may by a two-thirds vote 
in favor thereof, donate to the member the amount of his dues, 
which must be placed to his credit on the books of the Master 
of Finance.* — Dec. of A. J. Hastings, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1874, 19, 53, 56. 

913. Dues : Overpayment to be Returned, when : 

On the query : as to the authority of the Lodge to return to 
members who withdraw, or to the friends of deceased mem- 
bers, any overpayment of dues, which they may have made while 
the membership existed : Held, All dues overpaid by a brother 
at the time of granting his card must be returned to him. All 
dues overpaid by a brother at the time of his death must be 
returned to his nearest competent relative. — Bey. of com. on 
Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1872, 378, 379. 

914. Dues: Exemption from, Not Permitted, 
"when : (See Exemption, Sec. 1143, 1144). 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1228, 1296. 
G. L., Del., 1876, 51, 60. 

915. Dues: Regulation of, a Local Matter: 

Whether a brother, to be entitled to the S. A. P. W., must have 
his dues all paid up, is a question for the Grand Lodges of the 
several Jurisdictions to determine. My impression is, at tJie 
last supreme session the idea prevailed, that, at the end of each 
term every brother should be clear on the books, that is, his 
dues should be paid before receiving the new pass word. We 
have no travelling cards, therefore every brother ought to keep 
square with his dues at the end of each term. — Opinion of S. 
Read, S. C. (See Sec. 376.) s. L. Jour., 1872, 466, 613. 

916. Dues : Right of Lodge to Regulate : Lodges 
have the right to embody in their By-Laws, when dues shall 
be assessed. — Dec. of T. L. Eastburn, G. C.\ 

G. L., Ala,, Jour., 1873, 20, 48. 

*The necessity ot a two-third vote to make a donation is perhaps enjoined by 
a local Law, otherwise the ordinary majority vote is sufficient. tSee Expo. Dues. 



COMMON LAW. 405 

917. Dues: Lodge may regulate Amount and 
Payment of: A Lodge can charge such sums for dues as 
it may elect, above the amount prescribed by the Constitution, 
and collect in weekly, monthly, or quarterly installments. — 
Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, G. C. G. L, Ga., Jour., 1873, 58. 

918. Dues: Lodge may Legislate Concerning 
Payment of: Lodges have the right to require payment 
of dues quarterly, semi-annually, or even monthly, and may 
provide a penalty for non-payment and may deprive a member 
of the Semi-Annual Pass Word when in arrears three months, 
or even one month.* — Dec. of B. T . Chase, G. C. 

G. L., Me., Jour., 1879, 385, 471. 

919. Dues: Non-Payment of will not work 
Suspension while Member is under Charges: 

(See Suspension, Sec. 2402.) s. L. Jour., 1875, 1112, 1156. 

920. Dues: May be Collected of Member of 
Endowment Rank to Meet Current Expenses: 

(See E. E., Sec. 1095.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

921. Dues: When a Member is Said to be in 
Arrears for Non-payment of : (See Arrears, Sees. 177, 

178.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1568, 1606. 

922. Dues : A Member Delinquent for, when : 

A member is not delinquent for dues until after the expiration 
of the quarter. A C. C. cannot refuse the S. A. P. W. to a 
member who refuses to pay a quarter's dues in advance. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1874, 248, 284, 448. 

923. Dues: Cease on Granting Withdrawal 
Card : (See Withdrawal Card, Sec. 2772.) 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1875, 141. 

924. Dues : Not Charged to Members Holding 
Cards : On the query, "Can dues be charged against a brother 
after he has obtained a withdrawal-card ?" Held, a brother 
having a withdrawal-card cannot be charged with dues, until 
the same is deposited. — Dec. of L. L. Bass, G. C. 

G. L., Va., Jour, 1875, 19. 

*This is true of course where the Grand Lodge has not placed restrictions xipon 
the action of the Lodges in respect to this question. 



406 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

925, Dues : Paid on Application for Reinstate- 
ment Returned in Case of Rejection or Death: 

(See Eeinstatement, Sees. 2149, 2150.) 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 68. 

926. Dues : Amount of Payment Necessary on 
Reinstatement : (See Eeinstatement, Sec. 2143.) 

G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1872, 382, 414. 

92*7. Dues: Chargeable to a Member Sick: 

Dues are chargeable to a member while unable to work and 
drawing benefits. — Dec, of J. W, Swope, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1875, 274, 312 

928. Dues : Maybe Paid out of Benefits to Keep 
Member in Good Standing; (See Good Standing, Sec. 
1376.) G. L., Maine, Jour., 1881, 49, 135. 

929. Dues : May be Offset by Benefits and Pre- 
vent Suspension : (See Benefits, Sec. 441.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1872, 300, 337, 347. 

930. Dues : May be Deducted From Benefits, 

when : When a member dies owing the Lodge a sum for 

dues, the Lodge may deduct the amount of the dues from the 

benefits to be allowed. — Rep. of com. on Appeals: A. E. L 

Keese vs, Syracusians Lodge. 

G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1882, 400, 401. 

931. Dues: May be paid Until Suspension is 
Declared : (See Suspension, Sec. 2371,) 

'G. L., N. H., Jour., 1877, 77. 

932. Dues: Brother not Delinquent for Until 
Closing of Lodge on Last Night of Term : On a query 
propounded, Held, A brother does not become delinquent on 
the last meeting night of this term when the order of business, 
"collection of dues," is passed, but has till the closing of the 
Lodge to pay his dues. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1882, 140. 

933. Dues : Donation of Legal, when : Where a 
brother claimed that the books of the M. of F. showed an error 
in his account of $1.50, being a payment for which no credit 
appeared. To adjust the matter without giving offense, an 



COMMON LAW. 407 

order was drawn on the M. of E. for that amount, and turned 
over to the M. of F, with instructions to credit the brother's 
account therewith : Held, On appeal, that the donation was 
legal, having been made by the Lodge for. "the proper conduct 
of its business." — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1879, 614, 643. 

934. Dues : Lodge May Donate, when : When a 
worthy brother is unable to pay his dues a Lodge may grant a 
donation for the purpose, to keep him in good standing. — Dec. 
of P. Lowry, G. C. G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1871, 181, 260. 

•935. Dues : Chargeable to Reinstated Member, 
when : (See ^Reinstatement, Sec. 2160.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882,530, 570. 

936. Dues : Chargeable to member by card from 
date of Election : On the query as to when dues become 
chargeable to a member by card ; Held, A brother, elected to 
membership by card, his dues commence with date of elec- 
tion. When the brother presents himself he is introduced to 
the brethren as a member of the Lodge. — Dec. of J. Mackintosh, 
G. C. G. L.. Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 26, 183, 184. 

937. Dues: Cannot be Charged to Applicant 
for Card, when : (See Withdrawal Card, Sec. 2739.) 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1884, 10, 33. 

938. Dues: May be Collected in Advance: A 

Lodge may collect dues in advance; but cannot declare a 
member suspended for non-payment of dues who has paid the 
same to the first of a term, or allow the advanced payment 
required to invalidate the member's right to benefits, or the S. 
A. P. W.— Dec. ofS. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114, 1121. 

939. Dues : Non-Payment of in Advance Can- 
not work Forfeiture of Rights : A Knight cannot be 
suspended, forfeit his right to the S. A. P. W., or his claims to 
iveekly benefits, for refusing or neglecting to pay his dues in 
advance, even under a By-Law requiring such payment. — Dec. 
of Owen Royce, G. C. G. L., Miss., Jour., 1882, 17. 



408 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

940. Dues: Lodges May Collect Dues in Ad- 
vance : A Subordinate Lodge may collect dues in advance, 
but cannot declare a member in arrears for dues who has paid 
the same to the first of a term, or allow the advance payment 
required, to invalidate the member's right to benefit or the S. 
A. P. W.—Dec. o/D. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L., Wis,, Jour., 1882, 514, 585. 

941. Dues : Payable in Advance, but Non-Pay- 
ment Does Not Bar Right to S. A. P. W., when : A 

Lodge may require dues in advance, but cannot deprive a 
member of benefits and the S. A. P. W. at the beginning of 
the term, if he has paid up to that date.* — Dec's, of L.S.Dungan, 

G. C; S. W. Hoffman, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1878, 468, 513. 
G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1877, 401, 439. 

942. Dues : Payment in Advance not Required 
to Entitle Member to Semi- Annual Pass Word : A 

member in good standing who has paid his dues to the com- 
mencement of the term, is entitled to the S. A. P. W. for the 
term ensuing, notwithstanding the By-Laws of the Lodge re- 
quire payment quarterly in advance. — Dec. of J. A. Sweezy, 

G. C. (See Arrears, Sec. 197.) 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1880, 60, 87. 

943. Dues: Forfeiture of when Paid in Ad- 
vance : If a member takes a withdrawal-card after paying a 
quarter's dues in advance, he forfeits such dues to the Lodge, 
and is subject to the Lodge where the card is deposited for dues 
from the time he became a member thereof. — Dec. of B. I 7 . 
Chase G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1879, 387, 471. 

944. Dues; Not Chargeable to Members Sus- 
pended, when : Query : Has it been lawful, since the de- 
cision of the Supreme Chancellor at the session of 1870, rela- 
tive to parties suspended for non-payment of dues to charge 

parties so suspended with dues, after the act of suspension un- 

» 

*The G. L. of Ohio departed from this rule in subsequent legislation, holding that 
the non-payment of dues charged in advance barred the member's right to the S. A. 
P. W. See" Jonr. 1879, 549 ; 1883, 866. The decision, as given above, is the better 
rule. The full text thereof is not given here, however. The G. C. says : "But if the 
member passes one or more weeks beyond the beginning of the term (having paid his 
dues to the beginning thereof) without paying his dues, he is then in arrears and not 
entitled to benefits, or the S. A P. W. until he has placed himself in good standing." 
This is not the rule in a majority of the Jurisdictions, and does not accord with the 
letter or spirit of the Law, as laid down by the Supreme Lodge. 



COMMON LAW. 409 

til reinstated ? Arts. No, unless under the provisions of local 
constitutional enactments. (See Suspension, Sec. 2393.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1112, 1156. 

945. Dues: Not Chargeable to Members Sus- 
pended, when : Where the Grand Lodge of Maine had be- 
fore it a proposition involving the right of a Lodge to charge 
dues to a member suspended, and asking the committee on 
Law of the Supreme Lodge for a ruling thereon : Held, On 
report of the committee, the declaring that a member sus- 
pended for a limited period, would be entitled to at least the 
minimum benefits, and conseqently liable for dues during sus- 
pension, was a wrong construction of the Constitution of the 
Supreme Lodge. That suspension for a limited period, was 
a suspension frDm the Order, but that the whole subject was 
one for local legislation.* S. L. Jour., 1880, 2038. 

946. Dues : Not Chargeable During Suspension 
when : A member suspended for non-payment of dues, ap- 
plying for reinstatement, can only be charged dues to the time 
of suspension.! — Dec. of J. B. Sarles, G. C. 

G. L., Ky., Jour., Sept., 1874, 257, 287. 

947. Dues: Not Chargeable to member Sus- 
pended for Non-payment of Dues : A member sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues, ceases to be a member of the 
Order until he is reinstated, consequently is not chargeable by 
his Lodge for dues, from the date of his suspension until re- 
instatement. — Dec. of B. T. Chase, G. C. 

G. L., Me., Jour., 1879,383,471. 

948 Dues: Not Chargeable to Member Sus- 
pended for Cause: A brother suspended for misde- 
meanor ceases for the term of his suspension to be a member 
of the Order and is not during such term liable for dues. — 
Dec. of A. B. Simmons, D. D. G. C, reversed. 

G.L.,Me., Jour., 1881, 49, 135. 

949. Dues : Not Chargeable During Suspension : 

A member suspended (for a term of years) is not chargeable 

*See Suspension, Sec. 2391. Local Legislation, Sec. 1564, 1571. Expo, title 
Dues. 

fWhile the above decision ought to be the Law everywhere, it was only made so 
in Kentucky by overruling the G. C. who had decided, pursuant to the Constitution, 
that upon reinstatement a member must pay all dues charged up to the date of rein- 
statement. To reverse a G. C. on so plain a proposition, is scarcely the proper way to 
repeal a constitutional provision. 



410 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

with dues during his suspension. Having been suspended, 
his connection with the Lodge ceases from and after the date 
of his suspension and during suspension.* — Dec. of J. R. Car- 
nahan, G. C. G. L., Ind., Jour., 1881, 16, 63. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1879, 24. 

950. Dues: Payable from date of Suspension 
when Proceedings are set Aside by Supreme 
Lodge : Where a member, in 1874 was declared to be not a 
member, by his Lodge, owing to a supposed irregularity in ob- 
taining membership, and where appeals were prosecuted to the 
Grand Lodge, thence to the Supreme Lodge, where the proceed- 
ings were reversed, and the brother declared to be a member 
in good standing, and where, in 1877, the question arose as to 
whether the brother was chargeable with dues from the time 
he was declared to be not a member, by his Lodge, as from 
the date on which the Supreme Lodge declared him to be a 
member; Held, That the brother was chargeable with dues 
from the time of the last payment in 1874, and as a conse- 
quence he would be entitled to any benefits that might have 
accrued to him in the mean time.t — Dec. of Wm. Ward, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1877, 859, 889, 902. 

951. Dues : Chargeable to Pages and Esquires : 

The charging of and collecting dues from Pages and Esquires 
rests solely with Subordinate Lodges.— Dec. of H. C. Berry, 
S. C. (See note to Sec. 1934.) s. L. Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

952. Dues : Pages and Esquires Should Not be 
Liable For : No dues ought to be charged against Pages or 
Esquires, and I think the general Laws do not contemplate 
that they are liable to pay dues. They are not Knights of 
Pythias until they have taken the Knight's degree ; then they 
are entitled to all rights, privileges and advantages of the 
Order. The whole matter is really a local matter, and where 
dues are charged against Pages, their benefits ought also to be 
due.! — Opinion of S. Read, S. C. s. L. Jour.. 1872, 465, 468, 613. 

*See Expo. Dues. 

tSee W. C, Sec. 2801. Appeal of Wm. Wooten. 

tUpon this opinion of the S. C, majority and minority reports were made by the 
committee on Law and supervision, the one recommending reversal, the other ap- 
proval. The majority report was tabled, when a point of order was raised that the 
Supreme Lodge could not interfere with the Grand Lodges with reference to dues and 
benefits of Subordinate Lodges, which was held well taken. The opinion of S. C. is 
here given for its value as a principle of Law. 



COMMON LAW. 411 

953. Dues : Chargeable to Knights Only : Dues 
are chargeable against a member from the time he takes the 
Knight rank. — Dec. of E. L. Closse, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1882, 763,806. 

954. Dues : * Chargeable to Pages and Esquires, 
when : Inasmuch as the Supreme Lodge has held that, "the 
charging and collecting of dues, from Pages and Esquires, is a 
matter entirely and solely for local legislation," therefore, when 
the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge provide for the payment 
of dues by Pages and Esquires, such member, under another 
provision of the Law, not only may, but must be, suspended for 
non-payment of dues, as in the case of Knights.* — Rep. of com. 
on S. of 0. G. L.,Va., Jour., 1880, 55. 

955. Dues : Not Chargeable to Pages and Es- 
quires : A Lodge has no right to charge dues to a Page or an 
Esquire. t— Dec. ofD. McClure, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 

956. Dues : Payment of to a Member is not a 
Payment to the Lodge : (See Benefits, Sec. 423.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1873, 567. 
Feb., 1874, 738. 

951. Dues: Master of Finance the only Mem- 
ber Authorized to Receive : On a query propounded : 
Held, Our Order does not acknowledge the paymeut of any 
sums, — as dues — except such as are paid to the M. of F., and 
hence it follows, that the payment to an unauthorized person, 
of dues, would naturally leave the brother making said pay- 
ment delinquent, unless the same comes to the hands of the 
M. of F., in proper time. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1875. 48, 80. 

958. Dues : Duty of Master of Finance to Credit 
Member with when Received : On the query to wit : 

*It is unfortunate that the S. L. has left this question to be determined by the 
Grand Lodge. This matter of charging dues to candidates for the honors of Knight- 
hood, before they are entitled to any of the rights and privileges of Knights, is wrong 
in principle and unjust in every sense of the'term. 

tThis question seems now to be pretty well settled in a majority of the Jurisdic- 
tions, while some Grand Lodges have held otherwise, the following have held in ac- 
cordance with the decisions above, to wit: 

North Carolina Jour., 1875, 46. Alabama Jour., 1880, 86, 220. 

Nebraska " 1873, 141, 163. Mississippi " 1880, 89. 

Bhode Island " 1872,55,66. New Jersey " 1878,965,1022. 

Ohio " 1882, 763, 806. Louisiana " 1882, 21, 63. 



412 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

"Can money placed in the hands of the M. of F. be credited to 
a member during the interval of a session of the Lodge?" 
Held, Money placed in the hands of the M. of F. must, on 
that date, be credited to the payer. This is the rule of busi- 
ness. — Dec. of J. M. Poivell, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1878, 968, 1022. 

959. Dues : Of Division of Uniform Rank, with 
Reports must be Furnished, when : (See U. K., Sec. 

2654.) S, L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

EXPULSION, 

960. From the Order, not Allowed : Among the 
obligatory rules, first adopted by the Supreme Lodge for the 
government of Subordinate Lodges, was the following, that, 
"No member can be expelled from the Order, but may be sus- 
pended for an indefinite number of years."* 

S. L. Jour., 1868, 18. 

961. Expulsion: Not Sanctioned by the Law: 

A member cannot be expelled from the Order by the action of 
a Subordinate Lodge. Permanent suspension is equivalent to 
expulsion, except that it leaves a party where he may be rein- 
stated. A person permanently suspended may be reinstated, 
in accordance with the Grand Lodge Law regulating the same. 

G. L., Minn., Jour., 1880, 95, 96. 

ESQUIEES. 

962. Should not be Charged Dues: (See Dues, 
Sec. 952.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 465, 468, 613. 

963. Esquires: May be Admitted to Lodge, 
when ; Pages and Esquires are entitled to, and can be ad- 
mitted in a Lodge when opened and working in their respective 
ranks ; They may pass the outer door by order of the Chancellor 
Commander. — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 
1934.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 38. 

964. Esquire : Cannot be Deprived of the Right 
to Remain in Lodge Room: Where a Lodge under- 

*While this has become a settled principle of the Order it is remarkable that it is 
bo longer to be found in the obligatory enactments of the Supreme Lodge for the gov- 
ernment of Subordinate Lodges. It would seem that the above section has no force of 
Law except as it enunciates a principle which has grown up with the growth of the 
Order, and has become such by common consent. See Expo, title Expulsion. 



COMMON LAW. 413 

took to adopt a rule, by vote, to the effect that, where there 
were more than one candidate for the second rank, when the 
Lodge was working, after each Esquire had been obligated and 
cautioned he should leave the hall, and remain outside, until 
all in waiting shall have been obligated and cautioned, Held, 
On appeal, that a Lodge has no right to pass such a motion. 
That when a member has taken the obligation, been greeted as 
an Esquire and passed through the secret work, he is en- 
titled to all the rights and privileges of any member of the 
Esquire Eank, and there is nothing in the Eitual, or Official 
Digest, to warrant the Lodge in depriving him of such privilege. 

—Dec. ofG.A. Staples, G. C. 

G. L., Conn., Jour., 1881, 9, 41. 

965. Esquires: Entitled to Withdrawal Card, 
when : (See Pages, Sees. 1969, 1973.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1311, 1314. 
S. L. Jour., 1878, 1508, 1607. 

966. Esquires : Payment of Per Capita Tax on : 
Local Legislation : (See Per Capita Tax, Sec. 2019.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2002, 2039. 

967. Esquires : Chargeable with Per Capita Tax, 
when : (See Per Capita Tax, Sec. 2020.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

968. Esquires: Rejection of: May Renew Ap- 
plication, when: (See Ballot, Sec. 311.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114. 

969. Esquires: Charges Against, will not lie 
for Refusing to take Knight's Rank : (See Charges, 
Sec. 671.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1133, 1140. 

970. Esquires : Subject to Charges : (See Charges, 
Sec. 673.) G. L., N. H. s Jour., 1881, 15, 31. 

971. Esquires: Rights of, when Failing to Ap- 
ply for Ranks : Forfeiture of Fees : On the query as 
to whether Pages and Esquires forfeit their fees in case they 
fail to apply for the remaining ranks within six months, and 



414 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

whether they could be suspended, Held, No.* — Rep. of com. on 
Law. G. L., Va., Jour., 1884, 17, 22. 

972. Esquires: Do not Forfeit Fee for Third 
Rank, when : (See Kank, Sec. 2222.) 

Jour, of 111., 1882, 820, 899. 

973. Esquires: Deposit of Withdrawal Card 
by : Fee Required : (See W. C, Sec. 2810.) 

Jour, of Mass., 1881,1199, 1232. 

974. Esquires: Name May be Dropped From 
Rolls, when : (See Suspension, Sec. 2401.) 

G. L., Minn., Jour., 1880, 90. 

975. Esquires : May be Suspended, when : (See 
Suspension, Sec. 2400; also Expo, title Suspension.) 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1877, 217, 265. 

976. Esquires : Advancement of Barred by Ob- 
jections, when : (See Ballot, Sec. 297.) 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 515, 585. 

977. Esquires: Advancement of May be Pre- 
vented : On the query : How can a Lodge prevent an Es- 
quire receiving the Knight's Eank, to which he had been elec- 
ted, its coming to the knowledge of the Lodge, that he had 
committed offenses against the Laws of the Order : Held, That 
the Lodge had power to annul his election to the Knight's 
Kank, at any time before the same was conferred, but his fur- 
ther advancement should be prevented by charge being pre- 
ferred. — Dec. of W. H. Hazelton, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., July, 1871, 12, 31, 33. 

ELECTION. 

978. Of Officers : Nomination for : Construction 

of Law : A Lodge was about to nominate and elect a Vice 
Chancellor to fill vacancy, when, upon a question raised, the 
Chancellor Commander, ruled the nomination must take place 
in advance of the election ; therefore the election could not 
then take place, which ruling was sustained by the Lodge. 

*This is perhaps true in cases where Grand Lodges have not legislated upon the 
question, pursuant to legislation of the S. L. declaring it to be a matter for local legis- 
lation. See Sec. 1984 and note. 



COMMON LAW. 415 

The Law ruled on was in the Constitution of the Lodge ; upon 
appeal the Grand Lodge reversed the decision of the Chancel- 
lor Commander and the Lodge. The case coming up in the 
Supreme Lodge on appeal it was held, that in all elections to 
fill vacancy, nominations may be made on the night of elec- 
tion.* — Appeal of H. C. Lloyd vs. G. L. of Ky. 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 566, 625. 

979. Election : Of Officers : Of Supreme Lodge : 
Any Member May Cast the Ballot, when : (See Bal- 
lot, Sec. 286 ; Constitutional Law, Sec. 548.) 

S. L. Jour.. 1870 194, 195. 

980. Election : Of Past Grand Chancellor : Pow- 
er of Grand Lodge Denied, when : (See P. G. C, 

Sec. 1848.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 723. 

981. Election: D. D. G. C. May Order, when 
Objection is Made at Installation : (See Installation, 
Sec. 1420.) L., CaL, Jour., 1881, 1537, 1602, 1604. 

982. Election: Of Grand Representatives: Void 
when Candidate Not a Member: Where a brother 
was elected to membership on deposit of card, but without 
signing the roster, was elected a Grand Representative, at the 
following meeting, the brother resigned his position as Grand 
Eepresentative and signed the roster and became a member 
in full of the Lodge. The Lodge then proceeded to fill the 
vacancy in the office of Grand Representative by an election, 
and the same brother was re-elected, whereupon it was con- 
tended by the appellant, that the opposing candidate in the 
first election was the duly elected Representative, although he 
had received a minority of the votes, inasmuch as he was the 
only eligible candidate and had received all the legal votes 
cast ; that the brother who had been declared elected had not 
then signed the roster, and was, therefore, not a member, and 
so ineligible to the position. Held, That the brother receiving 
only a minority of votes in the first election was not elected ; 
that the brother who had not signed the roster of the Lodge 

*The reaaon and justice of this construction will be generally admitted. The Laws 
of some of the Jurisdictions, however, might not bear such a construction, so, for 
the purpose of comparison, the provision of the Law construed is here inserted, as 
follows, from the obligatory portion of the Constitution adopted by the Supreme 
Lodge for Subordinate Lodges. "Sec. 4, Art. II. Nominations for all the above elec- 
tive officers shall be made on the night preceding and on the night of election, except 
to fill vacancy." 



416 



KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 



was not a member, thereof and was, therefore, ineligible to the 
office of Eepresentative. It follows, therefore, that there was 
a vacancy in the office, and that the second election was legal. 
— V. P. Stone vs Santa Barbara Lodge. (See Membership, Sec. 
1641.) G. L., Cal., Jour., 1875, 708, 730, 733, 

983. Election: Of Grand Lodge Officers: Pre- 
vious Nominations not Necessary, when: Where 
under local Law Grand Lodge officers are nominated and elec- 
ted by the various Lodges, or the P. C. of the Jurisdictions : 
Held, That in the election of D. D. Gr. C. a previous nomina- 
tion by his Lodge is not necessary, and the C. C. is not author- 
ized to throw out votes cast for a candidate not then nominated. 
—Rep. of com. on Law. G. L.. Pa., Jour., 1882, 535, 570. 

984. Election of Officers : Absentee not Eligible : 

(See Absentee, Sec. 271.) G. L., Tenn., Jour., 1875, 179. 

985. Election : To Office : Absence no Bar to : 

A Lodge has a perfect right to elect, and declare elected, to any 
office, a member whether he be present or not. — Rep. of com. on 

Laiv. (See Absence, Sec. 268.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1874, 708. 
G. L. Nev.. Jour., 1877, 284. 

986. Election : Of Officers : Absence no Bar to : 

There is no Law which forbids the election of a brother to any 
office when absent from the Lodge, if he was present when 
nominated and did not decline, if otherwise eligible. — Dec. ofG. 
J. L. Foxwell, G. C. G. L., D. C, Jour., July, 1875, 540, 595. 

987. Election: To Office Absence no Bar to, 
when : A member may be elected to office though absent, 
provided a written consent to accept the office has been re- 
ceived.— Dec. of T. R. Hicks, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1882, 13, 40. 

988. Election : A Brother is Eligible to Though 
Absent : A brother being present and accepts a nomination, 
but who is absent at the time of election, is eligible to election 
notwithstanding his absence. — Dec. of H. Lingenfelder, G. C. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1879, 55, 139. 



COMMON LAW. 417 

989. Election: of Officers: Member Eligible, 
Though Absent : A brother having signified his willing- 
ness to accept office, may be elected although absent at both 
nomination and election, and this absence does not import a 
valid objection to his installation.— Dec. of H. Page, G. C. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1884, 439, 559. 

990. Election : Of Officers : JVot Restricted to 
those Present : A Lodge may elect any member if eligible 
whether absent or present. — Dec. of J. A. Hlnsey, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1883,637, 741, 

991. Election : Of Officers : Lodge may Direct 
any Member to Cast Ballot in, when : (See Ballot, 
Sec. 288 ; also 286, 548.) G. L., Ind.. Jour., Jan., 1872, 61, 87. 

992. Election : Of Officers : Void when not Held 
According to Law : When the Law requires that nom- 
ination shall be made on the night preceding, and on the night 
of election ; and where the G. C. granted a dispensation to omit 
the meetings on the regular night and to hold the election of 
officers a week earlier, and when said election was held without 
previous nominations ; Held, The election was void, as the 
Law was not complied with. — Rep.. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 551, 587. 

993. Election: Of Officers: May be Declared 
Void, when : On the query as to whether an election could 
be declared void where it was found that certain members had 
voted who were in arrears, and so, not entitled to vote ; Held, 
That an election where there are illegal votes cast, can be de- 
clared null and void. The fact that there were legal votes enough 
cast to elect does not make the election legal. — Rul. of J. 
Mackintosh, G. C. G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1875, 461. 

994. Election: Of Officers: May be Declared 
Void, when : The right of District Deputy Grand Chan- 
cellor to declare an election of officers by a Subordinate Lodge 
void, and order a new election, was sustained by Grand Lodge. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1872, 71. 

995. Election : Of Officers : Illegal Ballots May 
be Thrown Ont : Where, in an election of officers, four 
ballots were discovered rolled up together, which, if counted, 

27 



418 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

would make three more ballots than there were votes at the 
meeting, and where C. C. declared the four ballots illegal, and 
ordered them to be thrown out, and, upon counting the re- 
mainder of the ballots, declared the candidate having a majority 
duly elected, Held, the vote was legal, as the illegal were 
thrown out before the vote was counted and reported by the 
tellers to the Lodge. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., July, 1873, 567. 
Aug., 1874, 105. 115. 

996. Election: Of Officers: Eligibility of Mem- 
bers to More Than One Office : A member may hold 
two elective offices at the same time, when the respective du- 
ties do not conflict. — Dec. ofW. A. Cotter, G, C. 

G. L., Ky„ Jour., Jan., 1874, 124, 212. 

997. Election; Of Officers: To Fill a Vacancy 
Valid, when : "Where the C. C. resigned during his term, 
and an election was held to fill the vacancy, and officers were 
promoted from the lower officecs up, Held, that the election 
was valid, although neither officer, that was advanced, had 
served a full term below.* — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, G. C. 

G. L„ Ga.. Jour., 1872, 17. 

998. Election: Of Officers: A Nomination Is Not 
Essential, when : A member of a Subordinate Lodge can 
be legally elected to an office for which he has not been nomi- 
nated, provided he is eligible in accordance with the Constitu- 
tion and the By-Laws. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L.,W. Va., Jour., 1880, 15, 21. 

999. Election: Of Officers: Nomination not 
Restricted : If eligible, there is no Law preventing the 
nomination of a member for every office in the Lodge ; but 
should he be elected to one, his nomination would be null and 
void in respect to the remainder. — Rep, of W. W. Blackwell, 
G. C. G. L., Ky., Jour., 1880,658, 704. 

1000. Election : Of Officers : The Term "Ex- 
cluding Blanks" Construed : When the By-Laws of a 
Lodge contained the following: "In all cases a majority 

*This is an early decision, as will be seen, and may not be accorded its full measure 
of force and weight, inasmuch as it overturns some later decisions, to the effect that a 
V. C. cannot be elected to fill a vacancy in the ofl&ce of C. C. That he must serve, but 
cannot be elected so as to carry off the honors. See V. C, See 2GG5, et seq. See also 
Expo., Sees. 121 and 242, where this question is discussed at length. 



COMMON LAW. 419 

of all votes cast, excluding blanks, shall be necessary to an 
election" &c. ; and where, in the election of a C. C, one candi- 
date received five votes, and there were seventeen blanks and 
four scattering ; and where, the C. C. counted the seventeen 
blanks as votes, Held, That the C. C, and the Lodge sustain- 
ing him, were wrong. That excluding the blanks there were 
nine votes cast, and the candidate receiving the majority of 
votes should have been declared elected. — Appeal of A. Vane- 
berg vs. Mono Lodge. G. L., Cal., Jour., 1881, 1606, 1609. 

1001. Election : Of Officers : Not Vitiated by Il- 
legal Votes, when An election is not vitiated by the fact 
that illegal votes were cast unless the illegal votes affected the 
result. If the brother declared elected had a majority, exclu- 
sive of the illegal votes cast for him, he is entitled to the office. 
—Dec. ofS. L. Terry, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1881, 1539, 1602, 1604. 

lOOS. Election : Of Officers : Majority of Votes 
Cast Necessary to : Where there are two candidates, and 
one declines, and it is found on counting the votes that the one 
declining has received a majority of the votes cast, it is im- 
proper to declare the candidate elected who had accepted, but 
did not receive the necessary majority. Where a majority of 
the votes are not cast for a regular nominee there is no legal 
election. G. L., 111., Jour., 1883, 1010, 1012. 

1003. Election: Of Officers: Illegal, when : An 

election of officers of a Lodge is illegal if conducted by a Past 

Chancellor, or other member presiding, when the Chancellor 

Commander or Vice Chancellor is present. — Dec. of J. D. 

Roper, G. C. (See C. C, Sec. 624.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 818, 899. 

1004. Election: Of Officers: Action of a Chan- 
cellor Commander Declaring Election Illegal: 
Reversed : An election was held to fill ,' the office of Chan- 
cellor Commander of a Subordinate Lodge. The Chancellor 
Commander did not preside although present. The Constitu- 
tion provided that two members must be appointed as tellers, 
etc. Two members of the Order, not of the Lodge, were so ap- 
pointed. On account of such irregularity the Chancellor 
Commander, at a subsequent meeting of the Lodge, declared the 



420 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

election illegal and ordered a new election. The Lodge sus- 
tained this action, whereupon another member was elected 
Chancellor Commander in lieu of the one originally elected. 
On appeal the Grand Lodge sustained the Grand Chancellor in 
reversing this action of the Lodge. Held, That the appeal be 
dismissed and Grand Lodge sustained. — Appeal of C. E. 

Spencer, et. al, vs. Grand Lodge of N. Y. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2063. 

1005. Election : Of Officers : Effect of Declina- 
tion: (See Declination, Sec. 901.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1884, 1477, 1512. 

1006. Election : Of C. C. may be Held Without 
Notice, when: The election of a C. C. to fill vacancy may 
be held on the evening of the resignation of the C. C. without 
notice to the members. — Dec, of T. R. Hicks, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1882, 12, 40. 

1007. Election: Of Officers: Lodges not Re- 
stricted, when : Officers not Rotative : (See C. C. 

Sec. 651 ; also Sec. 630.) S. L. Jour., 1873, Appendix, 37. 

1008. Election : Of Officers : Time of Cannot he 
Changed hy Dispensation : (See Dispensation, Sec. 849.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 24, 176. 

1009. Election : Of Officers : May he Held After 

Regular Night, when : A Lodge holding no meeting on 

the regular night of election requires no dispensation to allow 

it to proceed with the election at the first regular meeting held 

thereafter.— Dec. of F. R. Allen, G. C. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1874, 67. 

1010. Election : Of Officers : Cannot he had at 
Special Meeting: It is illegal to elect officers at a special meet- 
ing even though called for that purpose. Officers must be elected 
at the regular meeting night, (fixed by Law) and if no meeting 
that night then at the next aegular meeting.* — Dec. of R. B. 
Mitchell, G. C. G. L.,Nev., Jour., 1883, 625 

1011. Election: Of Officers: Cannot he had at 
a Special Meeting : On the query, "Should a Lodge fail 

*Some of the authorities hold that if the election froni any cause does not take 
place on the night fixed by Law, a dispensation must be had to elect after that time. 
There is no good reason for this however. 



COMMON LAW. 421 

to get a quorum on the last meeting night of the term (election 
night) can we call a special meeting for the purpose of electing 
officers ?" Held, Should a Lodge fail to transact any business 
for the want of a quorum on election night, the Lodge must 
elect its officers at the next regular meeting. You cannot elect 
officers at a special meeting. — Dec. of P. H. Mulcahy, G. C. 

G. L., Ney., Jour., 1877, 217, 265. 

1012. Election : Of Officers : Must be by Ballot : 

It is illegal to elect officers by acclamation, the Law requires it 
to be done by secret ballot.— Dec. of W. W. Blackwell, G. C. 

G. L. r Ky., Jour., 1880, 662, 704. 

1013. Election : Of Officers : Shall be by Ballot : 
Lodge may Instruct, when : On the query, "How shall 
a Lodge elect its officers ?" Held, By written ballot, and where 
there is but one candidate the Lodge can instruct any member 
to cast the entire vote of the Lodge on a written ballot.* — Dec. 
of A. A. Curme, G. C. (See Sees. 286, 287, 288.) 

G. L. Ind., Jour., 1880, 221, 249. 

1014. Election : Of Officers by Acclamation Not 
Authorized : Where the Law does not authorize election 
by acclamation, a motion so to elect is not in order and should 
not be entertained. It is too late to object to such an election 
after installation. — Dec. of F. P. Wiley, G. C. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1881, 14, 61. 

1015. Election: Of Officers: When Illegal should 
be so Declared : When there are two nominations for 
Vice Chancellor, one eligible and the other not, the election 
of the one who is ineligible is illegal, and the installing officer 
should so declare and order a new election. — Dec. ofF.P. Wiley, 
G. C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1881, 15, 61. 

1016. Election: Of Officers: Casting Blanks: 
Legality of Vote : Where, in an election for officers, two 
candidates are running, and fifteen votes are cast on first bal- 
lot, two of which are blanks, one candidate receiving seven 
votes, the other six, Held, A ballot is a written or printed 
ticket, and a blank piece of paper found in a ballot box could 
not be counted at all as a legal ballot ; where only thirteen 

*SeeExpo. title Ballot, for discussion of this question. 



422 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

legal votes are polled, seven votes would be a majority of the 
legal votes cast. — Dec. of J. L. Dudley, G. C. 

G. L., N. C, Jour., 1881, 10, 45. 

1017. Election: Of Officers: in the Endowment 
Ranks : Time Of: Officers of a Section of the E. E. must 
be elected on the last stated meeting in December, and this 
means the last meeting prescribed in the By-Laws. Members 
cannot by resolution change this time except in mode pre- 
scribed for amending By-Laws. It is illegal to elect the officers 
of a Section at any other meeting of the Section than at a stated 
meeting provided for in the By-Laws. — Dec. of J. P. Linton, 
S. C S. L. Jour., 1884, 2789, 3052. 

1018. Election: Of Officers : in Division, Shall be 
Held Annually : no Restriction as to Re-election : 

A Division of the Uniform Bank can elect its officers for three 
consecutive years, but the Division must hold an election each 
year. There is nothing to prevent an acting officer from being 
re-elected for a second, third or any number of terms.* — Dec. of 
J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

1019. Election : To Receive the Ranks May he 
Annulled, when : (See Esquires, Sec. 997.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., July, 1871, 12, 31, 33. 

1020. Election: Of Applicant: A Quorum of 
Ballots Necessary : (See Applicant, Sec. 83.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1882, 12, 40. 

1021. Election: Membership: Two -third Vote t 
Legality of: Where the Constitution provides that election 
to membership by card, shall require a two-thirds vote of the 
members present, Held, That where eighteen members are 
present and ten vote, it is not a legal election : That those 
not voting cannot be counted in favor of the applicant, neither 
can they be considered as absent, but being present, and not 
voting either way, the Law is not complied with, which requires 
a two -thirds vote of the members present. — Rep. of com. on 
Law. G. L M Pa., Jour., 1882, 546, 551, 587. 

1022. Election: To Membership, Initiation 
May Follow Immediately : (See Initiation, Sec. 1454.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 
*For manner of election in U. E. See Art. IV. Sees. 6, 7, Gen. La-^s, U. R. 



COMMON LAW. 423 

EXPENSES. 

1023. Of Supreme Chancellor: Organizing 
Lodges : Resolved, That the necessary expenses of the Su- 
preme Chancellor, or officer deputized by him, at and for the 
institution of Grand or Subordinate Lodges, be paid by the 
Lodge instituted. g. l. Jour., 1873, 737, 753. 

1024. Expenses : Of Supreme Keeper of Record 
and Seal How Paid : Account of to be Submitted : 

(See Appropriations, Sec. 173.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 633. 

1025. Expenses : Of Special Committees : Pay- 
ment Of: (See Committees, Sec. 527.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1572, 1608. 

1026. Expenses: Of Officers and Representa- 
tives : "Actual and Necessary," Denned : (See Con- 
struction of Laws, Sec. 561.) 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1881, 345; Jour., 1882, 362/ 

EXPENSE EUND. 

1027. Of Endowment Rank: Division of, Pro 
Rata Shall be Made when : On recommendation of the 
committee on E. E. it was provided that "all moneys in the 
expense fund shall, when the same amounts to $200 and over, 
be carried to, and used pro rata, to the amount received by 
each class, between the first and second classes of the Endow- 
ment Ranks," (See E. E., Sec. 1103.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1673, 1675. 

EMEEITUS BANK. 

1028. Of Past Chancellor and Past Grand Chan- 
cellor : Authority of Supreme and Grand Lodges 
to Confer, Declared : (See P. G. C, Sec. 1855.) 

S. L., Jour., 1875, 1146, 1156. 

EMBLEMS. 

1029. Display of: Reprehended: Resolved, That 
members of the Order shall not display, at their places of bus- 
iness, any of the emblems o* insignia of the Order, or use the 



424 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

same in any manner as a means of advertising, save those 
parties who may be engaged in the manufacture or sale there- 
of : That such action is highly reprehensible, and Subordi- 
nate Lodges should draw the attention of the offender to the 
matter, and if persisted in, to proceed against him under the 
Law. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1133. 1143. 

1030. Emblems: Opinion as to the National 
Significance of: On the request of the Grand Lodge of 
Ontario to legislate with a view to abolish so much of the in- 
signia and emblems, as convey a national significance : Held, 
That the Order of K. of P. is essentially a universal organiza- 
tion, claiming no nationality, and asserting no national doc- 
trines, and "we fail to find in the emblems, insignia or other de- 
vices any indication of a national character." 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1569,1644. 

1031. Emblems: For Officers: A Lodge has 
no Right to Adopt, when : On the query as to whether 
a Lodge can adopt and cause to be worn, emblems for the 
Trustees : Held, The adoption of the regalia, and other em- 
blems designating the officers of a Lodge, is not within the prov- 
ince of a Subordinate Lodge ; all such matters belong exclu- 
sively to the Supreme Lodge. — Rep. of com. on Laiv. 

G. L., Pa.. Jour., Jan., 1872, 33. 

EXAMINATION. 

1032. Of Candidate in Open Lodge: The Su- 
preme Lodge refused to adopt a resolution requiringicandidates 
to prove themselves efficient, and undergo an examination in 
the unwritten work of the preceding rank in open Lodge be- 
fore they can be advanced. s. L. Jour., 1878, 1615, 1661. 

ELECTIONEERING. 

1033. For Office in Supreme Lodge Prohibited : 

(See Soliciting Votes, Sec. 2481.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2438 2474. 

EXPENDITURE. 

1034. Of Funds of Supreme Lodge to Esta blish 
New Lodges Denied : (See Funds, Sec. 1258.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1976, 2039. 



COMMON LAW 425 

1035. Expenditure: Of Funds of Subordinate 
Lodge : Law must be Complied with : (See Funds, 
Sec. 1257.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1308. 

EXTENSION OF OEDEE. 

1036. Into South Carolina at Expense of Su- 
preme Lodge : Refused : (See Funds, Sec. 1258.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1976, 2039. 

1037. Extension of Order: Into Foreign Coun- 
tries: Instructions to S. C. (See S. C, Sees. 2284 to 

2286 ; Foreign Countries, Sec. 1256.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1053, 1142. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1203, 1274. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1362, 1417. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 3020. 

ENDOWMENT. 

1038. Rank of: Committee to Report Plan: 

At the suggestion of the Supreme Chancellor, steps looking to 
the creation of Endowment Eank, were taken as follows : Re- 
solved, That a committee of three be appointed, whose duty it 
shall be to prepare and report to this body, written and unwrit- 
ten work for a Fourth Eank of the Order, with provisions simi- 
lar to those suggested under head of endowment, in the Su- 
preme Chancellor's report. — Rep. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1378, 1408, 1418. 

1039. Endowment : Endowment Act of New 
York Illegal : A Grand Lodge has the authority to enact 
a Law for a voluntary endowment fund, but when the enact- 
ment violates the Grand Lodge Constitution, it will not be sus- 
tained. — Appeal vs. the G. L. of N. Y. s. L. Jour., 1877, 1448. 

1040. Endowment: Fund Cannot be Devised 
by Will : According to the Constitution of theE. E. a brother 
cannot make a will leaving the endowment in any way he 
pleases, without th-> alteration of the original policy, nor will 
such a will hold good against the nominee in the original policy, 
even though attested and sanctioned by the Section. The en- 
dowment benefit is payable to the person or persons designated 



426 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

in the policy, or in case of death of such beneficiary to rela- 
tives prescribed in the Constitution.* — Dec of J. P.Linton, 8. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

ENDOWMENT EANK. 

1041. Adopted : The special committee on Endowment 
Rank submitted the secret work of the Endowment Bank 
which was adopted : The outline of a scheme was " also pre- 
sented, and referred to Brother Bathbone for completion, and 
the Supreme Chancellor and S. K. of B. and S. were author- 
ized to promulgate the same and to put it in operation at the 
earliest possible day. S.L. Jour., 1877, 1452. 

1042. Endowment Rank: Qualification for 

Membership in : It is not necessary that a member of the 

Order should have been a Knight prior to October first, 1877 

in order to be qualified for membership in the Endowment 

Bank. — Rul. of S. S. Davis, S. C, reversed. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1642. 

1043. Endowment Rank : Not a Higher Rank : 

No higher rank or grade in the Order is gained by holding any 
official position in this rank. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

1044. Endowment Rank : Applicant Qualified 
Until Limit of Age is Actually Reached : An appli- 
cant otherwise qualified is entitled to admission to the E. B., 
until he has actually reached the fiftieth anniversary of his 

birth, t — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884. 2788, 3052. 

1045. Endowment Rank : Admission of Appli- 
cant Over Age Prohibited : (See Admission, Sec. 234.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2789, 3052. 

1046. Endowment Rank: Age of Applicant: 
Date to Reckon From: That, in reckoning the age 
of the applicant, hereafter it shall be reckoned and 
stated from the nearest birthday of the applicant at the time 
of making application. — Rep. of com. on E. R. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2074. 

* See Const. E. B. Sec. 1, Art. IX. 
+Now that the limit of age is extended to 60 years, there perhaps will be no 
question as to the application of the decision under the new Laws. See Const. E. K., 
Sec. 3, Art. III. 



COMMON LAW. 427 

1047. Endowment Rank : Certificate niay Issue 
Where Applicant Dies Before Taking O. B. N.: 

Where an applicant for membership in the E. E. dies before 
taking the 0. B. N. it was held by the S. M. E., Supreme 
Chancellor and the Board of Control, that a certificate in such 
case could not issue, upon this the committee on E. E. report, 
"We are of the opinion that the foregoing decisions are in 
strict conformity to the Laws of the Endowment Eank. As to 
whether there can exist any claim by any person outside of 
that Law, the Supreme Lodge can alone decide." Whereupon 
it was moved "That the report be referred to the incoming 
Board of Control of the E. E. with directions to allow payment 
of the claim, if in their judgment the fact and equities, and 
peculiar circumstance of the case be proved to the satisfaction 
of said Board and so require." S. L. Jour., 1884, 3054. 

1048. Endowment Rank: Policy in Cannot be 
Devised by Will : (See Endowment, Sec. 1040.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

1049. Endowment Rank: Member Cannot 
Transfer his Endowment, when: A member cannot 
transfer his endowment or benefit to a friend not a member of 
the Order, inasmuch as such friend could not stand in lieu of 
such member in his Lodge. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1814, 2076. 

1050. Endowment Rank : Assessments in Should 
not be Received from Member in Arrears, when : 

When a brother is in arrears for dues to his Lodge for six 
months, the secretary and treasurer of the Section of the E. E. 
to which said brother belongs should not receive assessments 
from him. — Dec, of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2788, 3052. 

1051. Endowment Rank: Date of Assessment 
Notice: The date of the assessment notice shall be the 
same day the notice of the assessment was received from the 
S. M. of E.— Dec. of S.S. Davis, S, C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

1052. Endowment Rank: Assessments when 
Due: Assessments are due from the date of notice, and 



428 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

should be paid immediately, and not delayed till the thirtieth 
day. If not paid on that day the member stands suspended 
from the Endowment Bank, and the assessment cannot then 
be received unless accompanied with a new medical examina- 
tion ; a thorough re-examination must take place, if the mem- 
ber has been suspended only one day.*-Dec. o/D. B. Woodruff, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815. 2076. 

1053. Endowment Rank : Notice of Assessment 
by Postal Card: Member Cannot Plead Non- Re- 
ception : A member is suspended for non-payment of as- 
sessments, and is reported by the secretary and treasurer to 
the Supreme Master of Exchequer in the monthly report. 
Afterwards the member comes forward and states he never re- 
ceived the notice, at the same time the secretary and treas- 
urer affirms he mailed it. Held, He will be reinstated under 
Art. VII. of the Constitution, and not admitted in any other 
manner. The system requires notices, on postal cards, and 
the officer having mailed such notice, and receiving no response, 
had no alternative but to report him to the Supreme Master of 
Exchequer as suspended, and the Section will not admit the 
plea made. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1817,2076. 

1054. Endowment Rank : Member Cannot take 
Additional Class, when : No member of the Endowment 
Bank after reaching fifty years of age, can take additional 
class, or increase his endowment, by transferring his member- 
ship from first or second class. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 

1055. Endowment Rank: Consolidation of Sec- 
tion : Upon a petition "to consolidate two Sections," "trans- 
fer members," "sell the effects to a new Section, and transfer 
warrants," etc., Held, There is no form for consolidation of 
Sections. Transfer of membership can only be made by clear- 
ance-cards, • Defunct Sections cannot sell or dispose of their 
effects, and there is no form for a transfer of warrants. — Dec. 
o/D. B. Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1816, 2076. 

1056. Endowment Rank: Documents Requir- 
ing Legislaton from Forwarded How and when : 

Resolved, That hereafter all documents relating to the Endow- 

*This does not refer to members of the fourth class. See Laws of E. R. Sec. 5, 
Art. V. 



COMMON LAW. 429 

ment Kank, requiring legislation of this Supreme Lodge, shall 
be forwarded, under seal of Section, to the Supreme Keeper of 
Eecords and Seal, on or before the first day of July preceding 
the session of said Supreme Lodge. s. L. Jour., 1880, 2091. 

1057. Endowment Rank : Effect of Decisions of 
the Supreme Chancellor: Resolved, That all rights, 
benefits and privileges of any member of the Endowment Kank, 
who had acted in good faith upon decisions and rulings made 
by the Supreme Chancellor, D. B. Woodruff, in vacation, shall 
not be affected or impaired by reason of the fact that such 
decisions or rulings may have been reversed by the Supreme 
Lodge. S. L. Jour., 1880 2091- 

1058. Endowment Kank : Monthly Returns Dis- 
continued : On recommendation of the committee on E. E, 
the monthly returns now in use were discontinued, the remit- 
tance blank being deemed preferable for that purpose.* — Rep. 
of com. on E. R. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2468. 

1059. Endowment Kank : Certificate ot Med- 
ical Examiner: Form of Adopted: Each Section 
shall elect but one Medical Examiner, and that his certificate 
be filed with and approved by the Medical Examiner-in-Chief, 
before he be qualified to act as such Medical Examiner, The 
certificate to be in substance as follows : 

Date 

Postoffice 

County 

State 

To the Medical-Examiner-in-Chief: 

I certify that I am a graduate of Medical Col- 
lege, having received my diploma '. . month, year 

Signed M.D. 

Witnesses. — We certify that the above statement is true, and 
that Dr is the regular elected Medical Ex- 
aminer of Section No 

Signed Pres't. 

. Secretary. 

Seal. I 

, S. L. Jour., 1882, 2286, 2478. 

*See Const. E. R.„ Art. VI., Sec. 5. 



430 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1060. Endowment Rank : Honorary Member- 
ship Prohibited, when : A brother whose physical con- 
dition being such as to prevent his passing a medical examina- 
tion, cannot be admitted as an honorary member of the E. E., 
and the Supreme Chancellor has no authority to grant a dis- 
pensation to so admit him. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291 2479, 2487. 

1061. Endowment Bank: Third Class: Re- 
striction in Respect to Qualification : The Law of 

the third class does not restrict applicants for admission 
thereto, to those members of the Order that were members at 
the time of the adoption of the third class. — Rep. of com. re- 
versing the S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2290, 2479, 2490. 

1062. Endowment Rank : What Members Eli- 
gible to the Third Class : It is not necessary that an ap- 
plicant should have been a member of the Order on the first 
day of September, 1880, to be eligible to membership in the 
third class of the E. E. All members of the Order between 50 
and 60 years of age — irrespective of the date of initiation 
into the Order, are eligible to membership if otherwise quali- 
fied. — Appeal of August Bergman, also of Sec. 390 vs. the S. C. 

S.L. Jour., 1882,2543. 

1063. Endowment Rank: Reinstatement of 
Suspended Member Before Joining Another Class : 

(See Keinstatement, Sec. 2166.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 2958. 

1064. Endowment Rank : Membership in Pre- 
served by Members on Card, when : Members of a 
defunct Lodge, holding Grand Lodge withdrawal-cards, would 

retain their membership in E.K. for six months, 

and would be entitled to all the privileges of that rank, for that 
length of time, if they paid all assessments. — Dec. of J.P.Lin- 
ton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

1065. Endowment Rank: Physical Fitness of 
Applicant in, to be Considered : (See Applicant, Sec. 
98.) S. L. Jour., 1884, 2791, 3052. 

1066. Endowment Rank: Admission to, Can- 
not be Barred by Mere Objection, when : Where, 
upon a ballot being had upon an application of a Knight for 



COMMON LAW. 431 

membership in a Section of the E. E., out one black ball 
appears against the applicant, he is duly elected, and if his 
membership application is approved by the medical examiner- 
in-chief, and he is otherwise qualified, he is entitled to admission 
and cannot be debarred of that right by mere objection raised, 
when he presents himself for admission to the Section. — Dec. 
of J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2788, 3052. 

1067. Endowment iBank: Certificate to be 
Issued to Applicants of Third Class Heretofore 
Refused Under Decision of Supreme Chancellor : 

Wheeeas, The decision of the Supreme Chancellor, to the 
effect that "the third class was only intended to admit to the 
Endowment Kank those brethren between fifty and sixty years 
of age, who were members of the Order at the time the third 
class was established." has been overruled by this Supreme 
Lodge ; and whereas, To require brothers between the ages 
specified, to whom certificates have been refused under the 
above decision of the S. C, to make new applications, would 
work great hardship to many worthy applicants in various 
Grand Jurisdictions ; therefore Resolved, That the S. M. of E. 
be and is hereby directed to issue certificates, without delay, to 
all applicants for admission into the third class, between fifty 
and sixty, to whom certificates have heretofore been refused 
under the decision of the S. C, referred to above ; Provided, 
all of said applicants are able to pass a satisfactory medical 
examination. (See ante, Sec. 1061.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2563. 

1068. Endowment Rank : Board of Control for 
Ontario ; Owing to the existence of peculiar circumstances, 
and pending final action of the Supreme Lodge, the Grand 
Jurisdiction of Ontario was granted permission to organize a 
"Board of Control," to manage the affairs of the Endowment 
Rank in that Jurisdiction. S. L., Jour., 1882, 2557. 

1069. Endowment Bank : Section Cannot be 
Organized with Less Number than Twelve : Where 
twelve applicants desired to organize a Section, but three of 
whom were rejected by the medical examiner-in-chief, Held, 
That the Section could not be organized with that number ; 
Held, further, That the money advanced should be refunded. — 
Rep. of Com. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2484, 2580. 



432 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1070. Endowment Rank: Authority of Grand 
Lodge to Punish Member Of: On the query as to whether 
there was any Law to punish a member of the Endowment Rank 
for receiving money and failing, to pay it over to the Supreme 
Lodge, thereby causing a brother to be suspended: Held, In- 
formation concerning the Laws of the Endowment Eank should 
be sought from the proper authorities in that rank ; the Grand 
Lodge has no legislative or judicial relation with that body.* — 
Rep. of com. on Law. g. L., Pa., Jour. 1883, 64, 117. 

1071. Endowment Rank: Sick Members Good 
Standing in: Lodge not Bound to Provide for: 

(See Good Standing, Sec. 1380.) 

G. L., Ind„ Jour., 1882, 121, 161, 163. 

1072. Endowment Hank: Decision of Medical 
Examiner in Chief Final: An appeal will not lie from 
the decision of the Medical Examiner in Chief, as by the Law, 
his decision is final. — Appeal of P. P. Price of Louisville. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2481, 2496. 

107 3„ Endowment Rank: Rules for Medical 
Examiner : Eules for the government of Medical Exami- 
ners and Medical Examiner in Chief were adopted.! 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2077, 2083. 

1074. Endowment Rank: Medical Examiner 
in Chief: Must be a Member of the Endowment 
Rank : It was decided that a Medical Examiner in Chief 
should be appointed, and that he should be a member of the 
E. K.— Rep. of com. on E. R. s. L. Jour., 1882, 2478, 2486. 

1075. Endowment Rank: Medical Examiner: 

Can a Section elect as a Medical Examiner, a physician who 
is not a member of the Eank or Order? Held, That it could. i 
■—Dec. ofD. B. Woodruff, S. C. g. L. Jour., 1880, 1817, 2076. 

1076. Endowment Rank : Eligiblilty of Exam- 
ner to Office in : In answer to question, "Can the Med- 

*Where a member is guilty of embezzlement he certainly could be tried for 
nnknightly conduct by bis Lodge, and convicted, whether it was funds of the Endow- 
ment Rank or nob, and the fact that he had swindled and wronged a brother Knight 
would subject him to the same charges, and while the Grand Lodge would have no 
jurisdiction the Subordinate Lodge would. 

+See Laws of E. R., adopted at session of 1884, Sec. 6, Art. 5, Gen. Laws, and 
Sec. 4, Art. 1, Const. 

{Under the Law as adopted at the session of 1884, the Medical Examiner must, 
if practicable, be amember of the Order. See Const. E. R., Sec. 4, Art. 1. 



COMMON LAW. 433 

ical Examiner hold the office of President ?" Held, That the 
Medical Examiner, by virtue of being such, was not disquali- 
fied from holding any of the Kitualistic offices. — Dec. of D. B. 
Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1814, 2076. 

1077. Endowment Rank: Meeting of Section 
not Essential, when : In a case of a Section being left 
without a quorum, by the removal of its members to other 
places, or for other cause, Held, That so long as they remained 
members of the Order, and continued to pay the assessments 
levied, they were entitled to all the benefits accruing to them 
as members of the Endowment Rank. — Dec. of D. B. Wood- 
ruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1817, 2076. 

1078. Endowment Rank: Rejected Applicant: 

A member of the Order, rejected on application for member- 
ship in one Section, cannot be accepted on an application roll, 
for another Section, within six months after such rejection. — 
Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1817, 2076. 

1079. Endowment Rank: Duty of Master of 
Finance in Respect To : It shall be the duty of the Master 
of Finance of every Subordinate Lodge, at the end of every 
semi-annual term, to report to the Section of the Endowment 
Bank, to which such Lodge may be tributary, a full list of names 
of all members suspended from membership in such Lodge for 
any cause. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1675. 

1080. Endowment Rank: Committee on How 
Composed : The standing committee on E. K. shall be com- 
posed entirely of members of that rank. 

S.L. Jour., 1882,2481,2491. 

1081. Endowment Rank: Expenses of Com- 
mittee On : How Paid : Resolved, That the expenses of 
representatives engaged in committee upon matters of the En- 
dowment Rank, should be paid out of the Endowment Bank 
expense funds, in the hands of the S. M. E. (See Committee, 
Sec. 527.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1636. 

1082. Endowment Rank: Death of Member 
before Delivery of Certificate, Entitled to Benefit : 

Where an applicant is favorably passed upon by the Medical 
Examiner-in-chief, and the certificate of membership issued, 

28 



434 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and sent to the Section, to be delivered to the applicant on 
his taking the 0. B. N., but the death of the applicant occurs 
in the meantime : Held, That the heirs of the deceased are 
entitled to the benefits. This is based upon the peculiar fea- 
ture of "this case," and without intention to limit or set aside 
the law requiring the taking of the 0. B. N. previous to the 
delivering of the certificate. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. G. 

S. L. Jour. 1882, 2288, 2479. 

1083. Endowment Hank : Third Class, Laws do 
Not Effect Laws of any Grand Jurisdiction: The 

Law establishing the third class of the E. B. has nothing to 
do with the Laws of the State Jurisdiction, which prohibit the 
admission of applicants over fifty years of age. — Dec. oj G.W. 
Lindsay, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2290, 2479-90. 

1084. Endowment Rank: Membership in Two 
Sections Prohibited : A member cannot hold member- 
ship in two Sections, although he may desire to enter different 
classes. — Dec. of G, W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S L. Jour., 1882, 2294, 2479-87. 

1085. Endowment Hank : Cards Used In : There 
is but one card used in E. B., and that is called a "Clearance- 
card" — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay. S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2479, 2487. 

1086. Endowment Rank: Clearance-Card Issned, 
when : Clearance-cards are only issued to members chang- 
ing their residence. — Dec of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour. 1880, 1818, 2076. 

1087. Endowment Rank : Members Joining New 
Sections Must Have Clearance- Cards : Members of 
the Endowment Kank, joining in an application for anew Sec- 
tion, do not necessarily pass a new examination, but they must 
forward clearance-cards from the Section of which they were 
formerly members, to the Supreme Chancellor, with the appli- 
cation.— Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1080, 1816, 2076. 

1088. Endowment Rank : Instructing Candi- 
date In : The C. C, or V. C, of a Lodge have nothing to do 
with instructing candidates in the E. K. It is the duty of the 



COMMON LAW. 435 

President of the Section to give all instructions, — Dec. ofG.W. 
Lindsay, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2479-90. 

1089. Endowment Rank : Authority of Presi- 
dent to Instruct Member of Another Section: 

The president of a Section has the right to instruct a brother 
of another Section in the Pass Word upon request of the Section 
to which the brother belongs. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2292, 2479-87, 2585, 2586. 

1090. Endowment Rank: President Cannot 
Communicate Semi- Annual Pass Word : The Pres- 
ident cannot instruct a member in the S. A. P. W., even if he 
is entitled to it. It must be obtained of the proper officers of 
of the Lodge.— Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C.—Dec. of D. B. 
Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1814, 2076. 

1091. Endowment Rank : Installation of Offi- 
cers : of: In the absence of any Law declaring who should 
install the officers of Sections, that it be left with the retiring 
President to install them or cause them to be installed, by some 
member he or the Section might select. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

1092. Endowment Rank: Certain Special As- 
sessments Refunded to the Section : Resolved, That 
the Supreme Master of Exchequer be and is hereby directed to 
refund to the Secretary and Treasurer of Sections, such special 
assessments, if any, as have been erroneously paid, and for 
which no credit has been given by number of assessment, fcr 
the purpose of placing said amount in surplus in the treasury 

of such Sections, as required by Law. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2592. 

1093. Endowment Rank : Advance Assessment 
is Refunded to Member Withdrawing, when: 

The Supreme Chancellor decided that a member withdrawing 
from a class, forfeits the advance assessments made, even 
while the money is still in the hands of the Secretary. This 
was reversed by the Supreme Lodge as being contrary to L aw 
and equity, and it was held that the advance assessment 



436 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

should be returned to members withdrawing. (Case of Bro, 
Hamson, of Section No. 247.)— Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2293, 2480, 2586. 

1094. Endowment Rank: Secretary has no 
Right to Refuse Payment of Assessment, when : 

Where a member offers in payment of assessment a $5 gold 
piece and it is refused by the Secretary for the reason that 
the exact amount is not tendered ; and a second tender refused 
because it was offered after six o'clock p. m., and the brother 
was thereupon suspended, Held, Upon these facts the brother 
should be reinstated to full membership, such reinstatement 
to date from the date of suspension. (Appeal of J. Straining 
VS. Section 319.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2582, 2585. 

1095. Endowment Rank : Members Liable for 
Dues and Assessments, when: Sections may collect 
of their members such dues. or assessments as are provided 
for in their By-Laws, for the payment of the current expenses 
of the Section. Neglect or refusal to pay as required in the 
By-Laws, may subject the members to suspension from the 
Section, and work a forfeiture of all claim to the endowment or 
any of the benefits accruing in this Bank. The legitimate ex- 
penses of the Section must be paid by the members, and Sec- 
tions must have power to enforce such payment, or a proper 
penalty in case of neglect or refusal. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

1096. Endowment Rank : Member not Liable 
for Assessment After Withdrawal : A brother having 
notified his Section of his intention to withdraw from a par- 
tiular class or from the rank, and having fully consummated 
such intention by actual withdrawal therefrom previous to a 
certain assessment having been made, is not subject to notice 
of such assessment. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2480-90. 

1097. Endowment Rank : Member not Liable 
for Assessment, when :' When a member becomes in ar- 
rears for dues to his Lodge to the amount of six months he 
forfeits his membership in the E. R., and is no longer liable 
for assessments, and the Section has no right to collect the 



COMMON LAW. 437 

same. He would not be entitled to the endowment in case of 
death. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2290, 2291, 2479, 2487, 2490. 

1098. Endowment Hank: Suspended Member 
not Liable for Assessment, wben : Where a member 
of the E. E. is suspended on the 28th day of the month and 
pays an assessment on the 29th, the assessment so paid should 
be refunded him inasmuch as, if the member £0 suspended had 
died on the 29th he would not have been entitled to the endow- 
ment benefit. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2479, 2490. 

1099. Endowment Rank: Member Liable for 

Assessment During 1 Suspension, when : The appeal 

of a suspended member having been sustained, and action of 

his Lodge reversed by Grand Lodge, Held, That he is liable to 

all assessments, and dues levied during the time of his sus- 

penson, and pending the appeal, the judgment being that the 

standing of the member was the same as if no action was 

held.— Dec, ofD. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1817, 2076. 

1100. Endowment Rank : Liability of Members 
for Assessment After Death : Where a member dies 
within thirty days after the notice of assessment due, his estate 
becomes liable for the assessment, — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2295, 2479-90. 

1101. Endowment Rank: Liability of Section 
for Assessment Made Prior to Date of Certificate : 

Where a Section was instituted, but, through neglect of insti- 
tuting officers, no report was made until some months later : 
Held, Keversing the Supreme Chancellor, that the Section was 
not liable for assessments made after its institution, but before 
the date of certificate of Endowment. — Rep. of com. — Case of 
Sec. No. 500 of Texas, S. L. Jour., 1882, 2479, 2487. 

1102. Endowment Rank : Validity of Extra As- 
sessments for Expenses of Section, Established : A 

Section has the authority to levy assessments upon its mem- 
bers to pay expenses of the Section. This was held where a 
defaulting treasurer left the Section in debt. — Dec. of D. B. 
Woodruff, S. C. (See ante Sec. 1095.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1818, 2076. 



438 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1103. Endowment Rank: Expense Fund: Pro 

Rata Division Of : All moneys in expense fund shall quar- 
terly be carried to, and used pro rata to the amount received 
by each class between the first and second classes, and the 
third class of the Endowment Bank.* — Rep. of com. on E. R. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2074. 

1104. Endowment Rank: Indemnity Fund: 
Amount Of: No class shall be adopted with a benefit of 
less than $1,000. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1675. 

1105. Endowment Rank: Proof of Death: A 

certificate of good standing must accompany proofs of death.— 
Dec. of S. S. Davis S. C. s. L. Jour., 1878, 1490, 1491, 1671. 

1106. Endowment Rank: Good Standing: A 

member shall be considered in good standing in the Section, 
as regards dues, who is not more than six months' in arrears 
for dues to his Lodge, and shall not be considered in good 
standing, as regards dues, when he is more than six month's 
in arrears for dues in his Lodge.! S. L. Jour., 1880, 1795. 

1107. Endowment Rank: Admission Fee: 
Amount of: Sections may increase the admission fee for 
members as they desire, but the minimum fee of $3.00 for an 
applicant entering but one class, and $4.00 when both classes 
are entered, must be collected of each applicant. — Dec. of S. 
S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

1108. Endowment Rank: Suspension from 
Lodge Legal Notice to Section : A legal notice to the 
Secretary and Treasurer of a Section that a member thereof 
has been suspended from his Lodge, must come over the sig- 
nature of the K. of K. & S. and under the Seal of the Lodge. 
—Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2586. 

1109. Endowment Rank: Members of Sus- 
pended, when : A member failing to pay an assessment 

*This, to all intents and purposes, renders inoperative the action of the Supreme 
Lodge at the session of 1878, which required the division to he made between the 
first and second class when the sum amounts to $200. See ante, Sec 1027. 

-t-The above legislation of the Supreme Lodge occurs as an amendment to a recom- 
mendation of the committee on Endowment Rank, adopted at the session of 1878, 
defining the term "good standing." As originally adopted it would seem to apply to 
the good standing of members generally, when it was the intention of the committee 
only, to define "good standing" in respect to membership in the Endowment Rank. 
(See Jour. 1878. 1675 ; also Expo, title, Good Standing.) 



COMMON LAW. 439 

for thirty days after notice, shall be suspended, on the day after 
the thirty days expire. Failure to pay the advance assessment 
and initiation fee incurs a like penalty. — Dec. ofG. W. Lindsay, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2292, 2479, 2487. 

1110. Endowment Rank: Suspension from 
Lodge Effect of: If a member of a Section is suspended from 
his Lodge for any cause, and an appeal is taken from the action 
of the Lodge, the action of the Lodge stands in full force until 
reversed by the Grand or Supreme Lodges, and membership in 
the rank ceases at the time of the suspension from the Lodge. 
Should the action of the Lodge be reversed by the higher author- 
ity, the standing of the member would be the same as if no 
action was had. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671, 

1111. Endowment Hank Suspension, no Dec- 
laration Necessary, when : No declaration of suspen- 
sion by the President is necessary to drop a member from a 
Section for non-payment of assessments. The suspension fol- 
lows as a penalty for failing to pay within thirty days. — Dec. 
ofD. B. Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 

1112. Endowment Rank : Suspended Member 
Cannot be Admitted to Section : It is highly improper 
to admit to meetings of Sections, any suspended member, and 
he cannot enjoy that privilege. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C, 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1814, 2076. 

1113. Endowment Rank: Suspension: Clear- 
ance-Card : Reinstatement : Query, A member of a 
Section in the First and Second Classes has been suspended 
from the Second Class. He takes a clearance-card and de- 
posits the same in another Section. How can he be reinstated 
in the Second Class ? Held, He must make application for re- 
instatement, and permission must be obtained from his for- 
mer Section under seal, for reinstatement in the Second Class, 
and upon the consent of said Section he must pass a medical 
examination, and upon approval by the Medical Examiner-in- 
chief he may be reinstated. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2293, 2480, 2491. 



440 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1114. Endowment Rank : Suspended Members 
of a Second Class may Enter First Class, when : 
Members in second class only, suspended for non-payment of 
assessment, desiring to enter first class, must first regain their 
right as members of the rank, by reinstatement, and then 
make application as originally for the other class, surrendering 
old certificates and receiving new ones instead..— Dec. of D. 
B. Woodruff, S. C, S. L. Jour., 1880, 1817, 2076. 

1115. Endowment Bank: Death of Suspended 
Member, Pending his Appeal : Status Of: A member 
of the Endowment Rank is suspended in his Lodge ; he appeals 
to his Grand Lodge, and pending the appeal he dies. Is his 
beneficiary entitled to benefits ? Held, Suspended members 
are not entitled to benefits ; provided, however, that, on a final 
hearing, should the Grand Lodge reverse the action of his 
Lodge, his beneficiary would then be entitled, as his status is 
restored — Dec. o/D. B. Woodruff, S, C. 

S. L., Jour., 1880, 1816, 2076. 

1116. Endowment Rank : Member of Suspended 
Section : Reinstatement Of: Members of a suspended 
Section can only again become members of the Endowment 
Rank by making application to the Supreme Lodge, or Supreme 
Chancellor, for a clearance-card, paying all assessments for 
ninety days after suspension, and passing a medical examina- 
tion, and then only after the surrender of all properties of the 
Section to the Supreme Lodge. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2292, 2479, 2487. 

1117. Endowment Rank: Members Holding 
Clearance- Card Suspended, when : Members holding 
a clearance-card over six month's old, stand suspended 
from membership, and forfeit all right, title and interest in the 
Endowment Rank. If desiring to re-connect themselves with 
the Rank, they will make application as originally, and will be 
treated in all respects (except conferring the rank) as new ap- 
plicants. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 

1118. Endowment Rank: Reinstatement In: 
Mode Of: Under the Law applications must be made in regu- 
lar form, the same as for additional Classes. The certificate of 



COMMON LAW. 441 

the Lodge is required ; also report of committee on character, 
ballot, medical examination, and payment of the fee, twenty- 
five cents. As to whether the Secretary and Treasurer shall 
make any entry of the fee of twenty-five cents for the Medical 
Examiner-in-chief is a matter for the Secretary to determine. 
It is proper, however, for the Secretary and Treasurer to keep 
an account of all money received by him in his official capacity, 
showing what disposition has been made of the same. — Dec. of 
G. W. Lindsay, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882. 2291, 2479, 2487. 

1119. Endowment Rank: Reinstatement In: 

Suspended members, over fifty years of age, may be reinstated 
in the same manner as others, the age being no bar to it. — Dec. 
ofD.B. Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 

1120. Endowment Rank: Suspended Section 
may be Reinstated How : Sections suspended for non- 
payment of assessments may be reinstated or reorganized, in 
the same manner, and on the same principle that individual 
members, are reinstated, not less than seven members may 
pay the assessments, comply with the Law, and then reinstate 
the Section.*— Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. (See Ante. Sec. 
1118.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2293, 2480-91. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE. 

1121. Documents to be Written or Printed in: 

All documents submitted to the Grand Lodge must be written 
or printed in the English language. (See Language Sees. 1589 
to 1590.) G. L., Neb., Jour. Nov., 1869, 21. 

1122. English Language : Right of Member to 
use in any Lodge : The statutes of the Order are in the 
English language, and all the decisions of the officers must be 
based upon the English version of the Law, and in any Lodge, 
a member may speak or present a report in the English lan- 
guage. The translation of the Ritual -and the Constitution in 
to a foreign tongue, is only a privilege extended for the conven- 
ience of brethern who do not so fully understand the English 
language, and in no way gives them a prescriptive right to have 

*The new Laws of Endowment Rank provide that three members may preserve 
the standing of the section. It would seem that this number might reinstate the Sec- 
tion under the above decision. See Const, of E. R. Sec. 3, Art. I. 



442 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

every thing done in their own language. All documents com- 
ing up from a Lodge working in other than the Engligh lan- 
guage, must be presented in the English language.* — Dec. of 
D. W. Day, G* C. G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 518, 585. 

1 123. English Language : Notice of Appeal in : 
Lodge Bound to Answer, or Suffer Default : Where 
a member was suspended by his Lodge for a term of years, and 
he appeals therefrom giving notice of his appeal in the Eng- 
lish language, which the Lodge refused to recognize because 
it was not in the German language, and therefore suffered de- 
fault, the appeal being heard by the G. C. ex parte, Held, That 
there is no Law requiring proceedings on appeal to be in any 
other than the English language. That the Lodge should 
have answered the apneal, not having done so, cannot com- 
plain that the G. C. decided it without such answer. — Appeal of 
Barbarosa Lodge vs. G. C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1882, 41, 42. 

1 1 24. English Language : Must be used in Com- 
munications Requiring Action : While there is no 
Law preventing a Lodge from sending communications in the 
German language, to have them acted upon, they must be in 

the English. (See ante. Sec. 79.) 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1879,24. 

1125. English Language: Attorney Speaking, 
may Defend Accused in Trial Before a German 
Lodge : (See Trial, Sec. 2619:) 

G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1880, 275, 278. 

ELIGIBILITY. 

1126. To Office in Subordinate Lodge: (See 

Chancellor Commander, Sec. 651.)+ 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app., 37. 

1 127. Eligibility : To Office of Vice Chancellor : 

Any member having served in any elective or appointed office 
is eligible to the office of V. C. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1033, 1124. 

1128. Eligibility: Law in Respect to, Local: 

The Law requiring rotation in office from lower to higher, is 

*It was not until the year 1870 that the Supreme Lodge permitted German Lodges 
to keep theur minutes in that language. (See S. L. Jour. 1870, 184, 20S, 221.) 
+See Expo, title, Eligibility, for a discussion of this subject. 



COMMON LAW. 443 

local. The Supreme Lodge Laws permit any Knight in good 
standing to be elected to the office of C. C. — Dec. of J. P. Lin- 
ton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

1129. Eligibility: Of Vice Chancellor to Office 
of Chancellor Commander : (See V. C, Sec. 2665.) 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1882, 355, 364. 

1130. Eligibility: Of Chancellor Commander 
to Re-Election. (See C. C, Sec. 640.) 

G. L., Kan., Jour., Sept., 1873, 11, 31. 

1 131. Eligibility : Of Applicant to Membership : 
Mnst be in sound Bodily Health: (See Applicant, 
Sec. 88.) G. L., Minn., Jour., 1882, 149, 164. 

1132. Eligibility: To Office: Not Restricted to 
Those Present : See Election, Sec. 990.) 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1883, 637, 741. 

1133. Eligibility: Of Vice Chancellor to Office 
of Chancellor Commander : (See V. C, Sec. 2666.) 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1874, 28, 76. 

1134. Eligibility: To Office: Construction of 
Law: Service in Office: Membership: Construing 
the Law, as existing at the time, as to the previous official ser- 
vice necessary to render a brother eligible to the V. C.'s station, 
Held, That a brother is not eligible to the Y. C.'s station unless 
he has served one term (a majority of nights) in an appointed 
office.* That a brother who has attained the rank of Knight 
is eligible to office (except those which require previous service 
in office) so soon as the rank is conferred without regard to the 
length of time he has held membership in the Order. — Dec. of 
S. P. Oyler, G. C. G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1874, 158, 174. 

1135. Eligibility: To Office of Vice Chancellor 
and Chancellor Commander : Promotion: With 
Honors of Former Office Retained : Where there 
was a vacancy in the office of Y. C. and it was desired 
to promote an appointive officer, the serving M. at A. 

*This decision was approved, thereby overruling a decision made on the same 
question in 1872. The construction then put upon the Law was in accord withthe pri- 
vate conviction of the G. C. but he seems to have overlooked it. (See Expo, title 
Eligibility.) 



444 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

was thereupon, — on the last night of the term — elected 
to the office of V. C. and he was immediately installed, 
and on the same night he was further promoted, by election to 
the office of C. C. and at the proper time he was installed 
therein. On a query propounded, the G. C. decided that 
the brother thus promoted acquired the honors of the two 
offices, viz. : M. at A. and V. C. the same term. This was 
overruled by the Grand Lodge, holding that, the brother must 
have resignsd the office of M. at A. before he could be nomi- 
nally elected to the office of V. C. thereby resigning all honors 
he might have gained by service as M. at A. and therefore not 
eligible to the office of V. C, and not being eligible to the 
office of V. C. he was not of course eligible to the office of C. C. 
— Dec. of J. A. Hughes, G. C. y overruled. 

G. K, Ind., Jour., Jan., 1873, 8. 69. 

1 136. Eligibility : Of Attendant to Promotion : 

A brother having served as attendant, is not thereby eligible to 
the office of V. C— Dec. of W. H. Hazelton, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1872, 61, 87. 

ENTEEING LODGE. 

1137. Courtesy Should be Observed when: 

When entering or retiring from a Lodge it is improper to stamp 
on floor, or make other discourteous demonstrations to attract 
the attention of the Chancellor Commander. — Dec. of H. C. 
Berry, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour. Jan. 1871, 40. 

1138. Entering Lodge: Members Prohibited 
when : (See Admission, Sec. 224.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1871, 58. 
App. by G. L., Jour., 1872,41. 

1139. Entering Lodge: Usual Ceremony not 
Required, when : The usual ceremony is not required of 
a member, entering a Lodge, while acting under orders, etc. 
(See Eetiring from Lodge Eoom, Sec. 2194.) 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1878, 283, 343. 

1140. Entering Lodge Room : Must Give Name 
and Number of Lodge, when : A member must give 
the name and number of his Lodge every time he enters the 
same.— Dec. ofG. E. Allen, D. D. G. C. 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1881, 49, 135. 



COMMON LAW. 445 

1141. Entering Lodge : Prohibited when : Duty 
of Chancellor Commander : A C. C. has the right to 
refuse admittance to, and prevent retiring from, the room 
when conferring the ranks, and he would be derelict in duty if 
he allowed admission or retiring at such times. — Dec. of T. W. 
Deering, G. C. G. L., Kan., Jour., Sept., 1873, 14, 31. 

EVIDENCE. 

1142. Member may Demand the Reading of, 
when : Where a member demanded the reading of the evi- 
dence taken by a trial committee, in order that the Lodge 
might vote understanding!^, Held, That it is right and proper 
that the evidence should be read. All papers appertaining to 
any case become the property of the Lodge, and as a Lodge is 
composed of individual members, they have the right to de- 
mand the reading of any paper belonging to the Lodge. — Ap- 
peal of W, J. Gibson vs. Carrol Lodge No. 9. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1874, 125. 

EXEMPTION. 

1143. From Dnes: Not Permitted, when: A 

Lodge cannot make a Law exempting all new members from the 
payment of dues for six months after being enrolled as Knights. 
It would be inconsistent with our Laws and usages. — Dec. of 
S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1228, 1296. 

1144. Exemption: From Dues: Not Permit- 
ted, when : A Lodge has no right to pass a resolution ex- 
empting all new members from the payment of dues for six 
months after becoming members. Such a resolution declared 
null and void. — Dec. of W. J. Jeffries, G. C. 

G. L., Del., Jour., Oct., 1876, 51, 60. 

EXCUESION. 

1145. In the Name of the Order : Dispensation 
Necessary : (See Dispensation, Sec. 841.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1881, 1232, 1261. 

EX POST FACTO LAW. 

1146. Lodge Cannot IJnact, when : On the query, 
to wit, — "Can a law, retroactive in principle, be adopted?" 



446 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Held, An ex post facto law regulates this matter ; therefore a 
Lodge cannot enact a retroactive law. — Dec. of J. M. Powell, 
&> C. G. L. N. J., Jour. 1878, 967, 1022. 

EXPUNGING MINUTES. 

1147. May be Ratified by Grand Lodge, when: 

On the query, to wit : "What would be the effect of the resolu- 
tion : 'That all that part of the minutes relating to the case of 

, be hereby expunged, and that the balance of the 

term of suspension be remitted, and said brother be admitted 
again with us in full fellowship. Provided said action meets 
with the approval of the Grand Lodge." Held, The passage 
of the resolution, would, with the permission of the Grand Lodge, 
restore the brother to membership in the Lodge. — Rep. of com. 

on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour. 1882, 537, 576. 

FOUNDEK. 

1148. Office of Created : The office of Founder and 
Past Supreme Chancellor as recommended by the convention 
to devise a plan for the formation of the Supreme Lodge, was 
created by the Supreme Lodge at its first session. 

S. L. Jour., 1868,8, 12. 

1149. Founder : Past Supreme Chancellor J. H. 
Kathbone Recognized as: The committee to whom 
was referred the brief history as to the Founder of the Order 
of Knights of Pythias, beg leave to report that they have had 
before them Bro. J. H. Eathbone, and also J. T. K. Plant, who 
has been represented as one of the Founders of the Order, and 
upon the statement of Past Supreme Chancellor J. T. K. Plant, 
your committee are fully satisfied that Past Supreme Chancel- 
lor Justus H. Rathbone is entitled to the honor of being the 
Founder of the Order of the Knights of Pythias? and offer 
the following resolution: Resolved, That the documents pre- 
sented to the Supreme Lodge purporting to be a brief Origin 
of the Order, and Justus H. Eathbone as Sole Founder, be 
fully recognized as such by this Supreme Lodge of the World. 
— Rep. of Special Committee. (See History, Sec. 1399.) 

• S. L. Jour., 1876, 1277. 



COMMON LAW. 447 

1150. Founder: Badge for: A committee was ap- 
pointed to devise and procure a regalia with badge attached for 
the Founder of the Order, to be presented to him, which was to 
be worn by him on all occasions of visiting Lodges, 

S. L. Jour., 1868, 20. 

1151. Founder : Medal for : In 1876 a special com- 
mittee was appointed "to designate a badge, regalia, or some 
insignia appropriate to be worn by the Founder of the 
Order," at the following session, the committee submitted a de- 
sign for a medal, and offered the following resolution, which 
was adopted : Resolved, That the design of "medal to be worn 
by the Founder of the Order," as herewith submitted, be 
adopted, and that the Supreme Chancellor is hereby directed 
to have the same properly executed, and is further authorized 
to draw on the Supreme Master of Exchequer for such sum as 
may be necessary to meet the expenses of the same, provided 
that the amount does not exceed $200. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1282; Jour., 1877, 1418. 

1152. Founder: Presentation of Medal to: 

Pursuant to the resolution of instructions in respect thereto, 
the Supreme Chancellor procured the manufacture of a jewel, 
which was presented to the Founder, Past Supreme Chancellor, 
J. H. Eathbone, at the request of Supreme Chancellor S. S, 
Davis by Supreme Eepresentative G. J. L. Foxwell, of the 
District of Columbia, at the hall of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 5 
of Washington, on the 26th day of December, 1877. — Rep. of 
S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour,, 1878, 1505, 1668. 

FLAG. 

1153. For the Order : Authorized : A committee 
was authorized to present designs for a flag which should be 
uniform throughout the Order. S. L. Jour., 1870, 192. 

1154. Flag: Recommendation Concerning: 
Your Committee on Flag Respectfully Submit the 
Following : If it is the intention of the Supreme Lodge to 
adopt banners, flags, etc., we would recommend the designs 
presented by Past Chancellor Eobertson, of Penna., but if the 
intention is to have flags alone, we recommend those by Bro. 



448 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Fred. D. Stuart, of the District of Columbia. Eecommitted 
with instruction to report designs for V. P. W. C. and E. S. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 207. 

1155. Flag: Designs for Presented: The com- 
mittee reported specific designs at same session (Jour. 1870, 
220) which was again recommitted with instructions to report 
at the next session when the same report was re- submitted as 
follows : 

FOR SUBORDINATE LODGE OFFICERS: 

Standards to be four feet high, three feet four inches wide, 
made of silk, quartite at the bottom, fastened at the top to the 
cross-bar by gilded spear, not more than three inches in diam- 
eter ; height of the staff to be at the pleasure of the Lodge. 

FOR PRELATE. 

Black field trimmed with silver fringe, with Bible in center in 
silver. 

FOR CHANCELLOR COMMANDER. 

Eed field trimmed with gold fringe ; in center of field a shield, 
battle axes, helmet, and crossed gavels, of gold. 

FOR VICE CHANCELLOR. 

Blue field, trimmed with gold fringe, in center, the coat of 
arms of the state (or nationality) ; below, a single gavel, of 
gold ; circling above, the name and number of the Lodge. 

FOR OUTSIDE USE. 

For flags for outside use of the Order, we offer the designs fur- 
nished by P. C. Fred. D. Stuart, of D. C, with the modifica- 
tion of a purple shield for Supreme Lodge, as per pattern ; the 
flag to be six feet long and two feet six inches wide.* 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 399, 400. 

1156. Flag: Specific Description: For Outside 

Use : The regulation flag is to be six feet long and two feet 
six inches wide. Any other sized flag to be in width two thirds 
of the length. Material to be silk, bunting or muslin ; colors, 
blue, yellow and red, equal size, vertical. Shield, of Supreme 
Lodge, purple ; "P" and Tilting Spear yellow, shield of Grand 
Lodge, red, "P" and Tilting spear, yellow. Shield of Subor- 

*There is nothing to show what disposition was made of this report, the presump- 
tion is however, that it was adopted inasmuch as the S. K. of R. and S. in his report 
at the session of 1872 mentions it as having been adopted. Rep. of S. K. of R. and 
S., Jour. 1872,483. 



COMMON LAW. 449 

dinate Lodge, red and white, red above ; "P" and Tilting spear, 
yellow. The shield, letter "P" and spear may be painted or 
worked. No fringes of any kind, upon this flag ; the height of 
the staff to be at the pleasure of the Lodge; staff to be 
mounted with a gilded helmet head, with red cord and tassels 
hanging therefrom. S. L. Jour., 1872, 484. 

FUNEKAL. 

115?. Lodge Excused from Attending, when: 
Local Legislation : Where, in order to prevent unseemly 
conflict at the grave of a member who was affiliated with other 
Orders, a resolution was offered excusing Lodge from further 
attendance upon such funeral, where either the brother, during 
life, or the relatives of the deceased excluded the Lodge from an 
equal share and responsibility in the control and direction of 
such funeral ; Held, That the matter is one of local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1630, 1634. 

1158. Funeral: Duty of Member to Attend 
Without Summons : Where the C. C. held that a member 
could not be fined for failing to attend a funeral, unless he was 
served with a summons, or notice under seal, on appeal Held, 
That it is the duty of a member to attend a funeral, he know- 
ing the time and place. Dec. of H. A. Atkinson, G. C. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1881, 14, 54. 

1159. Funeral: Wearing Regalia at not Al- 
lowed: The Badges at funerals are required only. The 
Lodge room regalia cannot be worn. — Dec. of J. F. Shumate, 
G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1883, 866, 928. 

FUNEEAL BADGES. 

1160. Definitely Defined and Adopted : At fu- 
nerals the following rosette shall be worn in lieu of other re- 
galia, viz: By Knights, Pages and Esquires, round rosette, 
black, flat centre, one and one-half inches in diameter, with 
white metal struck up or silver embroidered escutcheon sur- 
rounded by two rows of one-half inch black satin ribbon ; the 
joint ribbon joining the centre of the rosette, to be covered 
with one-fourth line silver braid, the completed rosette to be 
three inches in diameter, suspended from the under side of 

29 



450 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the rosette a white silk ribbon two and one-half inces wide and 
four and one-half inches long, with name and number of Lodge, 
and the letters of K. P. printed upon in black ; the white rib- 
bon to be covered with black crape. By Past Chancellors, 
same as for members, but gilt escutcheon. By officers, same 
as for members, but substituting the emblem of their respec- 
tive offices for the escutcheon in the centre of the rosette.* 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 620, 631. 

FUNEEAL PBOCESSION. 

1161. Line of, how Formed: Resolved, That when 
the Order attends funerals, the line of march shall be taken 
up in the following order : 

1st. The 0. G-. bearing a sword followed by the Pages, Es- 
quires and Knights in the order as laid down. 

2nd. The I. G. bearing a sword. 

3rd. The K. E. S., M. F. and M. E. (three abreast), each 
bearing the emblem of their respective offices. 

4th. M. A., bearing a staff. 

5th. C. C. and V. C. each bearing the emblem of their re- 
spective offices. 

6th. The P., supported by two Past Chancellors. 

7th. Past Chancellors and Past Grand Chancellors. 

On arriving at the grave the procession halts and opens 
order, when the coffiin and mourners pass through and the 
procession follows the corpse in a reversed position. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 403, 414* 

FUNEEAL BENEFITS. 

1162. Liability of Lodge for when: Construc- 
tion of By-Laws : A Lodge's By-Law contained the fol- 
lowing: "Art. XII. Sec. 2. On the death of a brother there 
shall be appropriated from the funds of the Lodge one hun- 
dred dollars to defray the funeral expenses." A member 
dies and it is found that $40 is sufficient to pay the funeral ex- 
penses. The widow claims the remaining $60, under the fore- 
going By-Law, which the Lodge refuses to pay on the ground 
that the "funeral expenses" have been paid and that was all 

*This probably repeals the action of the Supreme Lodge in respect to the fu- 
neral badge adopted at the session of 1869, and as changed for Subordinate Lodges at 
the session of 1871. See Jour, of 1869, 99, 116 ; 1871, 413. 



COMMON LAW. 451 

that was contemplated by the Law, On appeal, the Grand 
Lodge, construing the Law, held that the widow, is entitled to 
the remainder of the fund, which decision and construction 
was affirmed by the Supreme Lodge. — Appeal of Laurel Lodge 
vs. the G. L. of Cal. S. L. Jour.,1872, 551, 557, 588. 

1163. Funeral Benefits : Liability of Lodge for, 
when : Construction of Law : Where the Constitution 
contained the following provision to wit: "On the decease of a 
beneficial member, the Lodge shall appropriate the amount 
prescribed in the By-Laws (not less than 20.00) towards de- 
fraying the expenses of his funeral, to be paid to his nearest 
competent relative ; but in the absence of such relative the C. 
C, shall apply the money to the purpose specified, and return 
the surplus, if any, to the M. of F. with receipts for expenses 
incurred," and where the By-Laws contained the following, 
"Fifty dollars shall be allowed as funeral benefits on the death 
of a qualified member of this Lodge;" and "Thirty dollars 
shall be allowed as a funeral benefit upon the death of the wife 
of a qualified member of this Lodge," Held, That this was in- 
tended as an appropriation for funeral expenses solely, and not 
as property which passes to the representatives or heirs. That 
where the funeral expenses were paid by the employer of the 
brother, and the employer made no claim for the expenses, the 
Lodge was not liable to the mother or sister of the deceased 
brother for the benefits allowed, that the Law was complied 
with when the expenses of the funeral had been paid, and the 
brother had received a respectable burial. — Dec, of T. H. Man- 
nen, G t C, appeal of Monroe vs. Clay Lodge. 

G. L„ Ky., Jour., 1879, 595, 628, 634. 

1164. Funeral Benefits : A Sister Lodge Liable 
for, when: Where a member, though not beneficial, is 
taken sick beyond the Jurisdiction of his Lodge ; and where 
the Keeper of Kecords and Seal authorizes a sister Lodge to 
care for the brother, guaranteeing benefits paid ; and where 
the brother subsequently dies, and a like guarantee is given to 
reimburse the sister Lodge to the extent of $20.00 for funeral 
benefits ; Held, Upon appeal to the Supreme Lodge, sustaining 
the Grand Lodge, that the Lodge was liable for these benefits 
and expenses, on the guaranty of the Keeper of Kecords and 
Seal. — Appeal of Potomac Lodge vs. Grand Lodge of Maryland. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1440. 1441. 



452 * KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1165. Funeral Benefits : Right of Lodge to fix 
Probationary Period : Under the Laws of this Supreme 
Lodge, requiring the payment of sick and funeral benefits to 
members in good standing, a Subordinate Lodge cannot so 
frame its By-Laws, as to deprive a Knight of such benefits for 
one year after attaining that rank," The minimum benefits 
must be paid. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1373, 1428. 

1166. Funeral Benefits: Not Payable where 
Fraud was Practiced in Gaining Admission : Where 
an applicant represented his age as forty-nine years, in his 
application, and was fifty in the question book, this discrepancy 
not being noticed at the time, and his death occurring subse- 
quently, when it was discovered that he was, in fact, fifty-five 
years old at the time of making his application : Held, His 
widow was not entitled to the benefits. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G L., Pa., Jour., Aug. 1879, 604, 624. 

1167. Funeral Benefits: Lodge Not Liable For 
on Death of a Suspended Member : The Lodge is not 
liable for funeral benefits on the death of a suspended member. 
After the death of a member he cannot be reinstated : he there- 
fore has no claim on the Lodge whatever. — Rep of com. on Law. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1878, 18, 23. 

1168. Funeral Benefits : Not Payable on Death 
of Member's Wife, when : "Where a member is so in 
arrears as not to be entitled to weekly benefits : Held, He would 
not be entitled to funeral benefits in case of the death of his 
wife. — Reversing com. on Law. G. L., W, Va., Jour., 1876, 22, 29. 

1169. Funeral Benefits : Not Payable to Execu- 
tors or Administrators, when ; Where a brother died, 
leaving no relatives, but an estate which was administered by 
executors : Query, "Should the Lodge pay the funeral benefits 
to the executors of the estate or not ;" Held, The Lodge is 
not required to pay the expenses of the deceased brother's 
funeral, or funeral benefits to the executors of his will under 
the circumstances stated, where the Constitution directs that 
funeral benefits shall be paid to the nearest competent relative 
of the deceased beneficiary member. Funeral benefits are not 



. COMMON LAW. 453 

demandable and cannot be made payable to executors or ad- 
ministrators of members deceased. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 538, 581. 
Jour. 1881. 301, 336. 

1170. Funeral Benefits : Payable if Member is 
in Grood Standing at Time of Death : A member not 
in good standing when taken sick, cannot by paying up his 
arrearages, become entitled to benefits during his sickness. If 
however, he pays his arrearages, thus placing himself in 
good standing, and his death shall occur, the Lodge is liable 
for the funeral benefits, allowed by Law. — Appeal of C. H. 
Isham vs. Franklin Lodge. 

G. L., D. C. Jour., April, 1881, 353-4. 

1171. Funeral Benefits : Lodge not Liable for 
Where Member Pays up Arrears During Sick- 
ness : Where a member is in arrears, and not beneficial, but 
pays up his arrearages during sickness, but does not recover, 
Held, The Lodge is not liable for funeral benefits in such 
case. If paid at all must be entirely voluntary. — Dec. of H. 
W. Long, G. C, G. L., N. J., Jour., 1881, 1232, 1261. 

1172. Funeral Benefits: Payable for Member 
in Arrears, when : Every member who, at the time of his 
death, is not three months in arrears for dues, is entitled to fu- 
neral benefits. — Dec. of D. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 519, 585. 

1113. Funeral Benefits: Liability of Lodge 
for, when not Consumed by Funeral Expenses^ 

Adhering to its decision made in 1872 ; it was held, that where 
a member and his wife both die, and the expenses of the fu- 
neral are defrayed by outside parties, the Lodge is neverthe- 
less liable "to the nearest competent relative" for the funeral 
benefits allowed by Law. — Appeal of N. Smith vs. the G. L. of 
Ky. (See Sec. 1167.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 2009. 

1174. Funeral Benefits: Full Amount of 
Must be Paid: Funeral benefits must be paid in full. 
Expenses paid by the Lodge in attending the funeral, cannot 
be deducted therefrom.— Dec. of J. J. Atkins, G. C 

G.L., Term., Jour., 1877, 245, 272. 



454 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1175. Funeral Benefits: Must be Applied to 
Burial Expenses : Funeral benefits can only be applied 
to legitimate burial expenses ; music, transportation of mem- 
ber, etc., must be paid for in some other way. 

G. L. } Mo., Jour., 1878, 339. 

1176. Funeral Benefits: Widow of Deceased 
Member Entitled to, when : A brother who has been 
a member for four months and paid up six months dues, is a 
beneficial member, within the meaning ot the Constitution, 
and his widow is entitled to funeral benefits. — Dec. of J. A. 
Lacey, G. C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1879, 13,48. 

1177. Funeral Benefits: Payable on Paying up 
Arrears : Where a member is in arrears for dues for one 
year, on being notified of that fact remits the amount in full, 
and it is received and placed to his credit, and on the same day 
that it is so received, the brother dies ; Held, His widow is en- 
titled to the funeral benefits. — Dec, of J. A. Lacey, G. C, 

G. L., Mo., Jour. 1879, 15, 16, 47. 

1178. Funeral Benefits : Denied where Brother 
is in Arrears for Funeral Tax: (See Sec. 1187.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 130. 

1179. Funeral Benefits: Not Payable when 
Member is in Arrears: A member is taken sick on 
March 29th, and is owing the Lodge $2.74 for dues, on ths 31st 
of March he pays $3.00. His death occurs subsequently, and 
his widow claims the funeral benefits, which the Lodge refuses 
to pay ; The Grand Lodge reversed the action of the Subordi- 
nate Lodge and ordered the benefits paid. On appeal to the Su- 
preme Lodge, Held, That the action of the Subordinate Lodge 
was correct. The brother having been in arrears at the time 
of his sickness benefits were not payable. — Appeal of Liberty 
Lodge vs. Grand Lodge of District of Columbia. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1318. 

1180. Funeral Benefits: Payable in Case of 
Suicide, when: (See Suicide, Sec. 2551.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876, 448, 547. 

1181. Funeral Benefits: Payable in Case of 
Suicide : Where a Grand Lodge had approved a By-Law 



COMMON LAW. 455 

which disqualified the family of a suicide from receiving fun- 
eral benefits, it was afterwards held to be the sense of the 
Grand Lodge that any brother Knight who may be insane or 
commit self-destruction shall not, by any legislation, be deemed 
to have forfeited any of his rights, privileges or benefits (sick 
or funeral,) nor shall his family or friends be considered to be 
disfranchised by his self-destruction from any benefits, or 
other rights that may be guaranteed by any Lodge in its By- 
Laws to all other members. g. L., Cal., Jour., 1874, 606. 

1182. Funeral Benefits : Payable in Case of Su- 
icide. It was held in Supreme Lodge that the question as to 
whether the funeral benefits should be paid to the widow of a 
suicide was a matter for local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 684, 734. 

1183. Funeral Benefits : Not Payable for Pages 
and Esquires : Pages and Esquires are not entitled to fu- 
neral benefits. — Dec. of H. L. Hoivard, G. C. 

G. L., Ehode Island, Jour., 1874, 8, 42. 

1184. Funeral Benefits : Paid Voluntarily to a 
Member Not Entitled, Cannot be Recovered Back : 

"Where a member, on the death of his wife, applied for the 
funeral benefits allowed under the Law, the M. of F. stating 
that the brother was clear on the books, and where it was sub- 
sequently ascertained that the brother was in arrears and not 
entitled to the benefits : Query, Can the Lodge charge the 
amount up to the brother, and deduct it from any future bene- 
fits to which he may be entitled, or can charges be preferred 
against him ? Held, The brother cannot be compelled to re- 
fund the money, neither can it be charged against him. 
The payment being a voluntary act of the Lodge, and no mis- 
representation on the part of the brother, the payment must be 
regarded as an irrecoverable benevolence. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 539, 581. 

1185. Funeral Benefits : Assessments for, in the 
Nature of Compulsory Insurance, Not Approved : 

Upon the document submitted by Minnesota, entitled, "The 
Constitution of the Minnesota Knights of Pythias, Widows and 
Orphans Belief Fund," the committee on Law and Supervision 
report : 1st. "This scheme is designated as a Constitution, and 



456 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the fact that it operates in an obligatory manner upon all 
Lodges in the Jurisdiction, is intended to provide a permanent 
system, and forwarded to the Supreme Chancellor for approval, 
is sufficient evidence that it is to be regarded as a fundamental 
enactment requiring the approval of this supreme body. 2nd. 
The committee would be justified in not recommending its 
approval for the reason that the certificate attached to it does 
not show that it was adopted in accordance with the provisions 
of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. 3rd. To 
the committee it seems that such a scheme (a scheme of life in- 
surance such as is proposed by this document) will destroy the 
uniformity and harmonious working of the Order. 4th. The 
committee are aware that .... the Supreme Lodge 
Constitution makes it obligatory on each Grand Lodge to re- 
quire its Subordinates to provide for carrying into effect the 
beneficial character of the Order. But the nature of this bene- 
ficial character is declared to be the payment of "weekly bene- 
fits" to the disabled, and "funeral benefits" in case of death. 
5th. It is apparent that each Lodge is to provide for the pay- 
ment of these benefits out of its own funds, and it is not con- 
templated to secure the adoption of a scheme by which a combina- 
tion of Lodges tvill pay these or any other benefits. 6th, "Relief 
Funds/' secured by the "insurance feature," are only not recog- 
nized, but the provisions for an entirely distinct system of 
relief is a cogent argument against the legality of the system 
under consideration. The inclusion of the one system excludes 
the other. 7th. "The insurance scheme is foreign to the pur- 
pose of the Order." 8th, A fatal objection to its approval is, 
it deprives the Grand Lodge of its right to legislate on the sub- 
ject of benefits, inasmuch as the Constitution is amended by a 
board of directors, instead of the Grand Lodge. 9th. Resolved, 
That the "Constitution of the Minnesota Knights of Pythias, 
Widows' and Orphans' Belief Fund" be not approved. (See 
Mortuary Laws, Sec. 604.) s. L. Jour., 1876, 1288, 1290. 

FUNEKAL EXPENSES. 

1186. Not Payable for Member Under Suspen- 
sion : If a brother should be suspended for cause and should 
die under suspension, the Lodge is not compelled to pay the 
funeral expenses, unless the By-Laws provide for so doing. — 
Rep. of com. on Law. G. L., Md., Jour., Feb., 1881, 489, 490. 



COMMON LAW. 457 

FUNEEAL ASSESSMENTS. 

1187. May be Added to Dues to Forfeit Bene- 
fits, when : A brother on the death of his wife applied to 
the Lodge for the benefits allowed under the Law, It was 
found that he was in arrears as follows : 

$2.00 for dues and $1.00 for funeral tax. Held, By the 
Lodge that he was not entitled to the benefits ; which decision 
was sustained by the Grand Lodge, and by the Supreme Lodge 
on appeal. — Appeal oj C. H. Gelwicks vs. the G, L. of Maryland. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1307. 

1188. Funeral Assessments : May be Added to 
Dues, when : The legislation in respect to fines and assess- 
ments, was so modified as to permit Lodges to charge up fu- 
neral assessment, so that the non-payment of which, should 
work forfeiture of good standing, membership or benefits. (See 
Sec. 1192.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1611, 1650. 

1189. Funeral Assessments: Classed with 
Dues : Right of M. of F. to Percentage on Collec- 
tion of : Funeral assessments are to be classed with dues, 
and a Lodge which provides that the Master of Finance shall 
receive five per cent, on all moneys collected as dues must pay 
the percentage on the amount which that officer collects for 
quarterly dues and funeral assessments. — Dec. of Wm. H. Lee, 
G. C. G. L., Mass., Jour., 1880, 1141,1168. 

1190. Funeral Assessments : Payable by Mem- 
bers of Endowment Rank : When the By-Laws provide 
for a funeral assessment upon its members the same must be 
paid by all members of the Lodge, and members of the Endow- 
ment Kank cannot be exempted therefrom. — Rep. of com. on 
Law. G. L., Tenn., Jour., 1879, 355. 

FUNEEAL TAX. 

1191. May be Added to Dues to work Suspen- 
sion : A Lodge can attach the funeral tax to the dues, and 
when the combined amounts are the same as the yearly amount 
of dues, and is not paid, the Lodge can suspend the brother 
therefor. — G. L. reversing the decision of C. E. Spencer. G. C* 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1877, 7, 81. 

*The G. C. held that the funeral tax could not be attached to dues, to work sus- 
pension, inasmuch as the Supreme Lodge had decided that non-payment of dues only, 



458 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

FINES. 

1192. May be Charged up as Dues to work 
Suspension, when : Hereafter lines and assessments levied 
in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the 
Subordinate Lodges working under the control of the Supreme 
Lodge and duly approved by the Supreme Chancellor, or Sub- 
ordinate Lodge Constitutions, provided by their Grand Lodges, 
and duly approved by the Grand Lodge or Grand Chancellor, 
may be charged up and operate as dues, so as to render the 
delinquent member liable to suspension. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 3062, 3063 

1193. Fines : May be Charged and Collected as 
Dues by Divisions : A Division of the U. K. may, by its 
By-Laws provide fines to be imposed on its members for fail- 
ure to attend drills, parades and inspections, nothing in the 
Constitution of the U. E. prevents such fines from being 
charged as collected as dues. If a member of a Division owes 
for fines for over one year, and the By-Laws so prescribe, he 
may be legally suspended for non-payment of the same. — Dec. 
of J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

1194. Fines May be Imposed by Section of En- 
dowment Rank for Non- Attendance : A Section of 
E. B. may, by its By-Laws, duly adopted, provide for the im- 
position of fines on members who fail to attend the regular 
meetings without satifactory excuse, and may provide that 
members failing to pay such fines shall be suspended from the 
Section, which forfeits their right to the Endowment Benefit. — 
Dec. of J P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

1195. Fines : May be Imposed by a Subordinate 
Lodge : A Lodge undoubtedly has the power to fine its mem- 
bers.— Dec. ofD. B.Woodruff, G. C. G. L., Ga„ Jour., 1872, 17. 

1196. Fines : When Chargeable : Right of Mem- 
ber under j, to Semi- Annual Pass- Word: On the 

query, "Is a brother entitled to the S, A. P. W. as long as a 
fine is unpaid, and when does the fine become chargeable ?" 
Held, In the absence of all provisions of Law bearing upon the 
question, the brother is not entitled to the S. A, P. W. until 

can cause suspension. The G. C. was undoubtedly correct, nevertheless, the rule, as 
above given, should have been then, as it is now, good Law. 



COMMON LAW. 459 

the censure, or penalty imposed upon him by his Lodge, is re- 
moved. Where the By-Laws fail to prescribe the time when 
fines shall be chargeable, the fine is, and should be, charged 
against the brother from the date when imposed. — Rep. of com, 
on Law. G. L., D. C,. Jour., July, 1874, 661. 

1197. Fines: Non-Payment of, May work For- 
feiture of Benefits : It shall be lawful for Grand Lodges 
to permit Subordinate Lodges, under their jurisdiction, to deny 
weekly benefits, except the minimum benefits of one dollar per 
week, to any member in arrears for fines and assessments, 
other than funeral assessments, they being already provided 
for under the former action of the Supreme Lodge.* 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2394, 2467. 

1198. Fines: Sitting Past Chancellor Liable 
to, as Other Officers: On appeal the Grand Lodge of 
Tennessee was sustained in holding that a Sitting P. C. was 
an officer of the Lodge, and as such liable to fine for non-at- 
tendance as other officers. — Appeal of P. C. Carlisle vs. the G 
L. of Tenn. (See P. C, Sec. 1898 and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1306. 
Jour. 1878, 1617. 

1199. Fines: May be Imposed on Committee 
for Failing to Report : Where a Lodge ordered a com- 
mittee to report at a certain time, which the committee failed, 
whereupon, charges were preferred against the members thereof, 
who upon trial were convicted. Whereupon the Lodge pro- 
ceeded to inflict a punishment by fines, and by suspension : 
Held, On appeal the proceedings of the Lodge appeared to 
be regular and in accordance with the Law, appeal dismissed. 
— Appeal of J, A. McCaughan vs. the G. L. of Penn. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2011. 

1200. Fines : May be Imposed by the Chancel- 
lor Commander, when : The C. C, without a vote, has 
authority to impose a fine on a member who refuses to vote.f 

—Dec. of J. W. Carter, G. C. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1873, 169, 170. 

*Expo. Fines and Assessments. This is perhaps rendered inoperative by the legis- 
lation of 1884. Ante Sec. 1192. . 

+There was no Law in Nebraska expressly authorizing such power, and there 
does not seem to be a precedent for the exercise of it, but there is no reason why a C. 
C may not be clothed with this power, subject to an appeal from an abuse of it. As a 
general rule fines cannot be imposed unless provided for by Law.— See Fines, Sec. 
1811. 



460 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1201. Fines: Authority of Chancellor Com- 
mander to Impose Without Notice, when : Where 
the Law presribes that the K. of E. and S. failing to make out 
and forward to the Grand Lodge the semi-annual returns as 
required, on the M. of F. failing to make out a list of absentees 
from funerals, shall each be fined one dollar for each offense. 
Held, That the C. C. is authorized, without notice, to order 
said fines to be charged up. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1877, 27, 28. 

1202. Fines: For Absence, Member not Sub- 
ject to if Present After Roll Call : (See Absence, Sec. 
263.) G. L., Ala., Jour., 1877, 225, 230. 

1203. Fines: May be imposed for Non-attend- 
ance : Fines may be constitutionally imposed upon mem- 
bers for non-attendance. — Dec. of J. S. Shropshire, G. C. 

G. L., Neb., Jour,, 1876, 419, 462. 

1204. Fines : For Non- Attendance, May be Im- 
posed : There is no Law preventing a Lodge from imposing 
fines on its members for non-attendance. It is a matter en- 
tirely local. — Dec. of J. B. Grayson, G. C. 

G. L., Ala., Jour., 1881, 16, 71. 

1205. Fines: May be Imposed for Failure to 
Obey Summons: A Lodge may summons its members 
and impose a fine on those who fail to obey the summons ; 
provided the summons is issued in a proper and constitutional 
form. — Dec. of H. C. A. Sauer, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., July, 1874, 12. 

1206. Fines: May be Imposed for Failure to 
attend Funeral, when : (See Funeral, Sec. 1158.) 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1881, 14, 54. 

1207. Fines : Lodge may Impose for Failure to 
sit up with the Sick, when : A Subordinate Lodge has 
the right to make a By-Law, compelling a brother to sit up 
with the sick or pay a fine if he does not. — Rep. of com. on Law, 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1872, 56, 

1208. Fines: Cannot be Imposed for Non- At- 
tendance, when ; Officers cannot be fined for non-attend- 



COMMON LAW. 461 

ance when no meeting is held for want of a quorum. — Dec. of 
R. E. Cowan, G. C. G. L„ Mo., Jour., 1878, 315. 

1209. Fine: Cannot be Imposed for Absence 
when no Meeting is Held : (See Absence, Sec. 261.) 

G.L., Ind., Jour., 1879, 114, 169. 

1210. Fines: Cannot be Imposed Without No- 
tice and Hearing, when: Where the Lodge By-Laws 
provide that members of a committee failing to report may be 
fined ; and where an investigating committee, on the petition 
of an applicant, failed to report, and thus became subject to 
fine ; Held, Sustaining the C, C, and the Lodge, that the com- 
mittee were entitled to a hearing before the fine could be im- 
posed. — Dec. of L. L. Bass, G. C, Appeal of M. A. Hass vs. 
Kecoughtan Lodge. G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 17, 18. 

1211. Fines : Cannot be Imposed by Resolution : 

A Lodge cannot impose a fine by resolution. Such penalties 
must be embodied in the By-Laws and be approved by the 
Grand Lodge authorities. — *Rep. of com. on Law. (See Pen- 
alties, Sec. 2037.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1874, 732. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1871, 546. 
G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1872, 31. 

1212. Fines : Cannot be Imposed by Resolution, 
when : Where a Lodge passed a resolution imposing a fine 
on such members as should fail or neglect to attend a sick 
brother when required ; Held, That such a resolution is void. 
Fines can only be imposed in pursuance of a by-Law, or as a 
penalty under the Constitution, t — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 535, 570. 

1213. Fines : Cannot be Imposed for Failing to 
watch Remains of Deceased Brother, when: Where 
a By-Law provided a fine for failure to watch and attend a 
sick brother at night, when ordered so to do t>y the C. C. Held, 
That this did not apply to a case where a brother was ordered 
to watch the remains of a deceased member during the day, 
and he failed to do so. That the fine provided could not be 

*This conflicts with the rule in Neb., see ante. Sec. 1200. 

t Standing resolutions have been regarded by parliamentarians as having the effect 
of By-Laws, but it would seem that this decision is opposed to that theory. 



462 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

imposed for this offence, but charges might be preferred against 
the brother.— Dec. of J. C. Teller, D. D. G. C. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1874, 10. 

1214. Fines: For Absence Cannot be Imposed 
without Notice : May be Remitted : On queries pro- 
pounded : Held, A Lodge cannot impose a fine on an officer for 
absence, without notice to the absentee, and an opportunity to 
present a valid excuse. Where a fine has been imposed for 
absence a motion to excuse operates to remit the fine. A mo- 
tion to remit a fine may be entertained at any time, under the 
head of "New Business." — Rep. of coin, on Law, as modified by 
the G. L. G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1879, 615, 643. 

1215. Fines: Must be Determined by Ballot : 
Amount of May be Fixed by Vote : Where a Lodge 
had found a member guilty, upon charges and trial, and sen- 
tenced him to receive a reprimand and pay a fine, and where 
the member failed to appear upon citation, to receive his repri- 
mand and pay his fine, the Lodge thereupon, by vote, adjudged 
him guilty of contempt and imposed an additional fine for 
the contempt : Held, A Subordinate Lodge, in fixing a specific 
penalty for an offence, must do so by ballot. The penalty of 
fine having been determined by ballot, the amount of such fine 
may thereafter be fixed by ordinary vote. A brother cannot be 
adjudged guilty of contempt for failing to appear upon citation 
to receive a reprimand and to pay a fine, except upon charges 
preferred and after a regular trial. — Appeal of Wheaton vs. 
Santa Barbara Lodge. G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877. 1063, 1085. 

1216. Fines: Can Only be Imposed by a Two- 
Thirds Vote, when: Where the By-Laws express the 
amount of fine as a penalty for neglect of duty, that is suffi- 
cient ; the C, C. may direct the K. of E. and S. to note the fine 
as the Law directs, but if it is not so expressed in the By-Laws, 
then it requires two-thirds of the members present voting to 
fine for neglect of duty. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

* G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1872, 374. 

1217. Fines: May be Reduced, when: A 

Lodge may reduce a fine, which has been assessed after a fair 
trial, on new evidence showing mitigating circumstances, and 
by a two-thirds vote.— Dec. ofL. Firestone, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1873, 169, 200. 



COMMON LAW. 468 

1218. Fines: Authority of the Lodge to Re- 
mit : Where the C. C. deemed an excuse offered by an officer 
for absence insufficient, and thereupon imposed a fine, which, 
upon appeal, the Lodge overruled and remitted the fine, Held, 
A Lodge may remit a fine, and that it is competent to decide 
upon the sufficiency of an excuse. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 557, 588. 
G. L., Pa., Jour., 1881, 294, 303. 

FEES. 

1219. For the Ranks: Right of Lodge to 
Adopt Graded System: A Subordinate Lodge has the 
right to adopt a graded system of fees for the ranks, based upon 
the age of the applicant. — Dec. of H. W. Long, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1881, 1231, 1261. 

1220. Fees: For the Ranks: Right of Lodge 
to Regulate: Each Lodge has the right to fix the fees 
for the ranks at any amount, provided it be not below that 
fixed by the Constitution. — Dec. of H. Wellenvoss, G. C. Re- 
versed by G. L. G. L. of Ky., Jour., 1877, 472, 507. 

1221. Fees: For the Ranks cannot be Re- 
funded, when : A Lodge has no right to receive an appli- 
cation for membership by initiation with the understanding 
that ten dollars would be refunded by vote of the Lodge, or the 
amount placed to his credit for dues, should he be elected and 
the three ranks conferred on him. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1879, 1053, 1087. 

1222. Fees : May be Refunded, when : A stranger 
being proposed and elected, then concluding to remove from 
the locality of the Lodge, and asking to have his money re- 
turned, the Lodge has the right to return it. Such act is en- 
tirely legal.* G. L., Cal., Jour., 1878, 1196, 1211, 1231. 

1223. Fees : For the Ranks Should not be Re- 
funded, when : A Lodge which has conferred the rank of 
Page on an applicant, but who has been refused by ballot 

*On this query, the committee on state of the Order, reported adversely, be- 
lieving that the act was inhibited by the Supreme Lodge, as set forth in Sec. 62, 
Official Digest. In this the committee was certainly in error, and the G. L. overruled it, 
fixing the rule as above. This however does not oblige the Lodge to return the fees, in 
such cases. 



464 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

to be advanced to rank of Esquire should not refund the fee 
paid for the Page rank. — Dec. of C. D. Little, G. C. 

G. L., Mich.. Jour., 1878, 10, 38. 

1224. Fees : For the Ranks : Not Returnable, 

when : A Page who abandons the idea of advancing in the 

Order, is not entitled to a return of the fee paid for the ranks 

taken.— Dec. ofE. T. Sykes, G. C. 

G. L., Miss., Jour., 1881, 12, 68. 

1225. Fees: For the Ranks Need not be Re- 
funded, when : Where an applicant has received the 1st 
and 2nd ranks, and it is discovered that he misrepresented the 
fact in regard' to his health, and the Lodge thereupon refuses 
to confer the 3rd rank, the applicant has no right to demand 
the return of the fees paid for the two ranks conferred. — Dec. 
of F. A. Pratt, G. C. G. L., Bhode Island, Jour., 1879, 67. 

1226. Fees : For the Ranks : Minimum Amount 
must be Paid by all Applicants : (See Applicant, Sec. 
90.) G. L., Neb., Jour., 1876. 418, 462. 

122¥. Fees: Amount of Fixed at Time of Ap- 
plication, must be paid : Where a Lodge is, by dispen- 
sation, conferring the Ranks for $6.00, and an applicant is re- 
ceived, who is initiated, applies for the 2nd Rank, is rejected 
and, before he is permitted to renew his application for the 2nd 
Rank, the dispensation expires; Held, That the applicant 
cannot be admitted for the fee allowed under the dispensa- 
tion.*— D«c. of J. C. Stuck, G. C. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1881,8,31. 

1228. Fees: For the Ranks: Applicant Shall 
Pay Amount Fixed by Law at Time of Applica- 
tion for the Ranks Respectively: When an appli- 
cant takes the first Rank, the fee for all the Ranks is $10.00 ; 
before applying for advancement the fees are increased ; Held, 
He must pay the increased fee, for the other two Ranks. — 
Rep. of com. on Law. G. L.. Ind., Jour., Jan., 1877, 31, 32. 

1229. Fees: For the Ranks: Applicant must 
pay the Amount Prescribed at Time of Applica- 
tion : Where a Page delays making application for advance- 

*Sinco the above was written the Neb. G. L. has also had this question before it, 
and the same conclusion was reached as in this and the following cases on the same 
question. G. L., Neb., Jour. 1884, 301, 315. 



COMMON LAW. 465 

ment, and in the mean time the fees for the Ranks are increased, 
Held, The applicant must pay the increased fee, when he ap- 
plies for advancement. — Dec. of D. Gregg, G. C. 

G. L. } D. C., Jour., Jan., 1880, 264, 285. 

1230. Fees: For the Ranks: Pages and Es- 
quires must pay the Increased Amount, when: 

Where a Page delays making application for advancement, and 
in the mean time the fees for the Eanks are increased ; Held, 
That the Page must pay the increased fee for the Ranks, as 
fixed by Law at the time he makes application for the Ranks 
respectively. — Dec. of J. B. Sarles, G. C. 

G. L., Ky., Jour., Sept., 1874, 258, 287. 

1231. Fees: For the Ranks: Applicant Must 
Pay the Amount Fixed by Law, at the time Appli- 
cation is Made : An applicant for membership enclosed 
with his application, the fee for all the Ranks. He was elected 
and received the Page Rank, He made no application for ad- 
vancement until after the elapse of nearly four years. In the 
mean time the fees for the Ranks had been raised. The Page 
asked that the Ranks be conferred upon him without the 
payment of any additional fee, Held, That the Ranks could not 
be conferred without due application for each, and the payment 
of the minimum fee as provided by the Constitution. — Dec. of 
Wm. B. Gale, G. C. G. L., Mass., Jour., 1875, 693, 729. 

1232. Fees: For the Ranks, Forfeited, when: 

A candidate having paid his fee for the Ranks, and then re- 
fuses to take them, is not entitled to the return of any of 
the money so paid. — Dec. of Wm. Wilson, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1877, 833, 865. 

1233. Fees: For the Ranks: Must he Paid 
Before Rank is Conferred : (See Ranks, Sec. 2220.) 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1878, 283, 343. 

1234. Fees : For the Ranks, to be Returned, 
when: If an applicant is rejected in the second or third 
Rank, the money which he may have paid therefor, must be re- 
turned to him, as in case of rejection of an original applica- 
tion.— Dec. of H. P. Cox, D. D. G. C. 

G. L.. Maine, Jour., 1879, 386, 471. 
30 



466 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1235. Fees : For the Ranks : Payment of in Ad- 
vance may be Required : A By-Law requiring the fees 
for the Eanks of Esquire and Knight to be paid at the time an 
applicant receives the Page's Kank is consistent with Supreme 
and Grand Lodge Law. — Dec. of H. P. Cox, D. D. G. C. 

G. L., Me., Jour., 1879, 386, 471. 

1236. Fees: For the Ranks: Grand Lodge Al- 
lowed to Regulate by Resolution Notwithstand- 
ing Constitution. — Appeal of G. W. Lindsay vs. G. L. of 
Md. (See Appeals. Sec. 149.) s. L. Jour., 1870, 205,206. 

1237. Fees : For the Ranks : Amount of above 
Minimum to be Left to the Grand Lodges: The 

Supreme Chancellor in his report under the title "Belief 
measures" offers, among others, certain suggestions in respect 
to the fees for the Banks ; upon which the committee report as 
follows : "The committee on the state of the Order, to whom 
was referred so much of the S. C.'s report as refers to relief 
measures, report that, in the opinion of the committee, the 
provisions fixing a minimum as to fees for conferring the Banks, 
is obligatory and cannot be changed except as provided in Art. 
XXXII. As to the propriety . of the change suggested, the 
judgment of the committee is that we, of right, should be ex- 
ceedingly careful upon the question of radical changes in the 
Order. While your committee are of the opinion that the min- 
imum should be fixed by the Supreme Lodge, and below which 
no Lodge should be permitted to confer the Banks, yet, with 
that restriction, the question as to the amount of fees for con- 
ferring Rank, subject to the restriction before stated, of right 
ought to be left in the hands of the several Grand Jurisdic- 
tions."* (See Sec. 1246.) s. L. Jour., 1876, 1229, 1286. 

1238. Fees : For the Ranks : Donation of Ille- 
gal : Resolved, That the refunding or donating, or promising 
directly or indirectly to refund, or donate to applicants for 
membership in the Order, any portion of the initiation fee, is 
a violation of Art. VIII. Sec. 8 of the Constitution.! 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1133, 1140. 

1239. Fees: Donation of Illegal, when: (See 
Solictiting Membership, Sec. 2480.) , 
G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 81, 84. 

*See S. L. Const., Clause 8, Sec. 2, Art. VIII. 
+See Art. VIII, Sec. S, Const. Appendix. 



COMMON LAW. 467 

1240. Fees: Cannot be Donated to Applicant: 

A Lodge cannot donate all, or any part of the initiation fee to 
any applicant. — Dec. of A. A. Curme, G. C. 

G. L.,Ind., Jour., 1880, 221, 249. 

1241. Fees: For the Ranks, and Affiliations: 
Amount Regulated by the Subordinate Lodges : A 

Lodge has the right to charge such sums for the Eanks of the 
Order, and affiliation fee, as it may elect ; Provided, always, 
that it does not go below the provisions of the Constitution. — 
Dec. ofD. B. Woodruff, G. C. G. L., Ga., Jour., 1873,58. 

1242. Fees: For Affiliation: Cannot be Re- 
mitted : A Lodge, whose fee for membership, by card, is 
two dollars and fifty cents, cannot legislate to admit such 
brother free, or donate to him the amount of such fee. — Dec.of 
W. F. Garcelon, G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1881, 47, 135. 

1243. Fees: For Initiation, forfeited when: 

Where an applicant, who has paid his fee for the first Eank, 
and has been elected, but fails to apply for the Kank, after being 
notified of his election, (unless prevented by sickness or some 
other unavoidable occurrence :) Held. That the fee paid by him 
becomes thereby forfeited to the Lodge.* — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1883, 48, 49. 

1244. Fees : For Initiation : Must Accompany 
the Petition : The fee, in all cases, must be paid, to entitle 
the petition to a hearing in the Lodge. A ballot cannot be had 
until it is paid. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Ind., Jour., July, 1875, 213, 221. 

1245. Fees: For Initiation to be Reported as 
Receipts of the Evening, when : (See Receipts, Sec. 
2248.) G. L„ Kas., Jour., 1876, 6, 44. 

1246. Fees: For Initiation: Jurisdiction of 
Grand Lodge in Respect to : The matter of increas- 
ing the initiation fee to a sum sufficient to cover the price of a 
regulation uniform, is one outside the Jurisdiction of the 
Grand Lodge, and should be left to the membership of the 

*This is usually fixed by Law, and has become almost a universal rule. If the 
applicant has been notified, and then fails to apply for the Bank within the time fixed, 
^usually six stated meetings) he loses all claim on the Lodge or the money, and must 
apply anew, if he still desires membership. 



468 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Subordinate Lodges, who have the right to regulate their own 
fees, provided the same shall not be less than the minimum 
fee. G. L., Minn., 'Jour., 1880, 93. 

1247 : Fees : Are Forfeited in Case of Appli- 
cant Failing to Apply for Hanks: Where an appli- 
cant has been duly elected, but moving from the Jurisdiction 
of the Lodge before initiation, and so demands a return of his 
money: Held, The applicant in presenting his application 
promises a full and due observance of all Laws governing the 
Lodge if elected. The Law requires every applicant to pre- 
sent himself within a certain time for initiation, otherwise he 
forfeits his fee. It is right to retain the fee as the applicant 
has not complied with the Law as per agreement, and it would 
not be just to refund it. The Lodge however, may for a good 
reason shown, return it. — Rep. of com. on Laiv. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1872, 389. 

1248. Fees: Accompanying Application, Paid 

to M. of F. : All moneys paid into the Lodge must be re- 
ceived by the M. of F., he to pay over immediately, such sums 
to the M. of E. Applications for membership should be hand- 
ed over to the M. of F. who, after taking charge of the fee en- 
closed, should give his acknowledgment of the same on the 
face of the application, after which he should hand the appli- 
cation over to the K. of E. and S., to be read in the Lodge. — 
Rep. of com, on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan. 1871, 215, 216. 

1249. Fees: For Admission by Card: Effect 
of a Dispensation: Construction of By-Laws: 

Where a Lodge's By-Laws fixed the fee for initiation at $20 
and the fee by card at "half the initiation fee" and where the 
Lodge applies for, and is granted a dispensation to initiate and 
confer the ranks for $6 : Held, The dispensation sets aside 
the By-Laws, and consequently one-half the initiation fee is 
$3 under the dispensation, which constitutes the fee by card. 
—Dec. of A. A. Duke, G.C. 

G. L M Pa., Jour., 1879, 568, 696. 

1250. Fees : For Dispensation to be Returned, 
when: (See Dispensation, Sec. 839.) 

G. L., N. 0., Jour., 1882, 8, 9, 32. 



COMMON LAW. 469 

1351. Fees: Brother May Charge, for Prose- 
cuting- Case, when : (See Counsel, Sec. 773.) 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1879, 276, 291. 

1252. Fees: Of Medical Examiner: For Ex- 
amination : A Medical Examiner-in-chief has no right to 
charge more than $1.00 for an examination.* — Bee. of G. W. 
Lindsay, S. C. g. L. Jour., 1882, 2292, 2479. 

1253. Fees : For Admission into Endowment 
Rank : (See Endowment Bank, Sec. 1107.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

FOEEIGN COUNTBIES. 

1254. Supreme Chancellor Authorized to Ex- 
tend Order into : (See S. C., Sees. 2284 to 2286.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1053, 1142. 

1255. Foreign Countries: Extending Order 
into the Kingdom of Great Britain and Empire 
of Germany Especially : — Bee. of S. S. Davis, S. C. (See 
S. C, Sec. 2286.) S. L. Jour., 1877, 1362, 1417. 

1256. Foreign Countries: Extending Order 
into : Resolved, That the committee on the state of the Order 
be and they are hereby instructed to enquire into the wisdom 
of putting into active operation Article XVII. of the S. L. 
Const., relating to the establishment of the Order in foreign 
countries during the recess of the Supreme Lodge, (See Ex- 
tension of Order, Sees. 1036, 1037.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 3020. 

FUNDS. 

1 257 . Of Subordinate Lodges : Appropriating, 
Law Must he Complied with : Where a Lodge's By- 
Laws provides for the payment of nurses, but was local, and 
intended only to apply to members at home, and that where 
the Constitution provided that the expenditure of funds in cer- 
tain cases, required a two-third vote and where the Lodge did by 
majority vote, authorize the payment of a large sum of money 
to nurses for a sick brother away from home, to wit in Ne- 

*See Const, of E. K., Art. I, Sec. 4, Appendix. 



470 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

vada : Held, Eeversing the Grand Lodge, that a Lodge had 
no authority to take such action, that the Law must be com- 
plied with. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1308. 

1258. Funds : Of Supreme Lodge Appropriation 
of, for Traveling- in the Interest of the Order : No 
Precedent for : On a memorial from South Carolina ask- 
ing the Supreme Lodge to depute officers to canvass that Ju- 
risdiction in the interest of the Order, and to defray the ex- 
penses of the same ; Held, That no precedent exists for the 
appropriation of the funds of the Supreme Lodge for the pur- 
pose of lecturing or traveling in the interest of the Order: 
and that it was inexpedient to incur such expense. — Memorial 

of Myrtle Lodge of South Carolina. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1976. 2039, 

1259. Funds : Of Supreme Lodge : Duty of Su- 
preme Keeper of Records and Seal in Transmis- 
sion of:* (See S. K. of E. and S., Sec. 2321.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2573. 

1260. Funds: Of Subordinate Lodge: Manner 
of Disposition of: Local Legislation : On the reso- 
lution denning the manner in which Subordinate Lodges shall 
dispose of their funds, and to restrict them in their expenditures 
so as to ensure the payment of the benefits prescribed by the 
Supreme Law, the committee on state of the Order report the 

subject matter one for local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1565, 1613. 

1261. Funds: Of Subordinate Lodge: May be 
used for any Purpose for the Benefit of the 
Lodge : (See Subordinate Lodge, Sec. 2519.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour,, 1877, 834, 865. 

1262. Funds : Of Subordinate Lodge : May be 
Appropriated for the Purchase of Instruments 
for a Brass Band : Under a Constitution which author- 
izes a Lodge to "appropriate the funds for any legitimate ob- 
ject of the Order, including the celebration of the anniversary 
of the Order, or of the Lodge, etc.," it was held that a Lodge 
might appropriate its funds for the purchase of instruments 
for a brass band.— Dec. of E. T. Sykes, G. C. 
G. L.,Mis s., Jour., 1881., 8, 68. 

*See Sec. 0, Art. III. S. L. Coust. Appendix. 



COMMON LAW. 471 

1263. Funds : Of Subordinate Lodge : May be 
used to Assist Members in Purchasing Uniform: 

(See Uniform, Sec, 2634.) g. L., Wis., Jour. 1878, 128, 174. 

1364. Funds: Of Subordinate Lodge: May be 
Paid out for Entertainments, Balls, etc.: Upon the 
query as to whether the Lodge could appropriate the funds for 
any purpose than that which may benefit it directly, in other 
words, for balls, entertainments, etc. ; Held, That the Lodge is 
responsible for any act for which it appoints a committee.* — 
Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, G. C. G. L., Md., Jour., 1874, 152, 195. 

1265. Funds : Appropriation of for the Benefit 
of the Lodge or Order Legal, when : A Grand Lodge 
refused to adopt a resolution, denying to Subordinate Lodges 
the right to appropriate its funds for the purpose of celebra- 
tions, suppers, and entertainments, but in lieu thereof adopted 
a resolution, recognijzing the right of any Subordinate Lodge 
to appropriate its funds for any purpose, provided that the ap- 
propriation be for the benefit of the Lodge or Order, and that 
the Lodge should decide whether or not the appropriation is for 

the benefit of the Lodge or Order. 

G. L. s Va., Jour., 1875, 56. 

1266. Funds: Right of Lodge to Dispose of, 
Unlimited : A Subordinate Lodge can make such appro- 
priation from its general fund as it may deem proper. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 75. 

1267. Funds : Of Subordinate Lodge : May be 
used for Purchasing Band when: On the query, 
"Can a Lodge use its funds for the purpose of purchasing brass 
instruments for a band ; Held, Yes, and for an organ or piano, 
to be used for Lodge purposes only, but you cannot use your 
funds to buy instruments for general band purposes. f — Dec. of 
Max. J. Alwens, G. C. G. L., Kan., Jour., 1884, 10," 33. 

1268. Funds: Appropriation of for Ground for 
Burial Purposes : A Subordinate Lodge can appropriate 

*This Matter of the disposition of Subordinate Lodge funds, has been a subject of 
much discussion, and conflicting legislation. In 1881 G. C. Mason, of Maryland, held 
that a Lodge had no right to appropriate $125 for the purpose of a pleasure trip. As 
tr the soundness of this decision see Expo, titles Appropriation, Funds. 

tThis is a bold departure from the earlier decision, but seems to be in accord with, 
-the prevailing liberalism of these later years. That a Lodge may use its funds, for 
any purpose, which is calculated to work to the advantage of the Lodge, pucuniarily 
or otherwise, is now a recognized principle of Pythian Law. 



* 



472 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

from its general fund a sum sufficient to purchase ground for 
burial purposes. — Bee. of J. H. Harney, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1883, 1823, 1925. 

1269. Funds : May be used to Pay Expenses of 
Picnic, when: A Subordinate Lodge may pay from its 
general fund expenses incurred by a committee appointed to 
make arrangements for a picnic to be given in the name of the 
Order.*— Dec. of S. L. Terry, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1881, 1537, 1601, 1604. 

1210. Funds : Appropriation of for the Enter- 
tainment of Visitors, Legal, when : Where a Lodge 
by the necessary two-third vote drew an order to pay a bill 
incurred for the entertainment of visitors, Held, The appro- 
priation was lawful ; that it is not inconsistent with the princi- 
ples of the Order, and the spirit of the Constitution, to extend 
hospitality to visiting brothers. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1883, 40, 84. 

1271. Funds: Appropriation of to Enable 
Members to Attend Parade Legal, when : Where a 
Lodge passed a resolution in legal form, and upon notice to 
members, to appropriate sufficient funds to purchase round 
trip tickets for all members in good standing to attend and 
participate in the parade at Philadelphia on August 26, 1876. 
Held, On appeal, nothing illegal having been found in the ac- 
tion of the Lodge, the appeal is not sustained. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. S. L., Pa., Jour. Aug., 1876, 483, 484. 

1272. Funds: Cannot be Appropriated to 
Charitable Purposes, when: It is not right or legal 
for a Lodge to donate from the general fund for charity, to 
persons having no claim upon the Lodge. — Dec. ofD. McClure, 
G. C. G. L., Cal., Jour., 1878, 1141, 1198, 1227. 

1273. Funds : Subordinate Lodge May Change 
Appropriation, from Widows and Orphans, to 
General Fund: Where a Lodge had realized a certain 
sum from an excursion and had placed it to the credit of the 
Widows' and Orphans' fund, and then at a certain meeting it 

♦The Grand Lodge overruled this decision as in conflict with the Law of the Ju- 
risdiction. The decision is here given however, as being in accord with the more lib- 
eral view obtaining in many of the Jurisdictions 



COMMON LAW. 473 

rescinded its action and placed the amount to the credit of 
the general fund : Held, The Lodge had the right to change 
the appropriation. — Dec. of J. C. Teller, D. D. G. C. 

G.L., Va., Jour., 1874, 1920. 

1274. Funds: Of Subordinate Lodge: Appro- 
priation of when Illegal: An appropriation of the 
funds of a Lodge to objects and purposes outside of those 
connected with the objects or legitimate purposes of the Lodge, 
is a misappropriation and cannot be allowed.* — Nelson vs. Cal. 
Lodge. G. L., Cal., Jour., 1873, 415, 445. 488, 498. 

1 275. Funds : Of Subordinate Lodge : Cannot 
foe Donated to Members as Premiums for Pro- 
curing Applicants : (See Donations, Sec. 868.) 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1882, 18, 112. 

1276. Funds: Of Subordinate Lodge. Dona- 
tion of Illegal, when : Where a Lodge, by vote, appro- 
priated a sum of money from its funds in aid of the "Veteran's 
Home" an institution outside of, and not connected with the 
Order : Held, That the donation is a misappropriation of funds 
and so, illegal. — Dec. of J. H. Harney, G. C, on the appeal of 
C. S. Haley vs. Myrtle Lodge, g. L., Cal., Jour., 1882, 1677, 1765. 

1277. Funds : Constitutional Vote Necessary to 
Appropriate : Where, under the Constitution, seven mem- 
bers (a quorum) must be present to authorize an appropriation 
of funds : Held, That unless otherwise specially provided, all 
matters are settled by a majority vote. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1878, 26, 27. 

1278. Funds: Appropriation of : Construction 

of Law : A majority vote is not sufficient to decide the ques- 
tion of leasing a hall for Lodge purposes, at a stipulated annual 
rental, under a Constitution requiring a two- thirds vote to 
authorize the expenditure or appropriation of money. Such 
action of the Lodge is, in effect, an appropriation of funds, and 
requires a two-thirds vote. — Dec. of J. M. Price, G.C., reversed. 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1879, 8, 34. 

1279. Funds: A Majority Vote Appropriating 
Insufficient, when : Where the trustees were instructed to 

*See Expo., title Funds, for a discussion of this question. 



474 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

examine and take into consideration the investment of a cer- 
tain amount of money in a mortgage offered to the Lodge, and 
where, upon the report of the trustees, a motion was made to 
receive and file the same, and which was amended so as to au- 
thorize the trustees to sell six United States bonds and pur- 
chase the mortgage, and where said amendment was declared 
carried by a vote of ten in favor of, and nine against, and as 
amended, the measure was declared carried by the same vote,and 
where, on appeal from the ruling of the C. C. : Held, He erred 
in deciding the motion carried. Had the motion been simply 
to receive and file, the majority vote would have been correct ; 
but as amended, it embraced the disposal of bonds and the in- 
vestment of moneys, it required a two-thirds vote. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G, L., Pa., Aug, 1874, 103, 115. 

1280. Funds: Appropriation of Does not Re- 
quire a Two -Thirds Vote, when : Under a rule of 
order providing that, "all questions, unless otherwise fixed by 
Law, shall be determined by a majority of votes," and where 
no other special provision is made, the C. C. has no authority 
to require a two-thirds vote, in the appropriation of funds. — 
Appeal of J. C. Teller vs. Marshall Lodge. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1883, 36. 

1281. Funds: Of the Lodge, Including Initia- 
tion Fees, are Received by M, of F. : (See Fees, 
Sec. 1248.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1871, 215, 216. 

1282. Funds : Of Subordinate Lodge : Who Au- 
thorized to Receive : The K. of E. and S. has no legal 
authority to receive money for the Lodge, and enter it on the 
books. That duty strictly belongs to the M. of F., he being 
the only one authorized to receive money for the Lodge, and 
keep the accounts between the Lodge and the members. — Rep. 
of com. on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1873, 116, 126. 

1283. Funds: Appropriated for Special Pur- 
pose, Cannot be Diverted, when : On the query : Has 
a Lodge the right to appropriate funds which have accumu- 
lated as a school fund, under the old Law, to any other purpose 
without the consent of the Grand Lodge ; Held, This is a mat- 
ter controlled by the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge ; and if 



COMMON LAW. 475 

they provide that money shall be set aside for a specific pur- 
pose, then the money so set aside, cannot be appropriated for 
any other purpose than that for whicii it was set aside, without 
a violation of the By-Laws. — Dec. of G. J. L. Foxwell, G. C. 

G. L., D. C., Jour., July, 1873, 539, 595. 

FULL VOTE. 

1284. Construction of Term: (See Construction of 
Constitution, Sec. 555.) S. L., Jour., 1878, 1617, 

1285. FuU Vote: Duty of a C. C. to Require: 

(See Ballot, Sec. 349.) g. L., Pa., Jour,, Aug., 1879, 612, 643. 

FEAUD. 

1286. Will Forfeit Right to Benefits, when. 

(See Funeral Benefits Sec. 1163.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1879, 604, 624. 

FAIES. 

1287. Not Prohibited by Resolution of Supreme 
Lodge Concerning Raffles : (See Baffles, 2207.) 

G. L., Mass., 1877, 833, 865. 

FORFEITUKE OF OFFICE. 

1288. Absence will not Work, when: (See Ab- 
sence, 257.) G. L., Mass., Jour., 1875, 694, 729. 

GRAND LODGE. 

1289. Authorized to Make Constitutions for 
Subordinate Lodges : Grand Lodges are authorized to 
make Constitutions for their Subordinate Lodges, not in con- 
flict with the Laws of the Supreme Lodge.* (See Laws, Sec. 
1528.) S. L. Jour., 1869, 115. 

1290. Grand Lodge : At Formation, May Elect 
any Past Chancellor in Good Standing to any 
Office : (See P. C, Sec. 1923.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

*Now provided for by Constitution. See S. L. Const., Sec. 3, Art. VII., Appendix. 



476 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1291. Grand Lodge : May Confer Rank of Past 
Chancellor Ad Libitum, when : (See P. C, Sec. 1924.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 185, 199. 

1292. Grand Lodge: Has No Right to Refuse 
to Receive Protest : A Grand Lodge has no right to re- 
fuse to receive a respectful protest from the Grand Chancellor, 
against the action of the Grand Lodge. — Protest of Hugh La- 
tham. S. L. Jour., 1870, 185, 199. 

1293. Grand Lodge : Right of to Mutilate Grand 
Chancellor's Report: The Grand Lodge of Virginia 
mutilated the semi-annual report of the Grand Chancellor by 
striking out a portion thereof : Held, That as the report con- 
tained no objectionable language or any matter connected with 
the private work, it was deemed a great wrong and injustice to 
the Grand Chancellor. — Protest of Hugh Latham. 

S. L, Jour., 1870, 185, 199. 

1294. Grand Lodge : Right of: To Supercede Su- 
bordinate Lodge Constitution by Resolution : The 

right of a Grand Lodge to override a Subordinate Lodge Con- 
stitution by a resolution, was upheld on the ground that it was 
a subject for local legislation. — Appeal ofG.W. Lindsay, vs. the 
G. L. of Maryland. (See Appeals Sec. 149, and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 205, 206 

1295. Grand Lodge: Nomination of Officers, 
at Annual Session: Resolved, That all Grand Lodges, 
holding annual sessions only, shall have the power to nomi- 
nate officers for election at each annual session. 

S.L. Jour., 1870, 219. 

1296. Grand Lodge: Constitution to be Ap- 
proved, and Copy Deposited with Supreme Keep- 
er of Records and Seal : Grand Lodges are required to 
forward to the committee on Law of the Supreme Lodge du- 
plicate copies of their constitutions for approval, and as soon 
as printed, file one copy at its expense with Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal. S. L. Jour., 1870, 175. 

Jour., 1871, 426. 

1297. Grand Lodge: May he Directed to Carry 
into Effect Resolution of Supreme Lodge: (See 
0. B. N., Sec. 1762 ) s . L . j™ 1871 , 427< 



COMMON LAW. 477 

1298. Grand Lodge : Is the Proper Channel of 
Communication : Query, What is the legal method of 
communication from the Supreme authority to the Subordi- 
nate Lodges of the several Jurisdictions where Grand Lodges 
have been instituted ; Ans. : Through the Grand Lodge. 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 618, 630. 

1299. Grand Lodge : Right of to Elect Past 
Grand Chancellor : Denied, when : (See P. G. C. Sec. 
1848.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 723. 

1300. Grand Lodge: Shall Supply Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal with Journals : Re- 
solved, That all the Grand Lodges are hereby ordered to for- 
ward to the office of Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal, 
two complete sets of their journals of proceedings ; and each 
year, as soon thereafter as printed, two copies of the same. 

That the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal is hereby 
ordered to have the same bound in suitable sized volumes in 
legal style, one set to be retained in the office of the Supreme 
Keeper of Eecords and Seal, and the other to be retained in the 
office of the Supreme Chancellor. This resolution to go into 
effect as soon as the funds of the Supreme Lodge will admit. 
That Grand Lodges are hereby requested to have their Jour- 
nals of Proceeding uniform in size with the proceedings of the 
Supreme Lodge. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1106, 1124. 

1301. Grand Lodge: Number of Lodges Req- 
uisite to Form : Three Lodges in Florida petitioned the 
Supreme Lodge for *he formation of a Grand Lodge : Held, 
Construing the Constitution, that a charter for a Grand Lodge 
cannot be granted to the Jurisdiction of Florida until it has 
five Subordinate Lodges.* S. L. Jour., 1875, H56. 

1302. Grand Lodges: Forfeit Their Right to 
Representation, when: Construction of Consti- 
tution : Under the old Constitution (Arts. IX. and XVIII.,) 
a Grand Lodge which was in arrears for dues and returns, 
lost the right to representation. It was thought to place a 
construction upon these articles, to the effect, that the pen- 
alty was not incurred unless it was declared by a majority 

*The present Constitution says : "Where" 1 there are five or more Subordinate 
Lodges established and'rn working order in any Jurisdiction, they may petition, etc." 
See Const., Sec. 2, Art. VII., Appendix 



478 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

vote of the Supreme Lodge. This was disagreed to, and in lieu 
thereof, the following construction was declared to be the true 
one, to wit : "That under the provisions of the articles refer- 
red to, a delinquent Grand Lodge does forfeit its right to a rep- 
resentation in the Supreme Lodge, but the Supreme Lodge 
may, by special vote permit as a privilege (but not as a right) the 
said Grand Lodge, through its representatives, to be heard on 
the floor of Supreme Lodge.* s. L. Jour., 1875, 1160, 1164- 

1303. Grand Lodge : Authority of, Over Subor- 
dinate Lodges: The Supreme Lodge refused to answer 
the following query, holding it to be a matter for local legisla- 
tion : "Has not a Grand Lodge the power to authorize a Subor- 
dinate Lodge in its Jurisdiction to meet semi-annually, until 
the measure is taken away from it." s. L. Jour,, 1876, 1284. 1300. 

1304. Grand Lodge : Right of to Fix Term of 
Subordinate Lodge Officers : Grand Lodges have the 
right to fix the term of Subordinate Lodge officers. (See Term, 
Sec. 2586.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1119, 1136. 

1305. Grand Lodge : Orders of to Subordinate 
Lodges, Take Precedence Over all Other Business : 

(See Official Orders, Sec. 1802.) s. L. Jour., 1873, app. 35. 

1306. Grand Lodge: Are Not Authorized to 
Permit Knights to Sit in Sessions: The Supreme 
Lodge refused to amend the Constitution, so as to permit 
Grand Lodges to authorize the presence of Knights on the 
floor of the Grand Lodge. S. L. Jour.., 1876, 1285. 

Jour., 1877, 1434. 

1307. Grand Lodge: Cannot Issue Circulars 
for Aid, when : (See Circulars, Sec. 720. Also G. C, Sec. 
1339.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1502. 

1308. Grand Lodge : Cannot Annul Action of 
Subordinate Lodge, when : A Grand Lodge has no au- 
thority to annul the action of a Subordinate Lodge without 
trial. (SeeW. C, 2763.) S. L. Jour.. 1878, 1625, 1626. 

*Theae articles are retained in the present Constitution without change, so that 
this construction will apply as the existing Law. See S. L., Const., Arts. IX. and 
XVIII. , Appendix. 



COMMON LAW. 479 

1309. Grand Lodge : Authority of to Levy As- 
sessments on Past Chancellors : On the queries : Has 
a Grand Lodge the power to levy an assessment on the Past 
Chancellors of said Grand Lodge to assist in meeting the cur- 
rent expenses? If a Grand Lodge possesses such power, can 
it, at its succeeding sessions, refuse to admit such Past Chan- 
cellors as may refuse to pay the assessments, even should they 
be sent as Representatives from their Subordinate Lodges ? 
The committee emphatically report, that no Grand Lodge pos- 
sesses such power. S. L. Jour., 1870, 198, 203. 

1310. Grand Lodge : Has No Authority to Elect 
Alternates to Supreme Lodge: In a case where a 
Grand Lodge had elected an alternate to the Supreme Lodge 
it was held that there was no law authorizing the election of an 
alternate, and the one so elected was denied a seat in the Su- 
preme Lodge as a Kepresentative.— Case of W. H. Hazelton, of 
Indiana. S. L. Jour., 1871, 342, 343. 

1311. Grand Lodge : Has no Authority to Issue 
Clearance Certificates: Query, Has a Grand Lodge a 
right to issue clearance certificates in lieu of withdrawal-cards ? 
Held, No ; To the Supreme Lodge belongs the exclusive right 
to issue all rituals, forms, ceremonies, cards and orders, 
eharts and certificates. — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay. S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882,2274, 2465, 2466. 

1312. Grand Lodge: Has no Right to Assume 

Extra Territorial Jurisdiction: (See Col. Sec. 712, 

See also Curative Legislation. Sec. 734.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1310. 

1313. Grand Lodge: Ofl&cers of; Entitled to 
Vote, when : (See Officers, Sec. 1723.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 361, 391. 

1314. Grand Lodge : Tax Charged to, Cannot 
be Charged to Profit and Loss, when: Upon the 
query, whether tax charged to a Grand Jurisdiction for 1877, 
and not paid, and the Jurisdiction not represented in the Su- 
preme Lodge of 1877, can be carried as a debt, or should 
the charge be carried to profit and loss, after the session is 
over ? Also whether a Grand Jurisdiction can pay its tax for 



480 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1878, with the tax for 1877 unpaid, and obtain representation 
in the session of 1878 ; Held, That under the Constitution and 
Laws, Grand Lodges are required to pay a certain tax for each 
representative, etc, That without direct action, any such tax 
cannot be carried to profit and loss, but must remain a debt 
against such Jurisdiction. The question as to whether any 
Grand Jurisdiction can obtain representation at any session 
while the tax is unpaid is a matter which the Supreme Lodge 
at any session is competent to determine for itself. — Query of 
S. K. of R. and S. (See Eepresentation, Sec. 2065) 

S. L. Jour. 1878,1529, 1641. 

1315. Grand Lodge: Right of, to Regulate 
Time of Session : On a resolution to permit New York to 
change time of annual session . the committee on Law, re- 
port: That the Grand Lodges of the various Jurisdictions 
have ample power to determine when and how they will hold 
their sessions.* S. L. Jour., 1871, 342, 394. 

1316. Grand Lodge: Request Concerning Bi- 
ennial Sessions of, Tabled: On request of the Grand 
Lodge of Alabama for legislation permitting Grand Lodges to 
hold biennial Sessions, Held, That to do so, would require an 
amendment to Sec. 5, Art. VII., of the Supreme Lodge Con- 
stitution, the request was therefore laid on the table. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1413, 1429. 

1317. Grand Lodge: Cannot Hold Biennial 
Sessions : On the request of North Carolina for legislation 
permitting the Grand Lodge to hold biennial sessions, the 
committee on the state of the Order report adversely, holding 
that the Constititution provides for annual or semi-annual 
Sessions.! S. L. Jour., 1880, 1945, 1980. 

1318. Grand Lodge: Changing Time of An- 
nual Session, does not Effect Term, or Honors, of 
Grand Officers : Where a Grand Lodge changed its time 
of meeting, thereby shortening the term, in order to settle any 

This authority of the Grand Lodges cannot now be questioned, but it is to be 
regretted that there is not a greater uniformity in the matter. 

I The Section of the Constitution referred to above, provided that the officers of 
a Grand Lodge should hold office "for thr, term of one year," (Dana's Digest, Sec. 540) 
and the coinmittoe doubtless concluded from this that there must be an annual meet- 
ing of the Grand Lodges in order to elect new officers. So far as this decision is con- 
cerned thero seems to be nothing to prevent a Grand Lodge from holding biennial 
sessions if it should choose to do bo. The Constitution provides that the officers of a 
Grand Lodge should be elected for a term of not less than one year. (See Appendix, 
Const., Soc. 5, Art. VII ) J 



COMMON LAW. 481 

possible question as to the rank of the Grand Officers, and the 
right of the Grand Lodge to elect officers at the time to which 
the session had been changed. Held, That under the Law the 
Grand Lodge had the right to change the time of its sessions, 
by proper constitutional amendment, and even though the 
tenure of office of its Grand officers for the time being, has 
been thereby shortened from twelve, to ten months, this does 
not deprive them of the honors of their offices. They are en- 
titled to such honors, and the actions of the Grand Lodge are 
just as valid as if no change had taken place in the time of 
meeting. Section five of article seven of the Supreme Lodge 
Constitution provides that Grand Lodge "officers shall be elec- 
ted, or appointed, as the Constitution of the respective Lodges 
prescribe, and who shall hold office for a term of not less than 
one year," which we construe as meaning, that the Grand 
Lodge Constitution must not provide for term of less than one 
year, though it is perfectly competent for them, by constitu- 
tional amendment, to change the time of the year in which to 
meet, in which event, the officers serving until the changed time 
of meeting, and election and installation of their successors, are 
entitled to the honors of a full term of service. — Cases of the 
Grand Lodges of Mo. and of Me. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1969, 1988, 2004. 

1319. Grand Lodge: Right of to Annul Past 
Grand Chancellor's Certificate : (See P. G. C, Sec. 
1874.) S . L. Jour. , 1874, 861. 

Jour., 1875, 1127. 

1320. Grand Lodge: Right of to Create Sink- 
ing Fund for Building Purposes: (See Per Capita 
Tax, Sec. 2032.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1148, 1149. 

1.321. Grand Lodge : May he Required to En- 
tertain Charges, when: (See Charges, Sec. 702.) 

S.L. Jour., 1871, 346, 423. 

1322. Grand Lodge : Refusal of to Ohey Laws 
Supreme Lodge : May he Censured : Where a Grand 
Lodge refuses to obey the Laws of the Supreme Lodge in re- 
spect to the 0. B. N., Held, To be guilty of insubordination, 
meriting the censure of the Supreme Lodge. — Petition of 
several Lodges vs. the G. L. of Pennsylvania. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 847, 424. 

31 



482 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1323. Grand Lodge : Has no Right to Refuse 
to Execute the Laws as Interpreted by the Su- 
preme Chancellor: As the result of the controversy 
between the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and the Supreme 
Chancellor, it was declared that : The Grand Lodge of Penn- 
sylvania deserves the severest censure of this Supreme Lodge 
for refusing to execute the Laws of this Body, as interpreted 
by its Supreme Chancellor. Appeal is the proper remedy in 
such cases. The authority to annul the existence of a Grand 
Lodge cannot be exercised without the express and specific 
sanction of positive Law. No such authority can be conferred 
by indirect legislation. S. L. Jour., 1873, 713, 714. 

1324. Grand Lodge : Incorporation of Does not 
Affect Standing in the Order: (See Incorporation, 
Sec. 1405.) S.L. Jour., 1874, 934. 

1 325. Grand Lodge : Right of to Legislate on 
Duties of its Officers : Query, Has the Grand Lodge a 
right to legislate upon duties for its officers and terms of officer ? 
Ans., They have ; Provided, their legislation is in accordance 
with the Supreme Lodge Constitution and the Eitualistic work 
of the Order.— Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003, 

1326. Grand Lodge : Right of to Fix Terms of 
Subordinate Lodge Officers and Define Their Eligi- 
bility : On request to permit a Grand Lodge to amend its 
Constitution in respect to the eligibility of certain officers and 
reducing the term of certain officers to six months : Held, That 
it was a matter which the Grand Lodge had ample power to 
dispose of. S. L. Jour., 1870, 176, 200. 

1 327 . Grand Lodge : Printed Journal of, Should 
Not Contain Speeches: It is contrary to the usages of 
the Order to embody remarks or speeches in the minutes, ex- 
cept when specially ordered. G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 785. 

GRAND OFFICERS. 

1328. Entitled to Vote, Though Not Represen- 
tatives : Grand officers are entitled to vote on all questions. 
(See Officers, Sec. 1723.) s. L. Jour. 1871, 361. 391. 



COMMON LAW. 483 

1329. Grand Officers: May be Tried by Subor- 
dinate Lodges, when: (See Trial, Sec, 2605.) 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1872, 113. 

1330. Grand Officers : Charges Against, where 
Preferred: (See Charges, Sec. 674.) 

G. L. Pa., Jour., Jan.. 1872, 81. 

1331. Grand Officers: Must be Members of a 
Lodge in Good Standing: (See Good Standing, Sec. 
1376.) G. L. Minn., Jour., 1874, 13, 14. 

GEAND CHANCELLOR 

1332. Restrictions in Eligibility for, Removed : 

On the resolution, that the Law making only a P. V. G. C. or 
P. G. C. eligible to the position of Grand Chancellor be and the 
same is hereby repealed. The, committee on Law and super- 
vision reported that the same be adopted and all past legisla- 
tion on the same subject be hereby repealed.* 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 389, 417. 

1333. Grand Chancellor: May Wear Uniform, 
when : On the query : "Has a Grand Chancellor, or a Grand 
Officer, the right to wear a full fatigue uniform, with, or without 
working regalia, when instituting or visiting Lodges ?" The 
committee on state of the Order report that they have the right 
to wear such uniform "but must wear the proper prescribed 
working regalia." S. L. Jour., 1872, 615, 627. 

1334. Grand Chancellor : Authority of to Give 
Instructions Outside of Lodge Room: A Grand 

Chancellor is authorized to give instructions in the secret work 
outside of the Lodge room. (See Secret Work, Sec. 2473.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 723, 724. 

1335. Grand Chancellor; Cannot Grant Dis- 
pensation, when : (See Dispensation, Sec. 829.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 705, 768. 

1336. Grand Chancellor: Not Eligible to Office 
of Supreme Representative, when: Query, "Is a 
Grand Chancellor who is not already a Past Grand Chancellor 

*This subject has long been peculiarly within the province of the legislation of the 
respective Grand Lodges, hence the great lack of uniformity therein. 



484 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

eligible to the office of Supreme Representative if elected be- 
fore his successor is installed ?" Am., No— Rep. of com. on 
Laivs and Supervision. .S. L. Jour., 1874, 908. 

S. L. Jour,, 1882, 2568. 

1337. Grand Chancellor: Serving Unexpired 
Term Entitled to Honors of: On the request of a 
Grand Lodge to confer the Eank of Past Grand Chancellor 
on a Past Chancellor, who, while serving as the regularly elec- 
ted Grand Chancellor, was overtaken by a sad misfortune, 
and, in justice to the Order, compelled to resign. Held, That 
the Grand Chancellor serving out the unexpired term was en- 
titled to the honors of the office, and the request was not 

granted. — Request of the G. L. of Mass. 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 899, 932, 

1338. Grand Chancellor : Retiring : No Form 
of Ceremony Prescribed : Under the old Eitual the fol- 
lowing question was asked: "At the close of a term of a 
Grand Chancellor is there any form of ceremony provided for, 
or necessary, in passing from that office to the office of V. G. 
P. and to the rank of Past Grand Chancellor ?" Answer, No 
Each V. G. P, is by virtue of his office a Past Grand Chancel- 
lor. (Sec. P. G. C, Sec. 1856.) s. L. Jour., 1873, 710, 735. 

1339. Grand Chancellor : Authority of to Issue 
Circulars in Certain Cases : The right of a Grand Chan- 
cellor to issue circulars calling for aid for the yellow fever suf- 
ferers, from the various Grand Lodges, without first obtaining 
permission from the Supreme Chancellor was denied. Where 
the Grand Chancellor of Mississippi had so issued such a cir- 
cular, the Supreme Chancellor was directed to telegraph him to 
recall it. (See Circulars, Sec. 720.) 

S. L. Jour,, 1878, 1566. 

1340. Grand Chancellor: In Case of Death of, 
Grand Vice Chancellor must Preside : And is not 
Entitled to Honors of Office, when : Where the Grand 
Chancellor dies during his term, and the Grand Vice Chancellor 
assumes the duties of the office, and issues a circular, to the 
Subordinate Lodges, announcing his assumption of the office, 
which was ratified by them, whereupon, the Grand Vice Chan- 
cellor announces his election to the office, and proceeds to per- 



COMMON LAW. 485 

form the functions of the office as Grand Chancellor, and ap- 
points a G. V. C, and Grand Prelate to fill vacancies, and where 
the Grand Lodge, by vote, approves this action of the Grand Vice 
Chancellor ; Held, On appeal, that it was the duty of the Grand 
Vice Chancellor to perform all the duties of the Grand Chan- 
cellor for the unexpired term, but he was not properly elected 
to fill the vacancy, and did not succeed to the honor of said 
office of Grand Chancellor. — Appeal of Owen and Duff vs. the 
G. L. of Tenn. S. L. Jour., 1880, 2035. 

1341. Grand Chancellor: Charges Against: 
How Investigated: (See Charges and note, Sec. 683.) 

S. L, Jour., 1882, 2274, 2465. 

1342. Grand Chancellor: Re-Election of: P. 
G. C. Holds over : (See Const, of Laws, Sec. 558 and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 380, 392. 

1343. Grand Chancellor : Report of Should not 
be Mutilated: (See G. L., Sec. 1293.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 185, 199. 

1344. Grand Chancellor : Authority of: To Per- 
mit Lodges to Meet Semi-Monthly : On a question 
propounded, it was held, that, as to whether a Grand Chan- 
cellor or Grand Lodge could authorize Lodges to meet semi- 
monthly, was a matter for local legislation. (See G. L., Sec. 
1303.) S. L. Jour,, 1876, 1284, 1300. 

1345. Grand Chancellor: May Order Lodge to 
set Aside Illegal Acts, when : It is the Grand Chan- 
cellor's prerogative to peremptorily order that illegal acts of 
Subordinate Lodges be set aside. — Dec. of G. W. Herdman, 
G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 525, 559. 

1346. Grand Chancellor : Orders of : Do not Re- 
quire Authentication of Grand Lodge Seal : It is 

not competent for a Subordinate Lodge to refuse to recognize 
the orders of a Grand Chancellor on the pretext that the seal 
of the Grand Lodge was not attached thereto.— Dec. of W. A. 
Schmitt, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 387, 448. 

1347. Grand Chancellor: Decisions of Shall be 
in Writing : (See Decisions, Sec. 872.) 

G.L., Mass., Jour., 1873, 235. 
Jour., 1875, 676. 



486 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1348. Grand Chancellor Cannot Grant Dispen- 
sations to Admit Minors : (See Minor, Sec. 1673.) 

G. L., Tex., Jour., 1876, 32. 

1349. Grand Chancellor: Has no Authority to 
Suspend a Subordinate Lodge Officer: (See Sus- 
pension, Sec. 2394.) G. L., Va., Jour., 1872, 48, 49. 

1350. Grand Chancellor : Cannot Issue Dispen- 
sation to Create a Past Chancellor : (See P. C, Sec. 
1911.) G. L., N. J., Jour., July, 1870, 117, 140. 

GRAND VICE CHANCELLOR. 

1351. Elected to Office of Grand Chancellor 
and Serves Unexpired Term is Entitled to Hon- 
ors, when : AGr.V. C. who is elected to, and serves in the 
office of G. C. until a new G. C. is duly elected and installed 
into the office of G. C, is entitled to the office of P. G. C, and 
is eligible to election to the office of Supreme Bepresentative.* 
Rep. of com. on Laiv. S. L. Jour., 1884, 3063. 

1352. Grand Vice Chancellor: Is the Proper 
Officer to Succeed Grand Chancellor: Where a G. 

C. resigned and the Grand Lodge ignoring the G. V. C. pro. 
ceecled to elect a G. C. to fill the vacancy, Held, That the 
Grand Lodge had no authority to supercede the G. Y. C, that 
he was the proper officer to fill the vacancy. — Dec. of S. Read, 
S- C. S. L. Jour., 1868, 26, 45. 

1353. Grand Vice Chancellor : Must Act as a 
Grand Chancellor During Vacancy but not En- 
titled to Honors of Office of: (See Sees. 1842,. 1340.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 340, 349. 

Jour., 1880, 2035. 

GRAND KEEPER OF RECORDS AND SEAL. 

1354. Duty of, in Respect to Forwarding- Cre- 
dentials of Representative and Past Grand Chan- 
cellors : (See Bep., Sec. 2061.) S. L. Jour., 1871, 910. 

*It is just to the committee to say that this report was made under instructions, 
and was opposed to the expressed views of the committee on this subject. 



COMMON LAW. 487 

1355. Grand Keeper of Records and Seal : Re- 
port of: to Supreme Lodge: Forni Prescribed: 

(See Blanks, Sec. 474.) s. L. Jour., 1873, 698, 715, 716. 

CBAND KEPEESENTATIVE. 

1356. Re-Elected Chancellor Commander : El- 
igibility of, etc.: The Supreme Chancellor construing 
certain words in the Ritual in respect to a Past Chancellor, 
decided, "A C. C, who is elected for another term is entitled to 
the P. C.'s Rank in his Grand Lodge, also the Sitting P. C. of 
a Lodge, but is not eligible as Representative." Upon this the 
committee report the following resolution ; Resolved, That so 
much of decision No. 7 as decides that a Chancellor Command- 
er, who is elected for another term,^ is entitled to the Past 
Chancellor's rank, be approved, provided, that said Chancellor 
Commander elect shall be installed for his second term ; but 
that so much of said decision as rules that a re-elected and in- 
stalled Chancellor Commander is not eligible after his second 
installation, to be elected as Representative, be disapproved, 
unless disqualified by, some local Law. — Dec, ofS. S. Davis, S. C 
(See P. C, Sec. 1923.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

1357. Grand Representative: Past Chancellor 
is Eligible to Office of Before Rank Conferred: 

It is not necessary that a P. C. should have received the Rank 
to be eligible as a Representative. — Dec. of J. D. Weeks, G. C. 

G. L., Iowa. Jour., 1872, 59. 

1358. Grand Representative: Must be a Past 
Chancellor : A Grand Representative must be a P. C, but 
not necessarily a P. C. in full. — Dec. of E. T. Sykes, G. C. 

G. L., Miss., Jour., 1881, 11, 68. 

1359. Grand Representative : Duty of to Attend 
Grand Lodge : Lodge Liable for Expenses : Where, 
by the Law, Subordinate Lodges are required to pay the ex- 
penses of its Grand Representatives ; Held, That in order to 
avoid this expense, Lodges have no right to pass a motion or 
resolution directing the Representative not to attend the session 
of Grand Lodge; it is his duty to attend. even against the 
wishes of the Lodge, and the Lodge is bound to pay him for 



488 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

his services, neither is it proper for the Lodge to pass a 
motion directing the Eepresentative to attend, it is his im- 
perative duty to do so. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1875, 388, 390. 
Jour., Aug., 1875,54. 

1360. Grand Representative : May be Instructed 
How, but not Compelled to Vote : (See Instructions, 
Sec. 1467.) G. L., Del., Jour., 1874, 155. 

1361. Grand Representative: Must be Elected 
at the Time Fixed by Law : A Lodge cannot delay the 
election of Grand Eepresentatives beyond the time fixed by 
Law, anticipating accessions and thus be entitled to increased 
representation. — Bee. of H. M. Kutchins, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1880, 288, 334. 

1362. Grand Representative: Payment of 
'* Actual and Necessary Expense," Defined : (See 

Construction of Laws, Sees. 561, 562.) 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1881, 345. 
Jour., 1882, 362. 

1363. Grand Representative: Cannot be Ap- 
pointed : Where a Grand Eepresentative was taken sudden- 
ly ill, with no opportunity to elect his successor, Held, That 
the Chancellor Commander had no authority to appoint a 
Eepresentative. G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 556. 

1364. Grand Representative: A Chancellor 
Commander is Eligible to Office of, wlr* a : Every 
Chancellor Commander who has served a full if , ,n. as such, 
shall be entitled to a certificate as Past Chance!" .r, and as such 
shall be eligible to election as Eepresenta', . . — Dec. of J. F. 
Spalding, G. C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1875, 147. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1877, 241, 297. 

1365. Grand Representative : Past Chancellors 
Entitled to Office of, when : All Past Chancellors, are 
entitled to the rank of Past Chancellor, and consequently are 
eligible as Eepresentatives.— Dec. of G. E. Allen, D. D. G. C. 

_ G. L., Maine, Jour., 1879, 386, 471. 

*In some Grand Jurisdictions, such possible contingencies are provided for by 
the election of Alternates. 



COMMON LAW. 489 

GIFT ENTEBPRXSES. 

1366. In Name of the Order Prohibited : (See 
Baffles, Sec. 2206.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1264, 1299. 

GOOD OF THE ORDER. 

1361. Good of the Order: Motion Under Head 
of, May be Entertained, when : A motion, relative to 
matter necessary for the good of the Order, or Lodge, may be 
entertained while working in the good of the Order. — Bee. of J. 
B. Merritt, G. C. G. L. 5 Pa., Jour., 1881, 327, 360. 

1368. Good of the Order : Motion May be En- 
tertained Under : Where a C. C. ruled that a motion could 
not be entertained under that head of the order of business, 
known as "good of the order," except a motion to adjourn: 
Held, On appeal, that the ruling of the C. C. was not correct. 
Any motion that is actually necessary for the good of the Lodge, 
or the Order, may be entertained whilst working in the good of 
the Order. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1874, 100, 114. 

GOOD STANDING. 

1369. Legislation Concerning Sufficient : Cor- 
rection of Official Digest : On the proposition, as to the 
payment of dues in advance, it was held that the definition of 
"arrears," found in journal of Supreme Lodge proceedings of 
tenth session, page 1606,* is sufficient, and no further legisla- 
tion upon that point should be had. The Eevised Official 
Digest, page 63, section 16, should be amended so as to strike 
out that portion beginning "at the same session" down to and 
including "good standing," (Jour., 1878, p. 1675) for the reason 
that the Journal of 1878, p. 1678, shows that the part recom- 
mended to be struck out was confined to good standing in the 
Endowment Bank.— Rep. of com. on Law. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2989. 

1370. Good Standing: In Endowment Bank: 

The Supreme Chancellor, upon a query propounded, decided 
that members of the Endowment Eank in arrears for dues to 

*Arream, Sees. 177, 178. and E. R., Sec. 1106 and note. 



490 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

their Lodge so as to forfeit their right to the S. A. P. W., would 
not be considered in good standing (in the Bank) under the 
Law. This was approved, but was afterward modified at the 
same session, and at the session of 1880 further modified and 
explained.— Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. (See E. E., Sec. 1106 
and note.) S. L., Jour., 1878, 1490, 1671, 1675. 

1371. Good Standing: In Endowment Rank: 
Certificate of, Must Accompany Proof of Death: 

—Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. (See E. E., Sec. 1105.) 

S. Ii. Jour., 1878, 1490, 1491, 1671. 

1372. Good Standing: In Endowment Rank: 
Members of Committee to try Charges, Mnst he 

in : A member of a committee, to try charges against a mem- 
ber of a Section, should be in good standing in his Section. 
A member more than six months in arrears for dues to his 
Lodge shall not be considered in good standing. — Dec. of J. P. 
Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

1373. Good Standing : Certificate of: Issued by 
a Grand Vice Chancellor Held to be Unofficial: 

(See Certificate, Sec. 659.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1194. 

1374. Good Standing: Members of Defunct 
Lodges Considered in, when: All members who are 
in good standing in a Lodge at the time its charter is surren- 
dered are to be considered members thereof when the Lodge 
is reorganized.— Rul. of S. J. Willet, Act. G. C. (See W. C, 
Sec. 2776; Defunct Lodges, Sees. 890, 891.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1875, 248. 

1375. Good Standing : Lodge Shall Keep Mem- 
ber in While Sick : Query, A brother who was taken 
sick September 27, 1880, and fell in arrears October 1, 1880, 
his dues were paid (to) October 8, 1880, is he entitled to bene- 
fits, and how much? Can a brother fall in arrears if the 
Lodge owes him sick benefits ? Held, The brother was in good 
standing at the time he was taken sick and entitled to benefits. 
His benefits are offset by operation of Law, to any dues for 
which he may be indebted to the Lodge, and thus there has 
been a part payment of his quarter's dues, Oct. 1, 1880, and 
there was no default on his part, such as would affect his right, 



COMMON LAW. 491 

until he was in arrears for a full quarter's dues, and he would 
be entitled to the maximum benefits provided in the By-Laws. 
—Bee, of W. F. Garcelou. G. C. (See Suspension, Sec. 2360, 
and note.) G. L., Me., Jour,, 1881, 49, 135. 

1376. Good Standing: In Subordinate Lodge 
Essential to Standing in Grand Lodge: "Where a 
Lodge is suspended, its members are not in "good standing," 
so that a G. V. C. cannot officiate or sit in Grand Lodges whose 
Lodge is under suspension, on the ground that he is not a 
member of a Lodge in good standing. — Dec. of E. W Dumnt, 
G. C. a L., Minn., Jour., 1874, 13, 14. 

1377. Good Standing; To What Extent Affect- 
ed by Arrears : (See Arrears, Sec. 184 ) 

G. L., Ky., Jour., 1880, 657, 662, 704, 716. 

1378. Good Standing: Definition of Term: The 

term "good standing" is defined to mean "free from all charges 
of whatsoever kind." — Rule of W. P. Savage, G. C. 

G. L., Tex., Jour., 1880, 174. 

1379. Good Standing: Payment of Dues in Ad- 
vance not Essential to : (See Arrears, Sec. 192.) 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1880, 61, 87. 

1380. Good Standing : Of Members in the En- 
dowment Rank: Duty of Lodge in Respect to: 

On the query, "Is a Lodge not bound to keep a sick brother in 
good standing, in the Endowment Eank, who was in good 
standing at the time he was taken sick?" Held, No. — Dec. of 
W. H. Gillum, G. C. G. L., Ind., Jour., 1882, 121, 161, 163. 

GEBMAN LODGES. 

1381. Minutes of: How Kept: At the session, 
Nov. 1868, it was declared the German Lodges should keep 
their journals in the English language. This was re-affirmed 
at the session of March, 1870, but on a subsequent day of the 
same session the legislation in that respect was rescinded, so 
that, German Lodges may keep their minutes in the German 
language. S. L. Jour., 1870, 221. 



492 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

GEEMAN LANGUAGE. 

1383. Lodge Cannot Refuse to Hear Counsel 
Who Does not Speak German, when: (See Trial, 
Sec. 2619.) G. L., D. 0., Jour., Jan., 1880, 275, 278. 

HIGHEE DEGEEES. 

1383. Authorized : Order of S. P. K. : Pursuant 
to permission granted by the Provisional Supreme Lodge, to 
create a higher degree or degrees, that should in no wise inter- 
fere with the Eitual of the Order, and to be entirely different 
therefrom, P. G. C. Eathbone organized a so-called higher 
degree, known as the "Supreme Order Knights of Pythias 
Knighthood," which was afterwards changed to the "Order of 
the Supreme Pythian Knighthood," but which the Supreme 
Lodge discountenanced and refused to recognize by the adop- 
tion of the following resolution : Resolved, That the Supreme 
Lodge recognize no higher degree or degrees of the Order than 
those now established in the Eitual of the Order. (See Con- 
clave, Sees. 514, 515.) S. L. Jour., 1868, 17. 

HIGHEE EANK. 

1384. Organization of Authorized : Resolved, That 
the Supreme Chancellor appoint a committee of five to prepare 
a Eitual, Constitution, etc., for the proper organization of such 
higher body, under control of the Supreme Lodge, under which 
the rank proposed by Eepresentative Firestone of, Ohio, be in- 
corporated. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1442. 

1385. Higher Rank : Endowment Rank Is Not : 

(See E. E., Sec. 1043.) s. L. Jour. 1878, 1492, 1671. 

HONOES. 

1386. Of Office Given to whom: Upon the query: 
Can the honors of an office be given to more than one person 
during the term ? The committee on state of the Order ans- 
wered, the honors of the same office cannot be given to but one 
person for the same term. s. L. Jour., 1872, 564, 585. 

1387. Honors: Retained on Promotion: (See 
Officers, Sec. 1725.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 564, 585. 



COMMON LAW. 493 

1388. Honors: Grand Chancellor Entitled to 
on Serving Unexpired Term : (See G. C, Sec. 1337.) 

S. L, Jour., 1874, 899, 932. 

1389. Honors : Official : Grand Vice Chancellor 
not Entitled to, when : — Appeal of Owen and Duff, vs. 
Grand Lodge of Tennessee. (See G. C, Sec. 1340.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2035. 

1390. Honors: Official: Earned by Service, 
when : Officers of the Lodge having only served the last part 
of the term are entitled to the all the honors. — Dec. of J. F. 
Tarr, G. C. (See Sec. 2669 and note.) 

G. L„ Me., Jour., 1875, 57, 68. 

1391. Honors : Right of a Past Chancellor to : 

An elected Past Chancellor is constructively entitled to all the 
honors and privileges of the rank. — Dec. ofH. C. Peahody, G. C. 

G. L., Me., Jour., 1876, 113, 139. 

1392. Honors: Official: Chancellor Command- 
er Entitled to, when: On the Query, Has a Lodge, 
having had a Chancellor Commander who completed his term 
of office, but was not installed Past Chancellor, and became 
suspended for non-payment of dues, the right to supply his 
place by election of a Past Chancellor ? Held, No. The Chan- 
cellor Commander by completing his official term attained the 
rank of Past Chancellor without installation.* — Dec. of H. C. 
Peahody, G. C. G. L., Me., Jour., 1876, 113, 139. 

1393. Honors : Official : Chancellor Commander 
Entitled to on Re-Election : A Chancellor Commander 
who is elected for a second term is entitled to the rank of Past 
Chancellor, and to admission to the Grand Lodge at the expi- 
ration of his first term, immediately after his second installa- 
tion.— Dec. of B. T. Chase, G.C. 

G. L., Me., Jour., 1878, 284. 343. 

1394. Honors: Official: Given for Service, 
when : Official Honors are given to those who serve a full, 
or the unexpired term. (See Sees. 589, 1945.) 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1883, 637, 741. 

*If it is meant by this, that the Lodge would have no right to elect a Knight to be- 
come a Past Chancellor it is undoubtedly correct, The retiring Chancellor Com- 
mander became entitled to the rank of Past Chancellor by his service, but having 
been suspended there was a vacancy in the office of Sitting Past Chancellor which the 
Lodge undoubtedly had a right to fill by election. See P. C., 1879, et seq. 



494 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1395. Honors: Past Official: When Officer En- 
titled to : On the queries propounded ; Held, That an offi- 
cer is not entitled to the honors of his office unless he shall 
have served a majority of the nights of the term ; this, how- 
ever, is to be determined by his status in office at the close of 
the term. Under the Law, an officer failing for three consec- 
utive nights to be in his station, unless excused by the Lodge 
for his failure, his office shall be declared vacant, and the pre- 
sumption is that if it is not so done, his past delinquency is ex- 
cused, and it follows that the question of actual service can- 
not reasonably be raised at the close of the term, and this is 
true where a C. C. has served only six nights and the Lodge has 
neglected to declare the office vacant. — Rep. of com. on Laiv. 

G. L., Ind., Jour,, July, 1877, 26-7. 

1396. Honors : Officer Entitled to, when : (See 
Official Honors, Sec. 1806.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876, 447, 546. 

HELMET. 

1397. Adoption of: Description : The following is 
the description of the helmet adopted by the Supreme Lodge : 
Black body, round top, rim in front and flowing back ; front 
vizor, two inches, and rear vizor, two and one-half inches in 
length ; black cone, running from tip of back to center front ; 
cone, two and one-half inches in front, running back to point, 
at tip of flowing back ; raised wire for plume support, from 
back tip to front cone, one half-inch above cone ; gold or silver 
cord, double, and looped from centre sides to front, fastened at 
sides, with helmet-shaped button. 

ESCUTCHEON ON FEONT, AS FOLLOWS : 

For Knights — Shield-shaped escutcheon, one and one-half 
inches. 

For Past Chancellor — (Less rank than G.C.,) triangle- shaped 
escutcheon, two inches, from tip to tip. 

For Grand Chancellor and Past Grand Chancellor— Oval- 
shaped escutcheon, two inches in shortest diameter. 

For Supreme Officers and Past Supreme Officers— Circular- 
shaped escutcheon, two inches in diameter. 



COMMON LAW. 495 

PLUME. 

In shape an oriflamme, running from back of cone to front, 
and drooping over front, to be worn as follows : 

For Knights— Ked. 

For Past Chancellors — Blue. 

For Grand Lodge Officers — Yellow. 

For Past Grand Chancellors — Ked, tipped, on rear and front 
with white. 

For Supreme Officers and Past Supreme Officers— Purple, 
tipped with white, on sides and front. 

Distinctions — Knights and Past Chancellors, of less rank 
than Grand Chancellor, will wear white metal or silver ; Grand 
Chancellor and Past Grand Chancellors will wear yellow metal 
or gold. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1159. 

1398. Helmet: For Uniform Rank : Exchange 
for Nickel Plate : Your committee onUniform Eank respect- 
fully recommend that all divisions of the Uniform Eank here- 
after organized adopt the nickel-plated helmet, and that Divis- 
ions already organized be permitted to exchange the black for 
nickel-plated helmet at their pleasure.* s. L. Jour., 1882, 2538, 

HISTORY.. 

1399. Of the Order: Brief Sketch: Recog- 
nized as Official: The following sketch of the Original 
History of the Order of Knights of Pythias was adopted, and 
recognized as the true account of the institution of the Order. 
The original meeting at which the Kitual of the Order of the 
Knights of Pythias was first read, and primary steps taken to 
establish the Order, was held in Mr. Kobert A. Champion's 
room, 369 (old number) F. street, near the corner of Ninth 
street, in the city of Washington, D. C, on the evening of 
February 15th, 1864. There were present, on this occcasion, 
Mr. J. H. Eathbone, Mr. Eobert A. Champion, Mr. D. L. Bur- 
nett, Mr. E. S. Kimbal, Mr. W. H. Burnett, Mr. Chas. H. 
Roberts, and Mr, Driver, members (with the exception of Mr. 
Champion) of a vocal society called the "Arion Glee Club." 
At a previous meeting of the club, Mr. Eathbone had stated to 
these gentlemen that he had in his possession the Eitual of a 

*Laws of Uniform Eank adopted at session of 1884. These I*aws now provide for 
the -white or cork helmet. 



496 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

secret society which he had written some time before while 
teaching school in the Lake Superior country, and which he 
was desirous of now ushering into existence. Mr. Champion, to 
whom Mr.Eathbone had read his Eitual, while both of them were 
engaged at the U. S. A., general hospital, Germantown, Pa., in 
1863, strongly urged the formation of a society to be known as 
a mutual protection association, among the clerks of the 
several departments of the city of Washington, its members to 
consist of only those in clerical employment. After a mutual 
confab on the matter, it was concluded to defer further action 
until the next meeting of the club, February 15th, at which 
time, after the usual vocal rehearsal, Mr. Kathbone produced 
his Eitual and a small Bible. Each of the gentlemen above 
named were obligated upon this Bible not to reveal that which 
was about to be imparted to them, and immediately afterward 
Mr. Eathbone began the reading of his work. After having fin- 
ished the opening and closing ceremonies, Messrs. Eoberts 
and Driver, having a previous engagement, asked to be ex- 
cused and left the room, promising, however, to abide by any 
action the others might take in their absence. Upon conclu- 
sion of the reading of the Eitual, it was resolved that each 
gentleman present should consider himself a committee of one 
for the purpose of inviting such of his fellow clerks as he 
deemed would be acceptable to join with the club in forming 
the Order. At this time arrangements had just been consu- 
mated by the club to take one of the lower rooms in the Tem- 
perance Hall Building on E. street, between Ninth and Tenth, 
for their rehearsals, and it was resolved that if a sufficient 
number of members could be obtained, that the meeting 
should be called on the following Friday evening at this hall, 
the club to call its rehearsal at 6 p. m., so as to enable the 
gentlemen to meet at or about 8 o'clock. At the meeting held 
Friday evening all present were clerks in the departments, 
with tha exception of Mr. Plant, who had been invited by Mr. 
Eathbone and Mr. Champion on the "Wednesday following the 
original meeting, to join the Order. [Note. — It may be well to 
state the reason of this exception to the rule made relative to 
members. Messrs. Eathbone and Champion had seen Mr. 
Plant officiate in a certain office in a Tribe of Eed Men they 
were visiting, some weeks previous, and were so much im- 
pressed by the manner in which Mr. Plant fulfilled his duties 



COMMON LAW. 497 

that it was thought if he would take hold of this new enter- 
prise he would be a most valuable accession in the position of 
V. P., the then third office in the Lodge, Mr. Plant accepted 
the invitation, and the programme, at Mr. Kathbone's sugges- 
tion was carried out.] At the meeting held February 19th, 
1864, owing to the lateness of the hour only the opening and 
closing ceremonies and the initiatory (now first) degree was 
read. The Second and Third degrees were left to a committee 
appointed by Mr. Eathbone, the W. C, of the Lodge. The 
committees appointed were as follows: On the Second 
degree, E. S. Kimball, E. A. Champion, J. T. K. Plant, W. H. 
Burnett and J. H. Eathbone ; on the Third degree, J. E.Wood- 
ruff, D. L. Burnett and J. H. Eathbone. The degrees, already 
prepared by Mr. Eathbone were submitted to the committees, 
and with the exception of an addition to the third degree, sug- 
gested by Mr. Woodruff, were approved as read, duly reported 
to the Lodge and adopted. The history of Washington Lodge 
No. 1, and the subsequent rise and progress of the Order has 
already been published.* S. L. Jour., 1876, 1278. 

HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS. 

1400. Will Not be Answered, when : (See Ques- 
tions, Sec. 2055 and note.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1311. 

HONOEAEY MEMBEKSHIP. 

1401. Prohibited in Endowment Rank, when: 

(See E. E., Sec. 1060.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2479, 2487. 

HALL. 

1402. Does Not Revert to Grand Lodge on Sur- 
rendering Charter : (See Property, Sec. 2044.) 

G. L. Tenn., Jour., 1883, 68, 96, 98. 

INCOEPOEATION. 

1403. Of Supreme Lodge : The action of the S. C. in 

procuring the incorporation of the Supreme Lodge was ap- 
proved. S. L. Jour,, 1871, 382. 
*See Barton's History, and first proceedings of the G. L., of D. C. 

32 



498 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1404. Incorporation: Of Supreme Lodge, as 
Finally Amended: The articles of incorporation were 
amended at the session of 1875. An amended act was also 
approved and ordered filed for record, at the session of 1876, 
and in order to meet the requirements of the change to biennial 
sessions, the articles were finally amended, and will be found 
in the Journal of 1882, 2273. The various legislations of the 
Supreme Lodge, on this subject, appear as follows : 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1047, 1123. 

Jour,, 1876, 1201, 1293. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2071. 

Jour., 1882, 2273. 

1405. Incorporation: Of Grand or Subordinate 
Lodges : Effect of: The question arising out of the con- 
troversy with the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania it was held : 
That the incorporation of Grand or Subordinate Lodges has 
no bearing, weight, influence, or relation, save as relates to 
such matters as exist, or may exist, between them and extra- 
neous individuals or corporations. s. L. Jour., 1874, 934. 



1406. Incorporation: Of Subordinate Lodges: 
Nothing in the Law to Prevent : There is nothing in 
the Supreme Lodge Laws prohibiting the incorporation of 
Subordinate Lodges under the Laws of the several states. — 
Rep. of com. on Law. g. L. Ind., Jour., 1879, 138. 

INSTALLATION. 

1407. Pnblic Ceremony Authorized : At the ses- 
sion of March, 1871, the committee on secret work was in- 
structed to prepare and report at the next session a ritual for 
public installation. S. L. Jour., 1871, 378, 385. 

1408. Installation: Form of for Supreme 
Lodge Officers : The special committee appointed at the 
last session for that purpose, submitted a form of installation 
service for Supreme Lodge officers which was adopted. 

S.L. Jour., 1880, 1953, 1972. 

1409. Installation: Of Supreme Lodge Officers 
During Recess: Precedent: Resolved, That the S. C. 
be authorized to install Supreme I. G. elect, G. B. Shaw du- 



COMMON LAW. 499 

ring recess of the Supreme Lodge, he having been imperatively 
called from the session. S. L. Jour., 1880, 2074. 

1410. Installation: Service of Adopted: On 

motion the installation service submitted by the special com- 
mittee appointed at the last session, was adopoted. (See In- 
stallation Work, Sec. 1442,) S. L. Jour., 1877, 1456. 

Jour. 1878, 1504, 1620. 

1411. Installation: Of Grand Lodge Officers: 
Legal, when : In the absence of the Supreme Chancellor or 
the retiring Grand Chancellor, it is proper for any P. G. C. upon 
request, to install the officers of a Grand Lodge. — Appeal of P, 
C. Knaussvs. the G. L. of Neb. S. L. Jour., 1872, 590, 626. 

1412. Installation: Of Grand Lodge Officers 
to be Performed by the Retiring Past Grand 
Chancellor : The retiring P. G. C, and not the retiring G. 
C. being the proper person to conduct the installation cere- 
mony of Grand Lodge officers, the Grand Lodge Kitual in this 
respect containing a typographical error, it was therefore, Re- 
solved, That the G. K. of K. and S. is hereby directed to immedi- 
ately notify the G. K. of E. andS. of each Grand Jurisdiction, of 
the typographical error referred to above, and instruct him to 
make the necessary correction in each copy of the Grand 
Lodge Eitual belonging to his Grand Jurisdiction. 

S.L. Jour.. 1884, 3046. 

141 3 . Installation : Of Past Grand Chancellor, 
no Form Prescribed: (See G. C, Sec. 1338.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 710, 735. 

1414. Installation : Public : No Opening Cer- 
emonies for : (See Opening Ceremonies, Sec. 1809.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2003. 

141 5. Installation : Of Grand Lodge Officers by 
Proxy, Disapproved: The committee on Law, of the 
Supreme Lodge, refused to approve a provision in the Consti- 
tution of the Grand Lodge of Minnesota providing for the in- 
stallation of a Grand officer by proxy, and it was stricken out, 
as contrary to the established customs and Eitualistic cere- 
monies of the Order. — Rep. of com. s. L. Jour., 1875, 1139 



500 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1416. Installation : By Proxy Illegal : Where the 
retiring Grand Chancellor was also the D. D. G. C. and, when 
about to proceed to the installation, he called a Knight to the 
chair, then, proceeding with the installation, the Knight, occu- 
pying the chair, was inducted into the office of P. C. Held, That 
the ceremony of installing the Knight as P. C. was evidently 
intended as a proxy, which is not legal. The D. D. G. C. 
should have deputized the retiring P. C. as installing officer.* 
—Dec. of Owen Royce, G. C, G. L., Miss., Jour., 1882, 17. 

1417. Installation: By Proxy not Allowed: An 

officer cannot be installed by proxy. — Dec. of P. H. Mulcahy, 

G. C. (See Proxy, Sec. 2034.) 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1877, 217, 265. 

1418. Installation: Arrears a Bar to, when: 

No officer can be installed into office who is over three months 
in arrears. — Dec. of E. W. Scott, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour.. Aug., 1876, 447, 546. 

1419. Installation: The Question of Arrear- 
ages Affecting Officers Right to : (See Clear on the 
Books, Sec. 763.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1873, 146. 

1420. Installation: When Objection made to, 
District Deputy Grand Chancellor may Order New 
Election : AD.D. G. C. when installing the officers of a 
Subordinate Lodge, has the same right to order a new election, 
in case objection is made to the installation of an elected of- 
ficer and the facts justify the same, as the G. C. would have if 
installing in person.— Dec. of S. L. Terry, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1881, 1537, 1602, 1604. 

1421. Installation : D. D. G. C. may Refuse to 
Perform, when : (See D. D. G. C, Sec. 813.) 

G. L. N. Y., Jour., 1882, 13, 40. 

1422. Installation: Must he Conducted by 
Grand Lodge Officers : Upon the query : "Has any P. 
C. the authority to install officers of a Lodge?" Held, The 
Grand officers are the only persons proper to install officers of 

*It would have been perfectly proper for the D. D. to have deputized auy P. C, he 
is not restricted to the "Ketiring P, C." 



COMMON LAW. 501 

a Lodge, No P, C. can install any officer unless deputized 
by the G. C.*— Dec. of E. R. Davis, G. C. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1870, 171, 197. 

1423. Installation: Who Authorized to Con- 
duct : No officer has the right to install except the D. D. G. 

C. of the District ; Grand Chancellor, or one duly authorized 
and appointed by competent authority ; and the only persons 
authorized to appoint an installing officer, are the G. C. or his 
deputy. — Dec. of W. H. Davenport, G. C. 

G. L.. Nev., Jour., 1878, 316, 343. 

1424. Installation : Who Authorized to Con- 
duct: On the query, to wit : "Has not any P. C. in good 
standing a right to install a Subordinate officer to fill vacancy 
if so called upon by his Lodge, provided the proper officer is ab- 
sent or incapacitated to act?" Held, On report of committee, 
we find no authority for any one to install the officers of a 
Lodge, but the G. C. or his immediate deputy. 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1883, 666, 679. 

1425. Installation: A P. C. cannot he Author- 
ized to Install: Where it was proposed to amend the 
Constitution authorizing a P. C. in good standing to install the 
officers. Held, On a point of order raised, that the amend- 
ment was out of order, as it provided that the G, C. or his D. 

D. G. C. shall install officers of a Subordinate Lodge. 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1883, 688. 

1426. Installation: C. C. Has no Authority to 
Perform : On the query, Can a C. C. in the absence of a 
D. D. G. C. install an officer who has been elected or appointed 
to fill a vacancy ; Held, "As the Law now stands a C. C. has 
no authority to act as an installing officer. — Dec. of L. M. 
Manzer, G. C. (See C. C, Sec. 637.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1875, 659, 732, 751. 
G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1052, 1086. 
G. L., Cal., Jour., 1879, 1350, 1377. 

1427. Installation: Cannot he performed hy a 
C. C, when : (See C. C, Sec. 637.) 

G. L., Kan., Jour., March, 1874, 61, 73. 

*Of course, this is to be taken to mean, that Grand officers are proper persons 
to install -when they are specially or generally deputized for that purpose. It is true 
that no P. C. whether he be a Grand officer or not, has authority to install, un- 
less deputized. ADD. however may deputize a person in his stead. (See D. D. G. C. 
Sec. 800.) 



502 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1428. Installation: A District Deputy Grand 
Chancellor May Cause Service to be Performed: 

A D. D. G. C. unable to be present to install the officers of a 
Lodge at the regular time, may appoint a P. C. to perform that 
duty.* G. L., Term., Jour., 1880, 418, 419. 

1429. Installation: May be Conducted by 

Knight, when : A D. D. G. C. may authorize any Knight 

in good standing to install the officers of a Subordinate Lodge 

when no Past Chancellor is present. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1878, 339. 

1430. Installation : Ceremonies of : Takes Prec- 
edence, when : Installation of officers takes precedence of 
the "Order of Business" and when the installing officer an- 
nounces his presence for that purpose, it is the duty of the 
Lodge to immediately suspend all other business and receive 

him. — Dec. of R. E. Cowan, G. C. 

G. L. s Mo., Jour., 1878, 315. 

1431. Installation : Essential to Confer Honors, 
when : An officer elect is not an officer of the Lodge until he 
is installed.— Dec. of J. C. Teller, D. D. G. C. 

G. L.,Ya., Jour., 1874,19. 

1432. Installation : Necessary to Convey Honors 
of Office : An officer of a Lodge whether elected or appointed, 
must be installed to entitle him to the honors of the office. — Dec. 
of J. J. Cooper G. C. G. L. Nev. Jour., 1881, 453, 485. 

1433. Installation: Necessary to Convey Honors 
of Office : An election or appointment to office carries no 
benefits or honors to the holder thereof, unless he has been re- 
gularly installed therein.— Dec, of G. F. Taylor G. C. 

G. L. Ala., Jour., 1880, 86, 220. 

1434. Installation: Of Officers Re-elected Ne- 
cessary : (See K. K. and S. Sec. 1526.) 
G. L. W. Va., Jour., 1879, 11 , 25. 

*A D. D. says in his report that, owing to illness he was unable to install the offi- 
cers of a certain Lodgo, and that he deputized a P. C. to do so. This the committee 
on the state of the Order, of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, deemed irregular, holding 
that the authority of a D. D. was but a delegated one and he could not delegate it to 
others. The G. L. refused to adopt this view, thereby sustaining the D. D., as shown 
in the section. 



COMMON LAW. 503 

1435. Installation: Of Re-elected Officers Ne- 
cessary : It is necessary to install re-elected officers.— Dec. 
of F. Heser G. C. G. L. Ky., Jour., 1873, 17. 87. 

1436. Installation : Effect of Absence of Chan- 
cellor Commander elect : Where, on the night of in- 
stallation the C. C. elect is not present but the other officers 
are installed, the V. C. does not thereby become entitled to act 
as C. C, The retiring C. C. retains the office until his successor 
is installed. — Dec. of Owen Royce G. C. 

G.L. Miss., Jour., 1882, 16. 

1 437 • Installation : Absence of Retiring Chan- 
cellor Commander: Course to be Pursued: On 

the query : "If the C. C, fails to present himself for installa- 
tion as Junior P. C, what course must the Lodge pursue? 
Held, That the P. C, is not installed except to be conducted 
to his chair, and if he is not present his chair shall be filled by 
a pro tern appointment. — Rep. of Com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind M Jour., July 1877, 27. 

1438. Installation : Duty of Installing Officers 
in case Objection is Raised : In case objection is raised 
to the installation of an officer, it is the duty of the installing 
officers to enquire into the case then and there, and thereupon 
to install the officer, or order a new election and install the 
newly elected officer, or postpone the installation until the next 
regular meeting of the Lodge. — Dec. of W. H. Lee, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1880, 1141, 1168, 1170, 1176. 

1439. Installation: Public: Closing Lodge: 
Grand Honors : At public installation the Lodge should 
not close in the usual form, and the Grand Honors should not 
be given. — Dec. of W. H. Lee, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour,, 1879, 1057, 1090. 

1440. Installation: Substitution of Words in 
Service of: Instead of the term "Jewels of your office," tha 
term "Insignia of your office" may be used at the installation of 
the officers of a Lodge having no jewels. — Dec. of B. T. Chase, 
G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1878. 284, 343. 

1441. Installation: Of Officers of Section of 
Endowment Rank: (See E. R, Sec. 1091.) 

S. L. Jour. 1878, 1492, 1671. 



504 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

INSTALLATION WOEK. 

1442. Adoption of New: Repeal of Old: The 

Supreme Chancellor decided that the adoption of the new in- 
stallation work, at the last session, repealed the old, by im- 
plication; whereupon it was Resolved, That upon the adop- 
tion of the new installation work the old work immediately 
ceased to be operative and in force, and that the decision of 
the Supreme Chancellor be approved, — Dec. of S. S. Davis, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1504, 1620. 

INSTALLATION BOOKS. 

1443. Translation of Into German : Resolved, That 
the Supreme Lodge have translated, and printed, installation 
books in the German language. s. L. Jour., 1871, 381, 383. 

1444. Installation Books: Supplied to Subor- 
dinate Lodges, How : Upon the resolution to-wit : Resolv- 
ed, That Subordinate Lodges be not compelled to procure in- 
stallation books, it being clearly the duty of Grand Lodges to 
supply said books to its installing officer. It was held: That it 
is entirely within the power of the Grand Lodges to prescribe 
the terms upon which they will furnish supplies to the Subor- 
dinate Lodges.* S. L, Jour., 1878, 1612, 1620. 

INITIALS. 

1445. Requisites of, in Respect to age: 

(See Age. Sec. 1.) S. L. Jour., 1868, 26, 45. 

INITIATION. 

1446. Of Persons Beyond the Jurisdiction Il- 
legal, when : A Lodge has no right to initiate or confer the 
ranks on applicants living beyond its jurisdiction, without the 
consent of the Lodge nearest the residence of the applicants, 
and a Lodge which insists, after proper notice and warning, to 
confer the ranks on such applicants, may, with its members, be 
suspended.! — Appeal of J. A. Andrew Lodge vs. the G. L. of 

Mass. (See Suspension Sec. 2335.) 

S. L. Jour. 1872. 538, 573, 

*It is evident thab the Supreme Lodge did not mean to convey the full breadth of 
meaning of which this resolution is susceptible. For instance, in fixing the price of the 
relief Bhield, the Supremo Lodge has expressly declared that Grand Lodges cannot 
vary it. See Shields, Sees. 2534, 2535. 

•*-See Exposition title "Jurisdiction" for a discussion of this subject- 



COMMON LAW. 505 

1447. Initiation : Of non-resident: Illegal when i 

(See Non-resident, Sec. 1696.) S. L. Jour. 1872, 580. 

Jour. 1873 app. 37. 

1448. Initiation : Residence Required : (See Be- 

sidence, Sec. 2247.) G, L. Neb. Jour., 1875. 319. 

1449. Initiation : Of Applicant from Another 
State : who Competent to give Permission : On the 

Query : "Can a Lodge take persons into membership belong- 
ing in another state, when the Lodge is nearest his residence, 
without first asking permission of the Grand Chancellor of the 
state in which he resides?" — Held. It is not necessary to ask 
the permission of the Grand Chancellor. The Lodge in whose 
jurisdiction the applicant lives is the only proper authority to 
grant permission to a Lodge in another state to confer the 
Banks on said applicants. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., July, 1875, 210, 219, 225. 

1450. Initiations : May be Arrested, when : A mem- 
ber of a Lodge can arrest the initiation of a duly elected can- 
didate by simply filing objections with the C. C. stating the 
reasons. — Dec. of J. J. Monell Jr., G. C. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1875, 319. 

1451. Initiation : Must be Arrested, when As- 
wers of Applicants are not unequivocal : (See Appli- 
cant, Sec. 78.) G. L., Mich., Jour., 1881, 12, 49, 50. 

1452. Initiation: Chancellor Commander not 
Obliged to ask if there are any Objections to: It 

is not the duty of the C. C. to ask if there be any objections to 
a candidate who has been balloted for and elected, and is in 
the ante-room prepared to be introduced into the Castle Hall. 
—Dec. of L. M. Manzer, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1875,659, 732, 751. 

1453. Initiation. Of Candidate on Night of 
Election, Permitted: On the query, to wit: "Can a 
Lodge initiate a candidate on the same evening that he is elec- 
ted?" Held, Yes.— Dec. oj J. B. Merritt G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1881, 327, 360. 



506 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1454. Initiation: May Immediately Follow 
Election : If the ballot on the application of a stranger is 
favorable, and the applicant declared elected, he may be initi- 
ated on the same evening, or the initiation may be postponed 
to suit the convenience of the Lodge.— Dec. of D. McClure, 
G. C. G. L„ CaL, Jour., 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 

1455. Initiation: Ballot on, need not be Re- 
newed when Three Black Balls Appear on First 

Ballot : (See Ballot, Sec. 312.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, App., 38, 39. 

1456. Initiation: Dispensation Necessary for, 
When : No Lodge has the right to elect and initiate a can- 
didate on the same night his proposition is received, without a 
dispensation to do so. — Bey. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1873, 562. 
Approved Feb., 1874, 738. 

1457. Initiation: On Sunday, Illegal : (See Sun- 
day, Sec. 2557.) G. L., Ky., Jour., 1883, 906, 937. 

1458 : Initiation : Of a Candidate, who had Al- 
ready Received the Ranks Unlawful : (See Banks, Sec. 
2225.) G. L., Oregon, Jour., 1883, 218, 230. 

1459. Initiation : Of Applicant Over-age, Im- 
proper when : An applicant who is under fifty years of age 
when proposed, but who is over age when reported on by the 
committee, cannot be initiated without a dispensation for that 

purpose. — Rep. of Com. on Law. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1874, 222. 

INSUEANCE. 

1460. Compulsory Assessments for Funeral 

Benefits : Not Approved, when : (See Funeral Benefits 

Sec. 1185-Mortuary Laws, Sec. 604.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876. 1288. 

1461. Insurance : On Personal Property of Su- 
preme Lodge: The S. K. of R. and S. was instructed to 
procure insurance on the personal property of the Supreme 
Lodge. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1533, 1614. 



COMMON LAW. 507 

INVITATIONS. 

1462. To Public Celebration etc., Declined : (See 
Public Celebrations, Sec. 2015 ) S. L. Jour., 1877, 1432. 

INDEMNITY FUND. 

1463. Endowment Rank: Amount Limited: 

(See E. E., Sec. 1104.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1675. 

1MPOSTOES. 

1464. Duty of Grand Officers to Publish : On the 

query : "Could Grand officers publish impostors or would the 
Supreme Chancellor do it?" Held, Perfectly proper for Grand 
officers to give such notification as would protect their Lodges 
and membership. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 

INSTEUCTION. 

1465. In the Secret Work : May be Given by 
any Qualified Member of the Order : The C. C. may 

call any duly qualified member of the Order to the chair to 
give instructions. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. (See C. C, 
Sec. 624.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2003. 

1466. Instructions: In Secret Work, may be 
Given Outside Lodge Room, when: (£ee Secret 
Work, Sec. 2473.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 723, 724. 

1467. Instructions : To Grand Representatives : 

On the Query "Can a Subordinate Lodge instruct its P. C's. 

to the Grand Lodge, how to vote on certain questions arising 

in said Grand Lodge?" Held, "Yes, to instruct, but cannot 

compel."— Rut of Wm. C. Weer G. C. 

G. L., Del., Jour., 1874, 155. 

INSTITUTING OFFICEES. 

1468. General Instructions to in Organizing 
New Lodges : (See Organization of Lodges, Sec. 1770.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1453, 1455. 



508 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1469. Instituting Officers: May Confer Ranks 
Without Assistance: (See Organization of Ledges, Sec. 
1774.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1987, 2005. 

INVESTIGATION. 

1470. Appointment of Committee on: Illegal 
when : (See Charges, Sec. 708.) s. L. Jour,, 1880, 2061, 

INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE. 

1471. IsDischarged Without Action on Making 
Report : The C. C. does not discharge an investigating com- 
mittee on its making a report, neither does it require action of 
the Lodge. The fact of taking a ballot discharges a committee 
without any action of the Lodge. — Bee. of T. G. Sample G. C. 
(See Committee Sec. 521.) g. l. Pa., Jour., 1880, 30, 177. 

IMMOEAL CONDUCT. 

1473. Mere Suspicion of, Not Sufficient to War- 
rant Suspension of Benefits : (See Benefits 415.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1880, 289,290. 

INSANITY. 

1473. Member Afflicted with Entitled to Bene- 
fits : (See Benefits, Sec. 435.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1882. 1672, 1745, 1753. 

INNEK GUAED. 

1474. Appointive : Cannot be Elected : (See Offi- 
cers, Sec. 1731.) G. L. Neb., Jour., 1875. 319. 

INDEBTEDNESS. 

1475. Of Lodge to Member, will Prevent Sus- 
pension. (See Suspension, Sec. 2390. Also Claim, Sec. 768.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., July 1869. 110, 210, 212. 

INSIGNIA. 

1476. Term may be used in Installation Service, 
when : (See Installation, Sec. 1440.) 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1878, 281, 343. 



COMMON LAW. 509 

JOURNAL. 

1477. Daily, of Supreme Lodge Session: Shall 
Contain Subject Matter of all Resolutions: (See 
Resolutions, Sec. 2108.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 2951. 

1478. Journal: Of Supreme Lodge: Revision 
and Printing of: The Journal of the first session or or- 
ganization of the Supreme Lodge covered fifteen pages; 
the second or adjourned session, forty- two pages, and 
that of the first annurl session seventy pages. Owing 
to the limited number of these originally printed, the 
supply was soon exhausted. In Sept., 1869, 250 addi- 
tional copies of the proceedings of the first annual ses- 
sion were revised, printed and stereotyped. It was then 
recommended by the S. K. of E. and S. that 2000 copies 
of the entire Journal of proceedings, covering about 130 pages, 
be printed after the- Journal of the first and the adjourned sessions 
have been thoroughly revised.* S. L. Jour., 1870, 165, 213 

1479. Journal : Of Supreme Lodge : To be Fur- 
nished Standing Committees ; (See Standing Commit- 
tee, Sec. 2469.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2421. 

1480. Journal: Of Supreme Lodge: Printed 
During Session for the use of Members: At the 

session of 1870 it was resolved, that the proceedings of all the 
sessions of the Supreme Lodge be printed in pamphlet form, 
uniform in size with the Journal of March, 1869. A certain 
number of these — to be determined at the opening of each 
morning session— were for the use of the members, the re- 
mainder to be preserved, and bound as the proceedings of the 
session.! S. L. Jour., 1870, 223. 

148 1 . Journal : Of Supreme Lodge : Reading of: 

Resolved, That hereafter the proceedings of each session be 
read by the S. K. of E. and S. and considered at the commence- 
ment of each morning and evening session. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 219. 

*This revision and reprinting of the first Journals, account for the present uni- 
formity of the proceedings ; also for the difficulty which many encounter in seeking 
to complete their files of these original journals. 

+The Supreme Lodge has always observed the practice of printing a Daily Jour- 
nal for the use of the members, but the above resolution has perhaps never been 
complied with. This is perhaps so from its impracticability. 



510 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1482. Journal : Of Supreme Lodge of 1882, to 
be Known as Vol. IV : Resolved, That the printed journal 
of proceedings of this session, if it amount to or exceed. 500 
pages, be known as Vol. IV. of the bound sets,* 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2579. 

1483. Journal : Of Supreme Lodge to Ibe Bound : 
Price of: Resolved, That the Supreme Keeper of Eecords 
and Seal be and is hereby authorized to form two volumes of 
Journals out of the entire proceedings of the Supreme Lodge 
from the beginning, and as there are sufficient copies of the 
Journals of the past few years, to form Volume II, he is here- 
by authorized to bind and sell the second volume at a cost of 
three dollars ; and that the proceeds of the sales shall be 
applied to the expense of binding the same and the replacing 
of the electro-plates that have been destroyed, which are nec- 
essary to complete the Journals of the first volume. Said Vol- 
ume II shall include the Journal of 1878. When the first vol- 
ume is completed, he shall print, bind and sell the same, at 
three dollars per volume. s. L. Jour., 1878, 1676. 

1484- Journal : Of Supreme Lodge of 1880, to 
Ibe Volume III : Price of: Resolved, That the Journal of 
this session shall be known as Vol. Ill, Bound Journal, and 
that the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal sell the same 
at two dollars per copy, when bound in law style, 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2094. 

1485. Journal: Bound Volumes of Furnished 
to Officers and Members of Supreme Lodge, when : 

Resolved, That this Supreme Lodge furnish to each officer and 
member in attendance at this session one full set of the bound 
Journals of proceedings of this Supreme Lodge, the same to 
be sent to said officers and members by the Supreme Keeper of 
Eecords and Seal. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2562. 

1486. Journal: Of Supreme Lodge: Procure- 
ment of Obligatory: It was made obligatory on all 
Lodges to keep on hand bound volumes of the complete pro- 
ceedings of the Supreme Lodge. \—Recom. ofH. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 842, 936. 

*The i printed Journal of 1882 contains 515 pages, and is therefore to be known 
as Vol. IV. 

+This provision was finally put into the Constitution where it appeared as Art. 
XXVII. This article by amendment offered at the session of 1882 (J. P. 247G) was 
stricken out by action of the Supreme Lodge in 1884, (J. P. p. 2985). The striking 



COMMON LAW. 511 

1487. Journal : Of Grand Lodges Filed with 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal : (See G. L., 

Sec. 1300.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1106, 1124. 

1488. Journal: Of Grand Lodge Should not 
Contain Remarks, etc. (See Grand Lodge, Sec. 1327.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 785, 

JEWELS. 

1489. For Grand and Subordinate Lodge offi- 
cers : Description and Adoption of: Whereas, There 
was offered at the last session of the Supreme body elaborate 
and detailed plans and specifications for "official and past of- 
ficial jewels," for and of this Order, and, as more fully and 
particularly, set forth on pages 701 and 702, J. P., Session 
1873, and ivhereas : There is contained in said legislation, as 
there submitted, both utility, convenience, and uniformity, as 
well as a real source of revenue to the depleated treasury of 
the Supreme body ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That all the matter and legislation as set forth 
and particularized in documents 65J, as offered by the Grand 
Jurisdiction of Wisconsin, with its appendant specifications, 
etc. ; covering "jewels," etc, be and the same is hereby con- 
firmed, approved, and adopted, and the same be immediately 
promulgated and issued as the legal "Official Jewels" of the 
Order.* g. L. Jour., 1874, 973, 976. 

1490. Jewels : Knights, Adoption of : A design 
for Knight's jewel and official memorial chart and patent of 
membership were adopted by the Supreme Lodge, t 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 976, 983 

1491. Jewels: Classification and Prices of : Re- 
solved, That jewels for Subordinate Lodges, both official and 
personal be sold to Grand Lodges at a discount of ten per cent 
from subjoined price list. Resolved, That the price list of jew- 
els be as follows : 

out of this article however, did not repeal the action of the Supreme Lodge as given 
above in section 1486, although it was the intention, no doubt, to repeal this Law, 
which had long been a dead letter. 

*A full and minute description will be found in S. L. Jour., page 701. 

+Full and minute descriptions of these will be found in the Journal as above 
quoted. 



512 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

No. 3 per set $12 00 

" 4 " 18 00 

" 5 " 40 00 

'" 6 each 1 00 

" 7 " 2 00 

" 8 " 3 50 

" 9 " 5 00 

" 10 " 5 50 

"11 " 1 00 

"12 " 2 00 

"13 " 4 00 

Resolved, That with the exception of the official receipts and 
official Digests, all supplies for Subordinate Lodges, shall be 
furnished hereafter through the Grand Lodge, except to those 
Subordinate Lodges working under the immediate jurisdiction 
of the Supreme Lodge of the world. — Rep. of com. on Finance. 

S. L. Jour 1884, 3030, 30°' 

1492. Jewels: Maybe WorD, when: Past officers 

and Knights wearing the jewel, must wear a collar or uniform 

in the Lodge room, as working regalia. The collar may be 

worn without the jewel, but the uniform never in the Lodge 

room.* — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

1493. Jewels : Certain Legislation Concerning 
Repealed : Resolved, That all legislation making it obliga- 
tory upon the owner of a jewel to have his name, number and 
location of his Lodge engraved thereon, be and is hereby re- 
pealed. — Rep. of com. on U. W. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1136. 

1494. Jewels: Cannot be worn Without Re- 
galia : Construction of Constitution : On the reso- 
lution, "That the 'jewel' adopted at the last session of the Su- 
preme Lodge shall be considered sufficient regalia for Lodge 
purposes, parades and funeral prosessions. Held, That if 
adopted would conflict with the Constitution.' "t 

S. L. Jour... 1875, 1155, 1158. 

1495. Jewel: Importance of Lodge Procur- 
ing : Instructions to Supreme Keeper of Rec- 
ords and Seal : For the purpose of uniformity, and the 

*See Art. XXIX., S. L. Const., App. 

lit may bo contended, that this would conflict with the Constitution, as that in- 
strument now exists. Art. XXIX, entitled "Uniform and Regalia," seeks to regulate 
this question, but the article is evidently inconsistent with itself,and it may be a ques- 
tion whether tbe purpose sought to be accomplished, has in fact been accomplished. 
See Expo., title Uniform. 



COMMON LAW. 513 

necessity therefor existing, Grand Lodges are ordered to call 
the special attention of Subordinate Lodges in their several 
Jurisdictions, to the matter of procuring jewels, and the S. K. 
of K. and S. is also ordered to call the attention of the Subor- 
dinate Lodges under the control of the Supreme Lodge to the 
matter. S. L. Jour,, 1875, 1160. 

1496. Jewels : For Past Supreme Representa- 
tives, and Representatives to Grand Lodges : The 

S. K. of B. and S. was instructed to prepare and submit to the 
Supreme Lodge at its next session, designs, drawings, etc., for 
jewel, uniform, or regalia for P. S. Eep. and and G. Eep. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1566, 1619. 

149?. Jewels : For Past Supreme Representa- 
tive Adoption of: Designs and samples of jewels for Past 
Supreme Eepresentatives, and Kepresentatives to Grand 
Lodges having been presented and referred to the committee 
on U. W., the committee reported recommending the adoption 
of the same, which was agreed to. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1860, 2057. 

1498. Jewels : Are supplies to be Furnished by 
the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: The 

jewels adopted by the Supreme Lodge are considered supplies 
to be furnished by the S. K. of K, and S. 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 973, 974. 

1499. Jewels : Sale of to Remain under Control 
of the Supreme Lodge : The Supreme Chancellor, re- 
ferring to the profit realized on the manufacture of the official 
jewels and the importance of the Supreme Lodge retaining 
control of the sale thereof it was Resolved, That the sale of all 
official jewels remain under the control of this Supreme Lodge. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2065. 

1500. Jewel: For Supreme Representative: 

Resolved, That the jewel now and heretofore issued to Supreme 
Eepresentatives by the Supreme Keeper of Kecords and Seal, 
under direction of the Supreme Lodge, and which said jewel 
beaxs upon it the seal of the Supreme Lodge, together with 
the name of Past Supreme Chancellor S. S. Davis, and shown 
33 



514 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

to be copyrighted in 1874, be and is hereby recognized and 
promulgated as the official Supreme Eepresentative Jewel. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1991. 

1501. Jewels: Necessary Portion of Supplies: 

It is necessary for a Lodge to have a set of jewels, when pur- 
chasing new regalia. — Bee. of P. H. Mulcahy, G. C. 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1877, 216, 265. 

1 502. Jewels : National Significance of Denied : 

(See Emblems, Sec. 1030,) s. L. Jour. 1878, 1569, 1644. 

1503. Jewels : Members Permitted to wear, of 
Smaller Size, when : Resolved, That the Supreme Keeper 
of Eecords and Seal be, and he is hereby, authorized to issue 
a permit to any member of the Order to procure and use a 
jewel of the rank attained, made of the legal and approved 
form, but of smaller size, upon the receipt of two dollar there- 
for, and the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal, is hereby 
directed to have the seal of the Supreme Lodge impressed 
thereon, whereupon the said jewel shall be legal. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2561. 

1504. Jewels : For Founder of the Order : (See 
Founder, Sees. 1150 to 1152.) s. L. Jour., 1868, 20. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1418-19. 
S. L. Jour., 1878, 1505, 1668. 

1505. Jewel: Wearing of Illegal, when: It is 

illegal for a Knight to wear a jewel representing a higher rank 
in the Order than he has attained. — Bee. of J. B. Roper, G. C. 
Reversed. % G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 818, 899. 

JURISDICTION. 

1506. Grand Lodges Cannot Assume Extra 
Territorial : Grand Lodges have no right to assume Ju- 
risdiction over Lodges outside of their immediate Jurisdictions. 
This was so held on report of committee on the Constitution 
of Colorado. The committee say: "This extra territorial ju- 
risdiction, has always heretofore been refused to Grand Lodges 
by the Supreme Lodge. (See Col., Sec. 712, and note ; and 
Curative Legislation, Sec. 734.) s. L. Jour., 1876, 1310. 



COMMON LAW. 515 

150*7. Jurisdiction: Of Subordinate Lodges, 
over Residents : A Lodge in any city or town has exclu- 
sive jurisdiction over all the residents of that city or town. 
Eesidents of a city or town where there is no Lodge of the 
Order, must apply to the nearest Lodge, and that Lodge will 
have exclusive jurisdiction over them. But any applicant can 
apply to any Lodge with the written consent of the Lodge which 
has exclusive jurisdiction over him, and not otherwise.* — Dec, 
ofB. T. Chase, G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1879, 383, 471. 

1508. Jurisdiction: Of Subordinate Lodges: 
In Respect to Applicants : (See Subordinate Lodge, 
Sec. 2522.) G. L., Miss., Jour., 1880, 58, 89. 

1509. Jurisdiction : Of Subordinate Lodges in 
Respect to Applicants : Under the general Law for the 
government of Subordinate Lodges, Jurisdiction is denned to 
the Lodge nearest the residence of the applicant, except in cities 
and towns, where there is concurrent jurisdiction. Concurrent 
jurisdiction is limited to incorporated cities aud towns, and in 
all other cases jurisdiction is denned to the Lodge nearest the 
residence of the applicant. Hence Lodges in counties can 
have no jurisdiction except over persons living nearest to 
them. * * * * Further, under this Law cities and towns 
have unquestioned jurisdiction over all persons living within 
their corporate limits. It is clearly the purpose of the Law de- 
fining Jurisdiction to offer every facility and convenience for 
members to attend their Lodges, as upon a punctual attendance 
much of the Lodge's prosperity will defend. Any Lodge is 
easy of access in cities and towns, hence the concurrent ju- 
risdiction. — Dec. of D. J. Turner, G. C. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1880, 15, 16, 44. 

1510. Jurisdiction: Of Subordinate Lodges: 
The Law as to Residence: Application of: The 

Law defining the jurisdiction of Subordinate Lodges, and 
providing that an applicant must apply to the Lodge nearest 
his residence, does not apply to cities and towns where there 
are two or more Lodges, but that the applicant has the right 
to apply to any Lodge within the city limits for admisssion. — 
Rep, of com. on Laiv. G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb,, 1874, 710. 

*See Expo., title "Jurisdiction;" also Art. VIII., Sec. 2, Sub. Div., 14, 15, 
Const. Appendix. 



516 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1511. Jurisdiction : Of Lodge over Member on 
Card : Deposit of Card : Notice : On the query as 
to whether a Lodge receiving the application by card of a 
member of another Lodge should notify the Lodge granting 
the card of the application ; Held, A Lodge has a perfect 
right to take a brother from another Lodge by card, and the 
card severs his connection with said Lodge. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1873, 566. 

Approved Feb., 1871, 738. 

JUDGMENT. 

1512 » May be set Aside by Grand Lodge tor 
Irregularities : A Grand Lodge may reverse and set aside 
a judgment of a Subordinate Lodge for irregularities occur- 
ring at the trial.* — Patterson vs. Laurel Lodge. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1873, 428,499. 504. 
G. L., Cal., Jour., 1874, 538, 578. 

KNIGHT. 

1513. Badge for Adopted : (See Badge, Sees. 487, 
488.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 224. 

1514. Knight : Not Permitted on the Floor of 
the G-rand Lodge: (See G. L., Sec. 1306.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1285 ; 1877, 1434. 

1 515; Knight : Eligible to Office of Chancellor 
Commander or Vice Chancellor, when : (See C. C, 

Sees. 630, 631.) S- L. Jour., 1882, 2448, 2477, 2568. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., Nov., 1874, 13, 31. 

1516. Knight: Qualified to Preside over 
Lodge, when : (See Opening Lodge, Sec. 1812.) 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1878, 26, 34. 

1517. Knight: May Preside when Charges are 
Preferred Against Chancellor Commander: (See 
Charges, Sec. 676.) G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1874, 159, 174. 

1518. Knight : Rights of in Respect to Voting : 

(See Voting, Sec. 2697.) Q. L., Ind., Jour., 1882, 121, 161, 163. 

*As to whether Lodges may reverse their ovm judgments see Expo., title 
"Judgments." 



COMMON LAW. 517 

1519. Knight: Certificate of: Adopted: On 

motion a form of Knights' certificate as designed by A. A. 
Campbell, of District of Columbia, was adopted. (See P. C, 
Sec. 1878.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 222. 

1520. Knight: Title of "Sir" Should not be 
Used: Upon the query. "Should the title of '>'Sir Knight" 
be used in designating a member of the Order of Knights of 
Pythias." Held, Emphatically no; the word, "sir," should not 
be us ed.* S. L. Jour., 1872, 564, 598. 

1521. Knight: Amplified Rank of: Shall not 
be Used with the Books : (See Amplfiied Bank, Sec. 252.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 637. 

KEEPEE OF BrBCOEDS AND SEAL. 

1522. Entitled to Rank ot Past Chancellor: 

(See Past Chancellor, Sec. 1915.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2775, 



1523. Keeper of Records and Seal : Combining 
Office of with Master of Finance : The intent and 
meaning of the Law of the Order, is that the K. of E. and S. 
and M. of F. are two distinct offices required to be filled by two 
persons.! — Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2274, 2465. 

1524. Keeper of Record and Seal : Pro Tern 
Powers of: The Keeper of Eecords and Seal pro tern is 
empowered to discharge all the functions of the K. of E. and 
S. dejure, and if his duties require the use of the Seal he is 
fully empowered and qualified to use it. — Dec. ofW.A. Schmitt, 
G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 388, 448. 

1525. Keeper of Record and Seal: Cannot 
Grant Card : (See W. C, Sec. 2772.) 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1875, 141. 

1526. Keeper of Record and Seal : Installation 
of Necessary Upon Re-Election : Where the K. of E. 

*This title is now proper as applied to members of the Uniform Rank. See Laws, 
U.R. 

+This can only be considered as having the force of Law in such Jurisdictions as 
have not taken advantage of the permission granted in the Ritual of combining the 
two offices. 



518 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

and S. is re-elected and thus holds over term after time, he be- 
comes his own successor, and it is necessary for him to be reg- 
ularly installed. — Dec. of J. W. Sckultz, G. C. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1879, 11, 25. 

KEY. 

1527. To the Ritual Authorized and Issued: 

(See Acroatic Agenda Sees. 249, 250, and 251.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 601-2. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 30, 37. 

LAWS. 

1528. For Subordinate Lodges : Previous to March 
1869, the Supreme Lodge had assumed to make and promul- 
gate a Constitution for Grand and Subordinate Lodges, at this 
session it was Resolved , That Constitutions for the government 
of Subordinate Lodges, not in conflict with the Laws of general 
application adopted by the Supreme Lodge, shall be made by 
the state Grand Lodges for the government of the Subordinate 
Lodges under their Jurisdictions.* s. L. Jour., 1869, 115. 

1 529. Laws : Of Supreme Lodge : Go Into Effect 
when : Upon the question, "Do the Laws of the Supreme 
Lodge go into effect immediately after their adoption, un- 
less otherwise specified, or is it necessary that they should be 
promulgated by the state Grand Officers ?" The Chair ruled : 
That they went into effect on and after adoption.! — Rid. of 
C. L. Russell, S. V. C. S. L. Jour., 1872, 620. 

1530. Laws : Of Supreme Lodge Binding force 

of: It has been contended that no legislation of the Supreme 
Lodge, outside of the Constitution or amendments to it, is 
binding upon the Grand Lodges under Section 2, Article VII, of 
the Constitution. (See Appendix). Upon the recommendation 
of the Supreme Chancellor, it was Resolved, That the legisla- 
tive acts of the Supreme Lodge where they accord with the 
Supreme Lodge Constitution, are binding and obligatory upon 
Grand and Subordinate Lodges and members. — Recom. ofS. S. 
Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1232, 1302. 

♦Const. S. L. Sec. :3, Art. VII, app. 

+This is now regulated by the Const. See Appendix S. D. Const. Art. XIV. 



COMMON LAW. 519 

1531. Laws: Obligatory: Defining* Ftfrce of 

&c. : (See Obligatory Laws Sec. 1765). 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 699,, 734. 

1532. Laws: Approval of by Supreme Chan- 
cellor : A resolution authorizing the Supreme Chancellor to 
approve the Laws of Pennsylvania during the recess of the 
Supreme Lodge was declared out of order, for the reason that 
the authority asked for is given by the Constitution.* — But. of 
S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1878. 1636. 

1533. Laws: Of Grand Lodges: Matter for 
Local Legislation: Laws of Grand Lodges are not re- 
quired to be approved by the Supreme Lodge, This is a mat- 
ter for local legislation. (See Local Legislation Sec. 1573.) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 908. 

LADIES' DEGBEE. 

1534. Petition for, Tabled: At the first session of 
the Supreme Lodge, or rather at the session for the purpose of 
organizing the Supreme Lodge, a petition was received from a 
number of ladies of Philadelphia asking the Supreme Lodge 
for a "charter with such rights and privileges as it might 
deem wise and prudent" for the organization of a similar in- 
stitution among the women, which the Supreme Lodge refused 
to consider. Again in 1870 it was deemed inexpedient, to 
take any action concerning it, and at the same session the de- 
gree of Euth, was rejected, and in 1878 a Ritual submitted by 
a P. C. from Indiana was rejected. In 1880 a memorial from 
Damon Lodge No. 3, of Arkansas, met the same fate, and in 
1882 it was finally resolved to be inexpedient to change the 

policy of the Supreme Lodge in this matter. 

S. L. Jour., 1868, 16. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 190, 191. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1615. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1993, 2012. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2473. 

LOCAL LEGISLATION. 

1535. Creation of Past Chancellor : As to whether 
a Lodge in the event of the re-election of a Chancellor Com- 
mander, or the election of a Past Chancellor to the office of 

*See 8. L., Constitution Section 3, Article VII, Appendix. 



520 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Chancellor Commander, may elect a Knight from the floor as 
Past Chancellor, is a matter within the jurisdiction of the Grand 
Lodge. S. L. Jour., 1873, 699, 734. 

1536, Local Legislation : Rules and Regulations 
Concerning Relief Committees, Matter for: (See 
Eelief Committee, Sec. 2180.) s. l. Jour., 1872, 535, 578.. 

1557. Local Legislation: Creating Past Chan- 
cellors : On the resolutions, that the M. of E., M. of F., 

and the K. of E. and S. officers of Subordinate Lodges, after 
a service of three years shall be made Past Chancellors, and 
that authorizing Lodges to create a P. C. on the re-election of a 
C. C, Held, To be matters for local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1873,699, 710, 721, 734, 
S. L. Jour., 1875, 1132, 1140. 

1538. Local Legislation: Grand Lodge may 

Authorize Lodge to Create Past Chancellors From 

the Floor : (See P. Cs. Sec. 1906.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 732, 733. 

1539. Local Legislation: Power of Grand 
Lodge to Confer Emeritus Rank of Past Chancel- 
lor : Held, to be a matter of local legislation. (See P. C, 
Sec. 1920.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1146, 1156 

1540. Local Legislation : Establishing of Col- 
leges for Education of Knights' Sons : (See Colleges, 
Sec. 785.) S. L. Jour., 1877, 1413, 1418. 

1541. Local Legislation: Right of Grand 
Lodge to Prescribe terms upon which Supplies 
shall be Furnished : (See Installation Books, Sec. 1444.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1612, 1620. 

154:2. Local Legislation: Right of Grand 
Lodge to Legislate on Duty of its Officers : (See 
Grand Lodge, Sec. 1325.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 

1543. Local Legislation : Grand Lodge Officers 
Holding Withdrawal- Card, Status of: Whether 
Grand officers forfeit their offices on taking withdrawal-card 
is a matter for local legislation. (See W. C, Sees. 2798, 2799.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1567, 1606. 



COMMON LAW. 521 

1544. Local Legislation: Lodges Failing to 

meet : Penalty : Grand Lodges may prescribe the number 

of times within which a Lodge failing to meet shall incur the 

penalty of forfeiture of charter. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

(See Subordinate Lodges, Sec. 2498.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2004. 

1545. Local Legislation : Pages and Esquires 
Chargeable with Per Capita Tax : As to whether 
Pages and Esquires could be charged with per capita tax it 
was held to be a question for local legislation. (See Per Cap- 
ita Tax, Sec. 2019.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 2002, 2039. 

1546. Local Legislation : Right of Grand Lodge 
to Supercede its Constitution by Resolution: A 

Grand Lodge superceded its Subordinate Constitution by a 
resolution permitting Lodges to confer the ranks for a speci- 
fied time for less than the minmium fee, and the Supreme 
Lodge refused to interfere on the ground that it was a subject 
of local Legislation. (See Appeals, Sec. 149 and note.) 

S. L., Jour., 1870, 205. 

1547. Local Legislation: Right to Levy Per 
Capita Tax on Suspended Members : (See Per Capita 
Tax, Sec. 2024.) S. L., Jour., 1870, 180, 206. 

1548. Local Legislation: Right of Grand 
Lodge to Regulate Terms of Subordinate Lodge 
Officers : Grand Lodges have the authority to legislate in 
respect to the eligibility of certain officers, and denning the 
terms of office. (See Grand Lodge, Sec. 1326.) 

S. L., Jour., 1870, 176, 200. 

1549. Local Legislation: Right of Grand 
Lodge to Fix Time of its Session: Grand Lodges 
have the right without the consent of the Supreme Lodge to 
provide for annual or semi-annual sessions. (See G. L., Sees. 
1315, 1316, 1317.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 201, 202., 

Jour., 1871, 342, 394. 

1550. Local Legislation: Right of Grand 

Lodge to Provide when Yeas and Nays shall be 

Taken : (See Yeas and Nays, Sec. 2827.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 733. 



522 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1551. Local Legislation : Right of Lodges to 
Refuse Admission to Elected Applicants : As to 

whether Lodges may refuse admission to elected applicants 
who are found to be unworthy. Held, To be a matter for local 
legislation. (See Applicant, Sees. 58, 59, and 60.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

1552. Local Legislation : Depositing Card date 
of Membersnip: Whether membership shall date from 
time of depositing Card or signing Eoster, is a matter of local 
legislation. (See Membership, Sec. 1634.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1611, 1640. 

1553. Local Legislation: Placing Brother's 
Name On Obituary List when not in Good Stand- 
ing : (See Obituary List, Sec. 1807.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1628, 1640. 

1554. Local Legislation : Lodges Excused from 
Attending Funerals : On a resolution to excuse Lodges 
from attending funerals in certain cases. Held, A matter for 
local legislation. (See Funerals, Sec. 1157.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1630, 1634. 

1555. Local Legislation : Disposition of Lodge 
Funds : It was held the purposes for, and manner in which, 
Lodges shall dispose of their funds, was a subject for local 
legislation. (See Sub. Lodge, Sees. 2518, 2519.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1565, 1613. 

1556. Local Legislation: Consolidation of 
Lodges : Grand Lodges may legislate concerning the con- 
solidation of Lodges. (See Consolidation, Sec. 713.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1421, 1428. 

1557. Local Legislation: Status of Officiating 
Past Chancellors : Resolved, That the status of officiat- 
ing Past Chancellors, and the subject referred to under that 
head in the Supreme Chancellor's report, are proper subjects 
for local legislation, provided, that no one but a Past Chancel- 
lor can be directly elected to fill the position in case of a va- 
cancy for any cause occurring in said position. (See P. C, 
Sec. 1894.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1234, 1302. 



COMMON LAW. 523 

1558. Local Legislation: Disclosing Name of 
Brother Voting Black Ball : As to whether it is law- 
ful, for one member to disclose to another member of the Lodge, 
or Order, the name of another member, who may speak, or 
vote against a candidate for membership, the Supreme Lodge 
refused to answer, holding it to be a matter for local legislation. 
(See Black Ball, Sec. 479.) s. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300, 

1559. Local Legislation: As to Prescribing 
Manner of Reinstatement : As to whether a Subordi- 
nate Lodge may prescribe in its By-Laws the manner of rein- 
statement of members suspended for other than non-payment 
of dues, the Supreme Lodge refused to answer, holding it to 
be a matter for local legislation. (See Keinstatement, Sec. 
2147.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300. 

1560. Local Legislation : Effect of Suspension : 
Manner of Reinstatement : As to whether all suspen- 
sions should be absolute and the manner of reinstatement 
shall be the same as now provided in case of reinstatement 
after suspension for non-payment of dues, Held, A matter 
for local legislation. (See Suspension, 2342-2344.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1627, 1640. 

1561. Local Legislation: Right to Benefits 
After Reinstatement : As to whether a Lodge may pro- 
vide that a suspended member shall not become beneficial un- 
til six months after reinstatement, Held, A subject for local 
legislation. (See Eeinstatement, Sec. 2147.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300. 

1562. Local Legislation: Authority of Grand 
Lodge or Grand Chancellor to Authorize Semi- 
Monthly Meetings : As to whether a Grand Lodge has the 
power to authorize Lodges to meet semi-monthly, Held, To be a 
matter for local legislation. (See G-. L., Sec. 1303.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300. 

1563. Local Legislation : Forfeiture of Char- 
ter for Failure to Meet : On the Query, How many fail- 
ures of a Subordinate Lodge to hold stated meetings will cause 
a surrender of charter? It was held to be a subject for local 
legislation. (See Subordinate Lodge, Sec. 2498: Meetings, 
Sec. 1614.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1285, 1299. 



524 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1564. Local Legislation: Charging Dues to 
Members Suspended : Inferentially it was held, on the 
question as to whether dues could be charged to members sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues, that it was a matter for lo- 
cal legislation. (See Dues, Sec. 944.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1112, 1156. 

1565. Local Legislation : Grand Lodges have 
the Right to Regulate the Matter of Dues and the 
Right of Members to Seini- Annual Pass Word: 
(See Dues, Sec. 915.) S. L. Jour., 1872,466,613. 

1566. Local Legislation : Concerning Fees for 
the Ranks : Grand Lodges may legislate as to the amount 
of fees for conferring the ranks, restricted only by the mini- 
mum fixed by the Supreme Lodge. (See Fees, Sec. 1237.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1229, 1286. 

1567. Local Legislation: General Bureau of 
Relief for States: Supreme Lodge refused to adopt a 
Constitution for a general bureau of relief for the several 
states, holding that the matter was a subject for local legisla- 
tion. S. L. Jour., 1873, 688, 722. 

1568. Local Legislation: Payment of Benefits 
in Case of Suicide : As to whether Lodge shall pay fu- 
neral benefits in case of suicide, Grand Lodges may deter- 
mine. (See Funeral Benefits, Sees. 1181, 1182, also Suicide, 
Sec. 2551.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 684, 734. 

1569. Local Legislation: Supreme Lecturer: 

The Supreme Lodge refused to create the office of Supreme 
Lecturer with power to visit Lodges and lecture, giving instruc- 
tion in secret work, holding that it was a matter of local 
legislation. (See Lecturer, Sec. 1586, also Sec. 2331.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 694, 734. 

1570. Local Legislation: Grand Lodge may 
Determine who shall Sign Charter : Where a Grand 
Lodge is organized it shall be for it to determine who shall sign 
the charters afterward issued to Lodges which had been previ- 
ously organized by authority of the Supreme Lodge. (See 
Charters, 566.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 466, 612. 



COMMON LAW. 525 

1571. Local Legislation: Suspension of Mem- 
bers, Status of, etc. : Resolved, That our Kepresentatives 
to the Supreme Lodge be instructed to urge upon that body the 
necessity of defining, by some specific Law or Laws, the exact 
status of suspended brothers who have been suspended for 
any cause whatsoever, and the mode and manner by which 
they can again be admitted to the Order ; Held, To be a mat- 
ter of local legislation. (See Suspension Sec. 2342.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 690,734 

15K2. Local Legislation: Subordinate Lodge 
Charter Surrendered : Disposition of : On the ques- 
tion : When a Subordinate Lodge has surrendered its charter, 
etc., to its Grand Lodge, can the charter be given to new pe- 
titioners who were not members of the Lodge at its dissolution ; 
Held, To be a matter for local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 693, 752. 

15*73. Local Lgislation: Laws of Grand Lodge, 
Matter for: The committee on Law and supervision to 
whom was referred the revised Laws of the Grand Lodge of 
Nebraska, report the same back as a matter for local action. 

S. L. Jour,, 1874, 908. 

1574. Local Legislation: Reinstatement, Man- 
ner of: The Supreme Lodge refused to consider a resolu- 
tion defining and declaring the manner in which a member 
suspended for non-payment of dues, should be reinstated, 
holding it to be a matter for local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 902, 909. 

1575. Local Legislation: Right of Subordinate 
Lodge to Levy Tax: A Subordinate Lodge may levy a 
tax on its members to meet ordinary expenses, if approved by 
the Grand Lodge. — Appeal of S. T. Phillips, vs. G. L. of Va. 
(See Tax, Sec. 2581.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 625. 

15T6, Local Legislation: Arrears: Right to 
Semi- Annual Pass Word : A Grand Lodge has the right 
to legislate concerning arrears and the right of a brother to 
the S. A. P. W.— Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. (See Construc- 
tion of Laws. Sec. 560; S. A. P. W., Sec. 2436.) 

S. L. Jour... 1875, 1042, 1121. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1872, 1427, 



526 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1577. Local Legislation: Eligibility for Grand 
Representatives : Whether or not a re-elected C. C. is eli- 
gible to office of Grand Eepresentative, is a matter of local 
legislation.* (See Grand ^Representative, Sec. 1356.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

1578. Local Legislation : Fixing Terni of Subor- 
dinate Officers : It is the province of the Grand Lodge to 
fix the term of its Subordinate Lodge officers. (See Term Sec. 
2586.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1119, 1136. 

1579. Local Legislation: Instituting New 

Lodges: Qualification of Applicants in Certain 

Cases : (See New Lodge, Sec. 1702.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

1580. Local Legislation : Objection to Petition- 
ers for New Lodges : Where objections are made by ex- 
isting Lodges to petitioners for a new Lodge the matter is one 
for local action if there is a Grand Lodge. — Dec. of H. C. 
Berry, S. C. (See Petitioners, Sec, 1829.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

1581. Local Legislation : As to Whether Lodges 
may Accept Rejected Material from other Lodges : 

(See Applicants, Sec. 50.) g. l. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

LIBKAEY. 

1582. Of Supreme Lodge: Instructions to Su- 
preme Keeper of Records and Seal : It is made the 
duty of the S. K. of E. and S. to preserve and bind Journals 
and periodicals received by him. (See S. K. of E. and S., 
Sec. 2317.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1275. 

LOTTERIES. 

1583. In Name of the Order, Prohibited: (See 
Eaffles, Sec. 2206.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1264, 1299. 

1584. Lotteries : Resolution of Supreme Lodge 
Concerning : Not intended to prohibit fairs. (See Eaffles, 
Sec. 2207.) G. L., Mass., 1877, 833, 865, 868. 

♦This rule is inferred from the last clause in the report of the committee as 
shown in Sec. 1356 Grand Rep. 



COMMON LAW. 527 

1 5S5. Lotteries : Subordinate Lodge Forbidden 
to Raise Funds by : Subordinate Lodges are positively 
forbidden to ever attempt to raise funds by any system of 
lottery. G. L., Tex., Jour., 1876, 42. 

LECTUKEE. 

1586. Established for the Order: Resolved, That 
the beloved and honored Founder of our Order, Justus H. 
Rathbone, be declared to be our lecturer on the Origin, Eise, 
and Progress of the Order, in this Supreme Jurisdiction ; and 
that he visit the various Subordinate Lodges in the United 
States upon their invitation, the said Lodges defraying all ex- 
penses of such visitation. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1449. 

LOUISIANA. 

1587. Request of: In Respect to Defunct 
Lodges in : (See Defunct Lodges, Sec. 889.) 

S. L. Jour,, 1882, 2411, 2473. 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE. 

1588. May be Granted to Officer, when: (See 
Officer, Sec. 1743.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1876, 353, 355. 

LANGUAGE. 

1589. Of the Order on this Continent is Eng- 
lish : Lodges working in a foreign tongue cannot, on a trial, 
refuse to hear counsel or testimony in the English language, 
either for the prosecution or defense, that the statutory lan- 
guage of Pythian Knighthood, on this continent is what is 
known as English. (See English Language, Sec. 1121.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 459, 460. 

1590. Language: Charges Shall be Made in 
English, when : When demanded charges shall be made 
in the English, and all papers and proceeding shall be in the 
same. — Dec. of G. W. Herdman, 6r. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1881, 668, 749, 750. 

*An applicant must speak English, he cannot be initiated by means of an inter- 
preter. See Applicant, Sec. 79. 



528 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

MILEAGE. 

1591. Computation of: Instruction to Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal : Owing to the great diffi- 
culty experienced by the committee in computing the mileage 
of members, from a lack of authentic information as to routes and 
distances f the following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That 
the S. K. of E. and S. be authorized to procure a book of post- 
al routes for the use of the Supreme Lodge. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 747. 

MILEAGE AND PEE DIEM. 

1592. Not Payable, when : Unless member is pres- 
ent at the close of session, or has been excused, he is not en- 
titled to mileage and expense. (See Eepresentatives, Sec. 
2059.) S. L. Jour,, 1869, 94. 

1593. Mileage and Per Diem: Not Paid to 
Contestants, when : The Supreme Lodge refused to pay 
mileage to an unsuccessful contestant for a seat as Supreme 
Eepresentative, there being no Law or precedent therefor. — 
Case of J, A-. Bonitz, ofN. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2428, 2468. 

1594. Mileage and Per Diem : Not Paid to Con- 
testants : Neither mileage nor per diem shall be paid to 
Eepresentatives who are unsuccessful contestants for seats in 
the Grand Lodge. G. L., 111., Jour., 1881, 721. 

1595. Mileage and Per Diem: Constitutional 
Provisions in Respect to not enforced, when: 

Where an amendment to a Grand Lodge Constitution, provid- 
ing for the payment of mileage and per diem to officers and re- 
presentatives, had not been approved by the Supreme Lodge. 
Held, It could not be enforced.* (See Appeals, Sec. 157.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1619. 

1596. Mileage and Per Diem ; As Included in 
the Actual and Necessary Expenses : Construction 
of Laws : (See Construction of Laws, Sees. 561, 562.) 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1881, 345. 
G. L., Ga., Jour., 1882, 362. 
*See Sec. 3, Art. VII, S. L. Const. Appendix. 



COMMON LAW 529 

1597. Mileage and Per Diem : Of Representa- 
tive Engaged in Endowment Rank Work : How 
Paid : (See Endowment Bank, Sec. 1081.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878. 1636. 

MOTIONS. 

1598. At Sessions of Supreme Lodge Shall be 
Written, when : Resolved, That at the future sessions of 
this Supreme Lodge, all resolutions and motions of length, be 
written upon half sheet letter paper, in legible hand-writing, 
folded twice and properly backed with the title referring to the 
subject matter contained therein, and the signature of the 
member offering the same. S. L. Jour., 1870, 224, 

1599. Motion: In Conflict With Constitution, 
not in Order : (See Constitutional Laws, Sec. 546.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 190, 191. 

1600. Motion : To Authorize a Member to Cast 
the Ballot of the Lodge, in Order, when : (See 
Constitutional Law, Sec. 548, also Ballot, Sec. 286.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 194, 195, 196. 

1 60 1 . Motion : To Ad j ourn, not In Order, when : 

When a Subordinate Lodge is in session a motion to adjourn 
is not proper but should be "that the Lodge proceed to close," 
and this motion should not be entertained until the regular 
order of business has been called by the C, C* — Dec. of S. S. 
Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1878,1508, 1607. 

1602. Motion to Close : In Order, when : Where 
new business has been reached in regular order a motion to 
proceed to close is in order. If agreed to the C. C. will call 
for the receipts of the evening, then proceed with the closing 
ceremonies — Rep. of com. on Law. (See Closing Lodge, Sec, 

758,) G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1879, 604, 624. 

G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1882, 657,761. 

*The G. C. of Massachusetts decided this question four years before Supreme 
Chancellor Davis was called upon to give his decision as above, so that it may now be 
considered settled Law that a motion to close is not in order until the regular order 
of business has been called. Decision of A. B. Stevens. Jour., Mass., Feb., 1874, 12. 
Tbe same question was so held in Ohio, Jour.. 1883, 863, 928. See Expo, title 
"Motion to Close." 

34 



530 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1603. Motion : May be made and Entertained 
nnder the head of Business, "Grood of the Order" : 

(See Good of the Order, Sees. 1367, 1368.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1881, 327, 360. 
G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1874. 100, 114.. 

MORTUARY LAWS. 

1604. Illegality of: The general views of the com- 
mittee on the subject of "Mortuary Laws, or Insurance Sys- 
tem," are found in their report on the Constitution of the Min- 
nesota K. of P. Widows' and Orphans' Belief Fund, to which 
they respectfully refer. In accordance with the views they 
offer the following resolution : Resolved, That it is illegal to 
provide by general compulsory assessments on all the members 
of the Order in a Grand Jurisdiction, for an "insurance," 
"relief" or "mortuary fund," in the nature of an insurance on 

lives. (See Funeral Benefits Sec. 1185.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1293. 

1605. Mortuary Laws : Illegality of: The gen- 
eral conclusions of the committee, relative to the Mortuary 
Benefit Laws, (so called), have been already expressed in their 
report on the Constitution of the "Minnesota K. of P. Wid- 
ows' and Orphans' Belief Fund;" and the Supreme Lodge 
having at this session determined that such schemes were il- 
legal, the committee offer the following resolution : Resolved, 
That the Mortuary Benefit Laws of the Grand Jurisdiction of 
Illinois are illegal; Resolved, That the committee be dis- 
charged from the further consideration of the subject. — Rep of 
com. on Law. (See Funeral Benefits, Sec. 1185.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1301. 

MISTAKE OF OFFICERS. 

1606. Members not Precluded by, when: A 

brother is not precluded in his right to benefits by a mistake of 
the M. of F. in his account. — Appeal of Fidelity Lodge vs. G. 
L. of Penn. (See Sec. 127, 402.) s. L. Jour., 1878, 1633. 

' 1607. Mistake of Officers: Of Master of Fi- 
nance Lodge Bound by, when : Where a member pays 
his dues up to a given time, in advance, and receives from the 



COMMON LAW. 531 

M. of F. a receipt, and he pays the amount in good faith, sup- 
posing it to be correct, and is taken sick prior to the day nam- 
ed in the receipt to which he paid, and afterwards it is dis- 
covered to be an error, made by the M. of F. Held, The Lodge 
could not go back of its own receipt so as to deprive the brother 
of his benefits. — Dec. of J. W.Sivope, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1875, 274, 312. 

1608. Mistake of Officers : Lodge Responsible 
for, when : (See M. of F., Sec. 1650.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan. 1871, 185, 262. 

MEETINGS. 

1609. Of Subordinate Lodges : Controlled by the 
Grand Lodge : As to whether the Grand Lodge or the G. 
C. has the power to permit semi-monthly meetings of the 
Subordinate Lodges, the Supreme Lodge refused to answer, on 
the ground that it was a subject for local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300. 

1610. Meetings: Of Subordinate Lodges: Pen- 
alty for Failure in : (See Subordinate Lodges, Sees. 2498, 
also Local Legislation, 1563.) s. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2004. 

1611. Meetings: Of Grand Lodges: Change of 
Time in does not effect Rights of Officers : (See Con- 
struction of Constitution, Sec. 556.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1969, 1988, 2004. 

1612. Meetings: Of Subordinate Lodge: May 
not be Resolved into Secret Sessions When : (See 
Secret Session, Sec. 2470.) g. L., Mass., Jour., 1871, 58. 

App. by G. L., 1872, 41. 

1613. Meetings: Of Subordinate Lodge, Held 
on Sunday 9 Illegal : (See Sunday, Sec. 2553.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 571. 

1614. Meetings: Of Subordinate Lodge, Should 
be held at least once a Week, when : A Lodge shall 
meet at least once a week, unless it has a dispensation from the 
Supreme Lodge, or Supreme Chancellor, when the Lodge is 
working under the immediate Jurisdiction of the Supreme 



532 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Lodge, or from the Grand Lodge or Grand Chancellor, if the 
Lodge is working under a Grand Lodge Jurisdiction, to meet 
at longer intervals, and any persistent and continuous failure 
to do so renders it liable to suspension. — Dec. of J. P. Linton, 
S. C, as modified by com. on Law. s. L. Jour., 1884, 2777, 2988. 

1615. Meetings: Of Division: Objections to Il- 
legality of, Must be taken when : (See Division, Sec. 

880.) S .L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

MAIMED PEESONS. 

1616. Authority of Supreme Chancellor Con- 
cerning Initiation of: The Supreme Chancellor was 
authorized to grant or refuse request to confer degrees on a 
person who had lost an arm. (See S. C, Sec. 2280.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 358, 384. 

1617. Maimed Persons: Law Construed : Your 
committee have had referred to them that portion of the Su- 
preme Chancellor's Keport relative to maimed persons, and 
also Doc's Nos. 14, 93, 94, and 102, relative to the same subject. 

By Sec. I, Art. V. of Subordinate Lodge Constitution, 
which is obligatory, it is provided that "no person shall be initi- 
ated unless he be sound in health." Supreme Chancellor 
Bead in view of this provision, and what he deemed the pur- 
pose and requirements of the Order, decided that "maimed" 
persons could not be admitted into the Order and was sustain- 
ed in this decision by the Supreme Lodge. 

It seems, however, that the Supreme Lodge did not intend 
by this action to absolutely bar a maimed person from admis- 
sion, for we find on page 358 and 384 of Journal of 1871, that 
all application for a dispensation to initiate a person with one 
arm, was referred to the Supreme Chancellor, "with the power 
to grant or refuse the same." That the Supreme authority was 
also satisfied that it would be inexpedient to rest the power to 
admit such persons in Subordinate Lodges, is also apparent 
from the action taken on resolutions of [Representative Kennedy, 
of Ohio, in 1870. (See Journal, pages 188 and 202.) From 
pages, 365 and 395, Journal, it would also appear that the pow- 
er to grant dispensation for the purpose of initiating maimed 
persons was denied to Grand Lodges as a general rule, but in 



COMMON LAW. 533 

special cases (See Journal, page 395.) such power would be 
granted. 

From the nature of the legislation of the Supreme Lodge, as 
above indicated and from the number and nature of the docu- 
ments that have been forwarded to this Body, it seems evident 
to the Committee that some definite and clear action should be 
taken at this time. It will be noticed that the regulation ex- 
cluding maimed persons is the result of construction placed by 
this Body and Supreme officers, on the Constitutional provis- 
ions. It is, therefore, entirely competent for the Supreme 
Lodge, at this time, to pass such declaratory resolution as 
may be deemed expedient. To this end they report the fol- 
lowing resolutions : 

Be solved, That the Laws of this Order do not require the 
suspension of a member who after his initiation has become 
maimed. 

Resolved, That this Supreme Lodge hereby authorizes 
any Grand Lodge in open session, to grant a dispensation to 
any of its Subordinates to initiate a maimed person into the 
Order ; Provided, That, in no instance shall a dispensation be 
granted to a person incapable of making an honest livelihood 
for himself and family. S. l. Jour., 1873, 744-5. 

1618. Maimed Persons : Dispensations to Initi- 
ate, may be issued by Grand Chancellors : Resolved, 
That the discretion in regard to the initiation of maimed per- 
sons which, by resolution at top of page 745, Journal, 1873, is 
allowed to Grand Lodges when in session, be extended to 
Grand Chancellors during recess. — Recom. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1235, 1285 1295. 

1619. Maimed Persons : Eligible to Office after 
Election : Query, Is a member that is maimed by the loss 
of an arm, or otherwise, eligible to office in a Grand or Subor- 
dinate Lodge ? Answer by the Supreme Chancellor, yes, all 
members in good standing of like rank and service are en- 
titled to the same privileges, benefits and emoluments, 
when received in full membership, and if elected to office can- 
not be debarred from filling such office because of being maim- 
ed.— Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1372, 1427. 

1620. Maimed Persons : How Admitted by Cer- 
tain Lodges : The Supreme Lodge, having settled the ques- 



534 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

tion of admission of maimed persons in the Grand Jurisdic- 
tions, but not as to Lodges under the immediate control of the 
Supreme Lodge, so it was decided ; that an application to ad- 
mit a maimed person must be made to the Supreme Chancel- 
lor by vote and under the seal of the Subordinate Lodge ; ap- 
proved by the D. S. C. of the Jurisdiction. That the Supreme 
Chancellor may grant a dispensation for the admission of a 
maimed person if in his judgment it appears proper, subject 
to the same restrictions made to Grand Lodges, viz. : The ap- 
plicant must be capable of earning a livelihood for himself 
and family. Upon which the Committee on Law report as 
follows; Resolved, That the course and the decision of the 
Supreme Chancellor, relative to the admission of maimed 
persons into Subordinate Lodges under the immediate Juris- 
diction of the Supreme Lodge be approved; and hereafter, 
dispensation may be granted by the Supreme Chancellor, to 
admit maimed persons in Lodges under the Jurisdiction of 
the Supreme Lodge in pursuance of regulations adopted by the 
present Supreme Chancellor, and subject to the restrictions 
heretofore prescribed for cases of maimed persons. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1040, 1114. 

1621. Maimed Persons: Rule in Respect to: 

Where it was shown, that an applicant, though maimed, was 
capable of making a livelihood for himself and family, and was 
not liable to become a charge upon the Lodge, the Grand Lodge 
in session granted a dispensation to initiate him.* 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1880, 24, 25. 

1622. Maimed Persons : May be Admitted With- 
out Dispensation, when : If a member, who has been 
suspended for any cause, becomes maimed during his suspen- 
sion, upon his application for reinstatement it is not necessary 
that a dispensation issue to admit him. — Dec. of D. W. Day, 
#• C. G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 516, 585. 

1623. Maimed Persons: May be Admitted, 
when : Construction of Term : Maimed persons can be 
admitted to membership in the Order, only by dispensation. 
The term ' 'maimed" signifies persons who are physically inca- 
pacitated to comply with the Eitual and work of the Order, and 

*The applicant in this case has suffered the amputation of his left arm. He was 
a publisher by occupation. 



COMMON LAW. 535 

earn a livelihood for himself and family. — Dec. of J. J. Cooper 
G. C. G. L., Nev., Jour., 1881, 453, 485. 

1624. Maimed Persons : Construction of Term : 

A maimed person is not only one who has suffered the entire loss 
of a member, but as well one who has lost the use of a mem- 
ber. If the loss of use is only partial, and only affects the use 
in a measure, but does not deprive the member of the usual 
use, the person would not come under the term, "maimed 
person." — Dec. of J. J. Acker, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1878, 15, 51. 

1625. Maimed Persons : Construction of Term : 

A maimed person is primarily one who has suffered the loss of 
some member of the body. In the sense and meaning of our 
Law, a slight or immaterial loss or deformity will not disqualify 
if the applicant can receive the ranks and perform the work 
and duties of the Order. — Dec. of S. P. Oyler, G. C. 

G. L., Ind , Jour., Jan., 1874, 159, 174. 

1626. Maimed Persons: Eligible to Member- 
ship, when : A person who is crippled, as, also one who has 
lost a leg, or an arm, if still able to earn a living, is eligible to 
membership on dispensation. g. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 61. 

1627. Maimed Persons: Cannot be Admitted, 
when: If applicants are so maimed as to impair their 
health in any respect or prevent their compliance with the 
Constitution and Ritual they cannot be admitted. — Dec. of A. 
Emerson, G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1874, 223, 241. , 

1 628. Maimed Persons : May be Received where 
the Maiming is Slight : On the query as to the eligibil- 
ity of an applicant who had lost two fingers of his left hand ; 
Held, That in one sense of the word, he is maimed ; but the 
maiming being of so slight a character, it is not a sufficient 
cause for rejection.— Dec. of G. J. L. Foxwell, G. C. 

G. L., D. C, Jour., July, 1873, 539, 595, 

1629. Maimed Persons: Indemnifying Lodge 
Against Liability : Effect of: (See Blindness, Sec. 507.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 539, 581. 



536 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

MEMBEESHIP. 

1630. Qualifications for : Construction of Con- 
stitution : On the query as to whether a Chinaman could 
be initiated into the Order, he having been a resident of the 
country for several years, and the believer in the existence of 
a Supreme Being: Held, The Constitution prescribes that 
"no person shall be initiated into Subordinate Lodge of this 
Order . . unless he be a white male of good moral charac- 
ter." A Chinaman being a Mongolian is, ethnologic ally, not 
a "white man." — Dec. of J. Ralston, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug. 1878, 338, 444. 

1631. Membership : Qualifications for: Ques- 
tion as to Religious Views : Where an applicant was 
elected to membership, but being in religion a Pantheist, he 
was not initiated. As a Pantheist he believes in a Supreme 
Being, but not in the Supreme Being known to us through 
divine revelation : Query, Can a Pantheist be initiated into the 
Order of K. of P. ? Held, There are certain questions to be 
answered by the candidate before admission; if he cannot 
answer them correctly he cannot become a member of the 
Order.* — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug. 1874, 104, 105, 115. 

1632. Membership: Transfer of, by Pages and 
Esquires: (See Page, Sec. 1969, 1973; W. C. Sec. 2796, 
2811.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1311, 1314. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1508, 1607. 

1633. Membership : Chart of Adopted : (See Cer- 
tificate of Membership, Sees. 667, 668.) s. L. Jour., 1875. 1155. 

1634. Membership : Date of, in Certain Cases : 
Local Legislation : As to whether a brother who deposits 
his card in the Lodge becomes a member thereof, on the date 
of his election, or the date of his signing the roster, is a matter 
for local legislation. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1611, 1640.. 

1635. Membership: Brother Admitted to, in 
Good Faith, Cannot be Expelled, when : A brother 
admitted to membership (on a receipt showing him entitled to 

•The Grand Lodge did not endorse fully the above decision, but, without reversing 
it, ordered that it be referred to the Sup. Reps., who were to obtain the viewo of the 
Supreme Lodge on the question. We believe it has never been more definitely ans- 
wered than as above. 



COMMON LAW. 537 

a card) in good faith cannot be expelled or suspended, unless 
by due process of Law.* (See W. C, Sec. 2790.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1625, 1626. 

1636. Membership: Cannot be Maintained in 
Two Lodges at Same Time: (See New Lodge, Sec. 
1702.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

1637. Membership : Cannot be Resigned : On the 

query, to-wit : A brother who pays his dues for one year in ad- 
vance, and before the year ends is not under any charge or 
fine, sends in his written resignation to his Lodge, does it not 
sever his connection with the Order ? Held, A brother cannot 
resign his membership. — Dec, of C. R. Corey, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1879, 1067, 1113. 

1638. Membership : Cannot be Resigned : Mem- 
bership" in the Order cannot be resigned. It can be severed - 
only by Withdrawal-Card, suspension, or death. — Bee. of C. D. 
Lucas, G. C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1876, 181, 218. 

1639. Membership : Dates from Date of Rein- 
statement: When a brother has been reinstated in his 
Lodge, who had previously been suspended for non-payment 
of dues, his membership then dates anew from the date of re- 
instatement. — Dec. of J. F. Spalding, G. C. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1877, 241, 297. 

1 640. Membership : Date of, on Joining by Card : 

The membership of a brother joining by card commences upon 
his signing the Eoster. — Dec. of H. Lemmermann, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1879, 16, 59, 61. 

1641. Membership: On Deposit of Card: Date 

of: A person elected to membership by deposit of card, 
does not become a member of the Lodge until signing its 
Roster. — Rep. of com. on Appeals. (See Election, Sec. 982.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1875, 708, 730, 733. 

1 642 . Membership : Dates from Initiation : On the 

query, "When does a brother become a member of the Lodge, 
when he is initiated or when he has received the Third or 

*Notwithstanding the Constitutional restrictions, in respect to membership in the 
Order, the Supreme Lodge has been called upon, at various times, to declare itself 
positively upon this subject. The legislation will be found under the several titles, 
to-wit : Petition, Side Degree, Ladies Degree, Petitions, Appli©ants, Maimed Persons, 
Colored Lodges. 



538 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Knight's Rank?" Held, When he is initiated. — Rep. of com. on 

Law as modified by Grand Lodge. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 114, 119. 

1643. Membership: Severed by Withdrawal 
Card: May be Renewed in Sanie Lodge, How: 

(See W. C, Sec. 2756.) G. L., N, H., Jour., 1880, 19, 34. 

1644. Membership: A Mute Disqualified for: 

A deaf mute cannot be admitted to membership. — Dec. of T. 
H. Mannen, G. C. . g. L., Ky. s Jour., 1879, 589, 638. 

1645. Membership: Qualification for does not 
Include Naturalization: Although the Law requires 
that an applicant shall be "a white male citizen," etc., it does 
not mean that he should be naturalized.— Dec. of C. D. Iddings, 
G- C. G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1881, 688, 717- 

1646. Membership : Transfer of, by Suspended 
Member : Prerequisites : (See Reinstatement, Sec. 2157.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1876. 734, 799. 

MANUAL OF DEILL. 

164?. Adoption of: Former Legislation Re- 
pealed: Resolved, That the Supreme Keeper of Records 
and Seal be and is hereby authorized to purchase at a cost 
not to exceed the sum of twenty-five dollars, the Manual of 
Drill known as "Capitol Lodge No. 14, Springfield, Illinois," 
together with the plates, books and materials of every kind 
connected with it, including the copyright of the same. 

Resolved, further, That the above manual be adopted as the 
Manual of the Order, and the Supreme Chancellor officially 
promulgate the same. 

Resolved, further, That all legislation heretofore had and 
made in regard to Manual of Drill and Tactics be and the 
same is hereby repealed.* s. L. Jour., 1878, 1636, 1657. 

*In 1882 the Committee on Uniform Bank were instructed to prepare a Manual 
of Drill, for Divisions of the Uniform Rank. Pursuant, thereto, Supreme Representa- 
tive Carnahan submitted a manual, which was subsequently adopted and known as 
"Carnahan's and Hamilton's Manual of Drill aud Tactics." This was made the official 
drill manual for all divisions of the Uniform Rank. See Supreme Lodge Jour., 1882, 
2538. Jour. 1884, 2798, also Sec. 2. Art. I., General Laws, Uniform Rank. 



COMMON LAW. 539 

MASTEE OF FINANCE. 

1648. Duty of in Respect to Endowment Rank : 

(See Endowment Rank Sec. 1079.) s. L. Jour., 1878, 1675. 

1649. Master of Finance : Combining Office of, 
with Keeper of Records and Seal : (See K. E. and S., 
Sec, 1523 and note.) S L. Jour., 1882, 2274, 2465. 

1650. Master of Finance : Mistakes of: Lodge 
Responsible for : Should the M. of F., neglect to credit a 
member with money paid as dues in the Lodge, and the mem- 
ber should thereby get in arrears on the books, the error, can- 
not be made to result to the injury of the brother paying, as 
the Lodge cannot take advantage of its own wrong or that of 
its officers, when acting in their special capacity. — Bee. of P. 
Loivry, G. C. (See Mistakes, Sec. 1606, 1607.) 

G. C. Pa., Jour., Jan., 1871*185, 262. 

1651. Master of Finance: Right of, to Percent- 
age on Collection of Funeral Assessments : (See 
Funeral Assessments, Sec. 1189.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1880, 1141, 1168. 

1652. Master of Finance : Entitled to Rank of 
P. C, when : (See P. C, 1915.) s. S. Jour., 1884, 2775, 2988. 

MASTEE OF EXCHEQUEB. 

1653. Duty of to pay Drafts When Legally 
Drawn : On the query ; Has the M. of E. the right to to re- 
fuse payment of any draft legally and lawfully drawn by his 
Lodge ; Held, No. But he is legally bound to pay with as lit- 
tle delay as possible. — Bee. of M. F. Badgley, G. C. 

G. L„ N. J., Jour., 1875, 598, 689. 

1654. Master of Exechequer: Duty of to pay 
Warrants, when : On the query ; as to whether the M. of 
E. could refuse to cash a warrant drawn for benefits on the 
Sabbath day said warrant being ordered at a regular meeting 
of the Lodge ; Held, It is the duty of the M. of E. to pay all 
orders drawn, when signed by the C. C. and attested by the K. 
of R. and S.— Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb. 1874, 725. 



540 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

MASTER AT ARMS. 

1655. Duty of in Respect to Ballot Box: (See 
Ballot, Sec. 335.) G. L., Mass., Jour., 1874, 19. 56. 

1656. Master at Arms: Duty of at Opening 
Lodge : The M. at A. in making his examinations must an- 
nounce only the names of those whom he finds not qualified to 
sit in the Lodge. — Dec. of J. Q. Goss, G. C. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1872, 98. 

1657. Master at Arms : Duty of at Opening of 
Lodge : It is the imperative duty of the M. at A. to take 
up the Semi-annual and Kank Pass Words, at the opening of 
the Lodge, under order from the C. C. and these must be taken 
from every one present. It is not sufficient for the M. at A. to 
state that he is satisfied that all present are qualified to re- 
main, he must take up the Pass Words. — Dec. of J. P. Carna- 
han, G. C. G. L., Ind., Jour., 1881, 18, 63. 

1658. Master at Arms: Has no Authority to 

Communicate to S. A. P. W. : (See S. A. P. W., Sec. 

2428.) G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1878, 11, 24. 

1859. Master at Arms: Shall Take up P. W. 
of Outer G-uard : (See Pass Word, Sec. 1837.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1884, 1475, 1512. 

1660. Master at Arms: Not Required to take 
Pass Word from Member in Ante-Room, when: 

At the opening of the Lodge it is not necessary that the M. 
A. go into the ante-room and take the Pass Word from mem- 
bers there. — Dec, of J. R. Butan, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1882, 1325, 1349. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

1661. Ritual of Adopted: A form of memorial ser- 
vice to be held in the Lodge room, public or private, was pre- 
sented and considered in secret session and adopted, but was 
referred back to P. S. C, Eathbone for correction and perfec- 
tion, when with some alterations and amendments it was again 
adopted at the next session. s. L. Jour., 1SS2, 2421. 

Jour., 1884, 2947. 



COMMON LAW. 541 

1662. Memorial Service : To be used by Lodges 
Only : The Supreme Lodge refused to order the memorial 
service to be arranged for use by the Uniform Bank. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2947-8. 

MEMORIAL TEIBUTE. 

1663. Of 1882 : To be Bound in Separate Book 
for Distribution and Sale : Resolved, That the committee 
on printing be, and are hereby, instructed to print from plates 
of the Journal and bind five hundred copies in a separate book, 
upon fine paper, with suitable title page, the resolutions and 
remarks offered at the session last evening to be called "The 
Memorial Tribute of 1832." 

Resolved, That the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal send 
one copy to the family of the deceased brothers with the en- 
grossed resolution, the balance to be sold at cost. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2562. 

MEMORIZING RITUAL. 

1664. Obligatory, when: The amplified third rank 
shall not be used unless the work is committed. (See Ampli- 
fied Bank, Sec. 252.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 637. 

1665. Memorizing Work, Matter for Lodge to 
Determine: There is no Law preventing a Subordinate 
Lodge from requiring its officers to memorize their respective 
parts. This is a matter entirely local with the Lodge. — 
Dec. of J. B. Grayson, Act. G. C. 

G. L., Ala., Jour., 1881, 15, 71. 

MEDICAL EXAMINER. 

1666. In Endowment Rank : Rules for : At the 

session of 1880, elaborate rules to be observed by medical ex- 
aminers, were adopted, but these may now be somewhat mod- 
ified by the Laws of the E. R. s. L. Jour., 1880, 2077,2083. 

1667. Medical Examiner: Form of Certificate 

of: (See E. R. Sec, 1059.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2286, 2'.78. 

1668. Medical-Examiner-in-Chief: Office of 
Created : Appointment Approved : On recommenda- 



542 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

tion of the committee xhe office of Medical-Examiner-in-Chief 
was created and the appointment of the S. C. was approved. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2076, 2080. 
S. L. Jour., 1882, 2283, 2478, 2486. 

1669. Medical-Examiner-in-Chief; Decision of, 
Final : Construction of Law : Construing Sec. 4, Art. 
II. of the old Laws for the E. K. the Supreme Chancellor held 
that an applicant for admission to the E. B., once rejected by 
the Medical-Examiner-in-Chief, his rejection was final, and no 
new application should be received from him. This however was 
deemed to be a misconstruction of che Law ; when it was held, 
that the word final in this clause of the Law, is intended to 
apply only to the particular application under inspection at that 
time; and showing the applicant's physical condition then, and 
that it means that no power can reverse the decision of the Med- 
ical-Examiner-in-Chief as to that particular application only, 
and is not intended to forever debar the party from re-applying. 
— Dec. of J. P. Linton. S. C. s. L. Jour., 1884, 2788, 3052, 2958. 

1670. Medical-Examiner-in-Chief: Cannot be 
Interfered with by Supreme Chancellor : It is not 

within the province of the Supreme Chancellor to interfere 
with or overrule the decision of the Medical-Examiner-in-Chief, 
as to the physical fitness of an applicant for membership in 
the E. K.— Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2789, 3052. 

1671. Medical-Examiner-in- Chief: Must be a 
Member of Endowment Rank: (See Endowment 
Rank, Sec. 1074.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2478, 2486. 

MINOK. 

1672. Ranks Conferred on, Legalized : (See Cura- 
tive Legislation, Sec. 733). s. L. Jour., 1870, 191. 

1673. Minor: Grand Chancellors Cannot Grant 
Dispensation to Admit : Grand Chancellors cannot grant 
a dispensation to receive or admit to membership persons 
under twenty-one years of age. — Dec. of W. M. Stafford, G.C. 

G. L. Tex., Jour., 1876, 32. 



COMMON LAW. 543 

MINUTES. 

1674. Of Subordinate Lodge : Title of Members 
to Appear In ; (See Official Title, Sec. 1803.] 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1876, 61, 76. 

1675. Minutes : Of Subordinate Lodges Cannot 
be Approved Unless Written in Record Book : The 

proceedings of a Lodge cannot be approved unless written in, 
and read from the Record Book, not from slips of paper. The 
minutes can be taken on slips of paper, but must be trans- 
ferred to the Record Book before being read. — Dec. of A. B. 
Stevens, G. C. G. L. Mass., Jour., 1874, 12, 47. 

1676. Minutes : Must be Read from the Book : 

The minutes of the preceding meetings must be read from the 
minute book for approval. — Dec. of C. A. Lee, G. C. 

G. L., R. I,. Jour., 1876, 16, 34, 35, 

167 7. Minutes : Of Subordinate Lodge Should be 
Written in the Book before Adoption : The K. of R. 

and S. should not read for adoption the minutes kept by him 
from slips of paper. They should be written in the books of 
records, or minutes, and read therefrom for adoption. — Dec. of 
H. W. Long, G. C. G. L., N. J., Jour, Jan., 1881, 1232, 1261. 

1678. Minutes : Cannot be Expunged : The min- 
utes of a Lodge cannot be expunged or stricken out under any 
pretext whatever.* — Dec. of A. G. Levy, G. C* 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., Jan., 1870, 251, 287. 

1679. Minutes : Expunging Portion of May be 
Ratified by Grand Lodge: (See Expunging Minutes, 
Sec. 1147.) G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 537-576. 

1680. Minutes: May be Corrected, but Noth- 
ing Expunged : Where it was conceded that che Lodge at 
a particular meeting had taken some action m violation of 
Law,and when at the next meeting it was proposed to expunge 
the record, of said action, Held, That the record, should show 
the action and proceedings of the Lodge, and it is immaterial 
whether the proceedings were of a legal character or not, so 
long as the minutes show what was done, and if any act was 

— 4 

: Expo. title "Expunging Record'.' 



544 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

done illegally, it should be corrected at a proper time and in a 
proper manner. The record must stand, provided it is true. 
— Appeal of C. F. Zimmermann vs. Mt. Vernon Lodge. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1875, 419. 

NAMING LODGE. 

1681. After Living Persons Prohibited; That 
all state Jurisdictions under the control of this Suprene Lodge 
be prohibited from accepting the name of any living person as 
the name of a Lodge in their respective Jurisdictions. 

S. L. Jour., 1869, 85, 95. 

NAME. 

1682. Of Subordinate Lodge : Can be Changed 
only by Grand Lodges: (See Subordinate Lodge Sec. 
2512.) G. L., 111., Jour.. 1882, 844, 8^7. 

G. L., Term., Jour., 1881, 449, 483. 

1683. Name of Subordinate Lodge Cannot be 
Changed, when : The proper name of a Lodge in a terri- 
tory under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge 
is the one designated in the warrant. The brothers cannot 
change this name without authority. — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. 
C. S. L. Jour. 1884, 2776, 2988. 

NAME OF OEDEE. 

1684. Public Use of Prohibited, when: (See 
Advertising, Sec. 256.) $. L. Jour. 1870, 229. 

1685. Name Of Order: Term "Pythian Dra- 
matic Corps:" Unlawful Use of: Where the mem- 
bers of a Lodge organized a club to be known as the 
"Pythian Dramatic Corps." Held, The term "Pythian" in 
this connection was such a use of the name of the Order, as to 
be a violation of Law. — Dec. of L. Bass, G. C. sustaining R. 
H. McLean, D. D. G. C. G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 19, 43. 

1686. Name of Order : Cannot be Used in Get- 
ting Up Excursion without Dispensation: (See 

Dispensation, Sec. 841.) g. L., N. J., Jour., 1881, 1232, 1261. 



COMMON LAW. 545 

NOMINATIONS. 

1687. Cannot be Made, when : The Grand Chan- 
cellor of Virginia had decided that nominations for the elec- 
tion of Grand officers could not be opened, that were duly and 
lawfully made at the July session, unless all the candidates 
for office, or offices, had declined, or had removed from the 
state. This ruling, the Grand Lodge reversed. Upon protest, 
the Supreme Lodge sustained the Grand Chancellor, as his 
decision was the Law governing such cases. (Protest of Hugh 
Latham.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 185, 199. 

1688. Nominations : Of Grand Lodge Officers 
can be Made at Annual Sessions, when : (See G. L., 
Sec. 1295.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 219. 

1689. Nomination: Necessary to an Election to 
Office : A brother though otherwise elegible cannot be elected 
to office unless nominated. He must be nominated to be a 
candidate. Ballots cast for members not nominated, must be 
recorded as scattering (blanks). — Dec. of H. Lemmer<mann> 
G. C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1879, 16, 59, 61. 

1690. Nomination: Not Necessary in the Elec- 
tion of Grand Officers, when : (See Election, Sees. 983. 

998.) G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 535, 570. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1880, 15, 21. 

1691. Nomination : A Second not Necessary : It 

is not necessary to second the nomination for any office in our 
Order. — Dec. of J. H. Disque, G. C. 

G. L., Ala., Jour., 1883, 13, 48. 

1692. Nomination: For Office May be Made of 
Member Absent, when : (See Absence, Sec. 268.) 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1877, 284. 

1 693. Nomination : Of a Member not Restricted 
to one Office, when : (See Election, Sec. 999.) 

G. L., Ky., Jour., 1880, 658, 704. 

1694. Nomination : Of Subordinate Lodge Offi- 
cers : May be Made on the Night of Election : (See 
Election, Sec. 978, and note.) s. L. Jour., 1872, 566, 625. 

35 



546 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1695. Nomination: Of Subordinate Lodge 
Officer : Can be Made, when : Nominations for Subor- 
dinate Lodge officers can be made on the night preceding, and 
on the night of election. — Dec. of F. H. Betton G. C. 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1877, 7, 36. 

NON-RESIDENTS. 

1696. Initiation of Illegal, when : Resolved, That 
Lodges of one Jurisdiction have no right to initiate residents 
of another Jurisdiction into the Order, except by consent of the 
Lodge nearest to which the applicant resides.* — Dec, of H. C. 
Berry S. C. S. l. Jour., 1872, 580. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

1697. Non-Residents : Initiation of : who Com- 
petent to Grant Permission: (See Initiation, Sec. 
1449.) G. L., Ind., Jour., July, 1875 210, 219, 225. 

NON-ATTENDANCE. 

1698. Officer cannot be Fined for, when: (See 

Fines, Sec. 1208 ; Absence, 257.) 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1878, 315. 

1699. Non- Attendance : Fines may be Imposed 

for : (See Fines, Sec. 1204.) G. L., Ala., Jour., 1881, 16, 71. 

1TOO. Non- Attendance : Excuses for, Matter 
for Lodge to Determine: When the By-Laws provide 
a fine for non-attendance of officers, unless excused, Held, 
The reasonableness of the excuse is not a matter for the 
Chancellor Commander to decide ; it belongs to the Lodge to 
say whether the excuse shall be accepted or not. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L.,Pa., Jour., 1872, 75-76. 

NEW LODGE. 

1701. Member of the Order Joining must Pre- 
sent Card : Resolved, That any member of the Order de- 
siring to assist in the formation of a new Lodge and signing 

* See Sec. 14. Art. VIII. Const. Appendix. Also Expo, title "Jurisdiction." 



COMMON LAW. 547 

an application for such purpose must, upon the institution of 
such Lodge, present his withdrawal-card from his Lodge.* 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 225. 

1702. New Lodge: May Confer Ranks, when- 

At the institution of Lodges, the parties must be initiated, 
proved and charged; the officers elected and installed; their 
dispensation delivered to the executive officer, after which 
they can receive applications and perform the work usual to a 
Lodge, but not before. It is not necessary that all applicants 
— or in fact any of them — should be members prior to mak- 
ing such application, but it is far better that there should be 
one or more who have the ranks before so doing. This decis- 
ion applies only to Lodges under the control of the Supreme 
Lodge, as each Grand Lodge regulates its own territory in 
this respect. A party cannot be a member of two Lodges at 
one and the same time. — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

1703. New Lodge: General Instructions as to 
Organizing : (See Organization, Sec. 1770.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1453, 1455. 

1704. New Lodges: Application for must be 
Endorsed by Deputy Supreme Chancellor: In 

districts or territories where no Grand Lodge exists, a petition 
to establish a second, in a city or town, does not require the 
consent of the Lodge already established, but must be rec- 
ommended and endorsed be the Deputy Supreme Chancellor 
in charge of the district. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. (See 
Petitioner, Sec. 1829.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 

S.L. Jour., 1873, app., 39. 

1705. New Lodges: Supreme Lodge cannot Au- 
thorize Member to Travel and Organize, when: 

(See Organization, Sec. 1775.) s. L. Jour., 1871, 427, 428. 

1706. New Lodge: Cannot be Instituted by a 
Past Chaneellor, when: (See D. D. G. C, Sec. 802.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2274, 2465. 

1707. New Lodge: Cannot Admit Suspended 
Members, when : A new Lodge at its organization cannot 

*This is now made the subject of a constitutional provision. See Constitution* 
S. L., Sec. 12, Art. VIII., Appendix. 



548 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

admit to membership, a Knight of this, or any other Jurisdic- 
tion, who is supended for non-payment of dues from his Lodge. 

—Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 820, 899. 

1708. New Lodge : Term of Officers of: Where 
new Lodges are organized after the expiration of the first half 
of the semi-annual term ; Held, That the officers installed at 
the institution, should serve only to the end of the semi-annual 
term, to wit, June 30, when their successors should be elected 
and installed, and the officers so serving are entitled to the 
honors of the term.* — Dec. of R. B. Mitchell, G. C. 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1883, 6, 15. 

NEW TKIAL. 

1 709. Will be Granted for Irregularities, when : 

(See Trial, Sec. 2596.) G. L., 111., Jour., 1877, 164, 228. 

NEW BALLOT. 

1?10. Chancellor Commander: Has the Right 
to Order, when: Where the result of a ballot shows a 
less number of votes cast than members present, the Chancel- 
lor Commander has the right to order a new ballot, inasmuch 
as all members may be required to vote.t — Dec. of W. A. Rad- 
cliffe, G. C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1883, 200, 201. 

NOTICE. 

1711. In Appeal Cases: When Mailed to Ac- 
cused in Time, no Ground for Appeal : (See Appeal, 
Sec. 123.) S. L. Jour. 1880, 2070. 

1712. Notice: Of Charges Pending, Member 
Entitled to : An officer cannot be removed without notice 
and trial. Offering a resolution and tabling the same for one 

*Tnis would seem to apply only to Jurisdictions having semi-annual elections. 
Under this view, the decision, is of course correct. 

tThe Grand Lodge of Missouri refused to affirni this decision, basing its action, as 
we think, upon a misconstruction of the Grand Chancellor's decision. The committee 
recommended a reversal of the decision, on the ground, that the ballot is not void if it 
shows a quorum of votes. We do not understand that the Grand Chancellor consid- 
ered the ballot void simply because some members failed to vote, but the question 
was "Has the Chancellor Commander a right to order a new ballot" and tbe Grand 
Chancellor held that it had that right. The Law is well settled that the Chancellor 
Commander may compel every member to vote, even if it requires a new ballot to 
do so. 



COMMON LAW. 549 

week, is not sufficient notice to any officer charged with dere- 
liction of duty. The K. of E, and S., should notify the brother 
that such charge was pending. — Dec. of A . Meyer, G. C. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1878, 544, 577. 

1713. Notice; From Lodge to Section, of Sus- 
penson of Member, Legal Form of: (See E. K., Sec. 
1108.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2586. 

1714. Notice: What is Legal: How Time is 
Computed : In computing time, the day on which the notice 
is served is excluded, and the day on which it ends is included, 
the intervening time constitutes a legal notice. The fraction 
of a day is not recognized. — Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 839, 890. 

1715. Notice: Of Trial, to Counsel is Suffi- 
cient, when : (See Trial, Sec. 2603.) 

G. L., Mo„ Jour,, 1875, 158. 

1716. Notice: Of Trial: Held Sufficient, if 
Left at Last Place of Residence : (See Trial, Sec. 
2607.) G. L., Md., Jour., 1873, 34. 

17 1 7. Notice : To Sister Lodges of the Petition 
of an Applicant, Cannot he Ignored hy Dispensa- 
tion, when: Where the Law requires a notice to sister 
Lodges of the pendency of an application for initiation, and 
where a District Deputy Grand Chancellor granted a dispensa- 
tion to have application referred to a committee, reported 
back, and the three ranks conferred on the same night ; and 
this, without the required notice to sister Lodges ; Held, That 
while the granting of dispensations by the D. D. G. C, is 
within the general duties of his office, # # # * yet he is 
not authorized to grant a dispensation in such cases, until 
notice has been had by the sister Lodges. — Rep of com. on 
Law. G. L., Ind., Jour., 1883, 34, 35. 

1718. Notice: Of Rejection of Applicant Sent 
to Other Lodges, when : (See Applicant, Sec. 75.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1880, 221, 249. 



550 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

NUESE. 

1719. Brother Delinquent, Entitled to, when: 

(See Pecuniary Benefits, Sec. 2052.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1882, 122,161, 163. 

1720. Nurse: Vote Authorizing Committee to 
Employ Illegal, when: (See Construction of Constitu- 
tion, Sec. 557.) G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1873, 593. 

NOT GUILTY. 

1721. Judgment of: May be Appealed From: 

(See Appeals, Sec. 164, et seq.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1879, 615, 643. 

OFFICEKS. 

1722. Not Entitled to Mileage, when : Supreme 
Lodge officers are not entitled to mileage and expenses unless 
present at the close of the session, or are excused by the Su- 
preme Chancellor. (See Eep. Sec. 2059.) 

S. L. Jour., 1869, 94. 

1723. Officers: Of Grand Lodge Entitled to vote, 
when : The Grand Lodge of Kentucky decided that its offi- 
cers were entitled to vote, from which an appeal was taken to 
the Supreme Lodge, on the following question : "Are the offi- 
cers of this Grand Lodge who have not been elected Represen- 
tatives to this Body this term, entitled to vote on all questions, 
and which was decided in the affirmative by the Grand Lodge ;" 
the ground of the appeal was, under the Representative system 
that officers who were not Representatives could vote ; Held, On 
report of the Committee, that the officers were entitled to vote, 
and the Grand Lodge was sustained. — Appeal of J. B. Sarles, 
vs. G. L. ofKy. S. L. Jour., 1871, 361, 391. 

1724. Officers : Should be Governed by Instruc- 
tions : All officers, high and low, should be governed by any 
instructions they may receive. — Appeal of Lincoln Lodge No. 
3, vs. G. L. Del. (See Trustees, Sec. 2569.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 374, 395. 



COMMON LAW. 551 

1125. Officers : Promotion of, Honors Retained : 

Upon the query, "can an officer be promoted and retain the hon- 
ors of his former office." The Committee of the State of In- 
structions Order, answered, "yes." s. L. Jour., 1872, 564, 585. 

1726. Officers: Of Supreme Lodge Entitled to 
Seat, Though not Members of any Lodge, When : 

Where the Grand Keeper of Records and Seal in his returns 
reported the S. M. A. as not entitled to his seat in the Supreme 
Lodge, as he did not claim membership in any Lodge ; Held, 
That the S. M. A. was entitled to full recognition by this Su- 
preme Body, he being in possession of an official receipt to 
Aug. 1st, and having the Semi- Annual Pass Word. — Case of A. 
Ewing, of Texas. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1481. 

1727. Officers : Of Supreme Lodge not Entitled 
to Seat, when : When a Supreme Lodge officer ceases to be 
a member of the Order, he is not entitled to his seat in the Su- 
preme Lodge. (Case of S. I. Gr. Moyston, of Tenn.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1481. 

1728. Officers: Of Subordinate Lodge : Attend- 
ants are not Regular : (See Attendants, Sec. 242.) 

S. L. Jour,, 1882, 2448, 2477 2568. 

1729. Officers: Acting Pro Tern. Authority of: 

(See Chancellor Commander, Sec. 628, K. of E. and S. Sec. 
1524.) G. L., Mass., Jour., 1870, 34. 

1730. Officers: Cannot he Fined for Non- At- 
tendance, "when: (See Fines, Sec. 1208; Absence, Sec. 
257,) G. L., Mo., Jour., 1878, 315. 

1731. Officers : Appointive : Cannot he Elected, 
when : The inner and outer guards are appointive officers, and 
they cannot be elected, even if the Chancellor Commander 
waives his prerogative. — Rul. of J. J. Monell,jr., G. C. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1875, 319. 

1732. Officers: Terms of in New Lodge: (See 
New Lodge, Sec. 1708.) G. L., Nev., Jour. 1883, 615. 



552 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1733. Officers : Elect, Not Officer in Fact, Until 
Installed: (See Installation. Sec, 1431.) 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1884, 19. 

1734. Officers : Of Subordinate Lodge Cannot be 
Suspended by Grand Lodge Officers, when : (See 
Suspension, Sec. 2394.) g. L., Va., Jour., 1872, 48, 49. 

1735. Officers : On Entering Lodge when Open 
Must Assume Stations : When the Chancellor Command- 
er fills an office pro tem., it is the duty of the regular officer, 
upon entering, to assume his station. — Dec. of P.H. Mulcahy, 
G. C. G. L. s Nev„ Jour., 1877, 216, 265. 

1736. Officers: Entering Lodge After Roll Call 
Must Assume their Stations : Officers of a Lodge en- 
tering after roll call, are entitled to their position without ques- 
tion or hindrance. It is the duty of the officer pro tem. to at 
once, vacate the position. — Dec. of E. W. Scott, G. C. 

G. L„ Pa., Jour., Aug. 1876, 451, 548. 

1737. Officers: Elect, Cannot be Installed, when : 

An officer elect cannot be installed if there are dues, fines, and 
assessments, outstanding against him, of whatsoever nature. — 
Dec. of J. F. Caldwell, G. C. 

G. L., D.O., Jour., Jan., 1875, 674, 690. 

1738. Officers ; Right of to Speak, when out of 
Station, by Permission : On the query as to the right of 
an officer to speak, when absent from his station : Held, It is 
the duty of an officer to attend the Lodge and perform the 
functions of his office, but this rule does not prevent a Lodge 
from excusing an officer from filling his station at a particular 
time ; and where a Lodge grants permission to an officer to 
leave his station, the acceptance of such permission does not 
impose on the officer any disabilities. It is the exercise of a 
privilege granted by the Lodge, and the officer, while exercis- 
ing that privilege, may still participate m the business of the 
Lodge as a member. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1883, 53, 113. 

1739. Officers : Duty of on Entering After Roll 
Call : An officer, entering after roll call, should assume his 



COMMON LAW. 553 

station. He may, of course, participate in the business of the 
Lodge.— Rep. of com. on Law. g. L., Pa., Jour., 1883, 53, 113. 

1740. Officers : Rights and Duties of in Respect 
to Lodge Privileges : It is the right of an officer coming 
in after roll call to take his seat as an officer of the Lodge. 
It requires no motion to allow him to do so. He can take his 
regalia and occupy his position without asking permission. 
It is the duty of officers to be clothed in the regalia of the of- 
fice they hold, and they must occupy their chair or station in 
the Lodge in order to participate in the proceedings thereof. — 
Rep. of com, on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1873, 118. July, 1873, 568. 
Approved, Feb., 1874, 739. 

1741. Officers: Advancement of by Dispensa- 
tion Does not Annul Election Laws : Where under 
peculiar local election Laws providing for the advancement of 
officers, and when a dispensation is granted to so advance cer- 
tain officers; Held, That the granting of the dispensation 
does not annul the election Laws ; that an officer advanced, 
must also be elected to the office. — Dec. of T. G. Sample, G. C. 

G. L„ Pa., Jour., 1880, 25, 176. 

1742. Officers: Regular, may act pro tern, for 
Prelate, when : (See Prelate, Sec. 2050. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1874, 101, 114. 

1743. Officers: May be Excused by Vote of 
Lodge on Request for Leave of Absence : Where a 
Lodge by vote excused the Chancellor Commander for three 
months on account of business engagements ; Held, The Lodge 
committed no error in excusing the brother for the remainder 
of the term, as that action would relieve him from fines, and 
take from the Lodge the right to declare his office vacant for 
non-attendance. — Rep, of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1876, 353, 355. 

1744. Officers: Of Grand Lodge: Charges 
Against, where Preferred: (See Charges, Sec. 674.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1872, 81. 



554 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

OFFICE. 

1745. Service in, is the Base of Honor in the 
Order : Principle Recognized : (See P. G. C, McMul- 
lan's Case, Sec, 1874.) S. L. Jour,, 1874, 861, 867. 

S. L. Jour,, 1875, 1127, 1129. 

1746. Office: Of Subordinate Lodge: Con- 
solidation of: Grand Chancellor has no Author- 
ity to Permit : (See Consolidation, Sec. 716.) 

G. L., La., Jour., 1883, 26, 64. 

1747. Office: Cannot be Created by a Subor- 
dinate Lodge: (See Attendants, Sec. 244.) 

G. L.. Texas, Jour., 1879, 120, 125. 

1748. Office: More than one cannot b^ Held 
by the Same Officer, when : (See C. C, Sec. 617.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 31, 177. 

1749. Office: In Division Must by Filled by 
Member Thereof: (See Division, Sec. 883.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

OEDEK. 

1750. Using Name of Prohibited, when: (See 
Advertising, Sec. 256.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 229. 

1751. Order: For Semi- Annual Pass Word to 
be Retained by Lodge, when : A brother who obtains 
the Pass Word, from another Lodge, by an order from his 
Lodge, has no right to retain the order for future use. It is 
the property of the Lodge to which it is presented. — Dec. of 
H. L. Howard, G. C. G. L., Khode Island, Jour., 1874, 8, 42. 

1752. Order: For Grand Lodge Pass Word, 
Requiste of: Where a Past Chancellor presented an order 
for the G. L. P. W., which was signed only by the Grand 
Keeper of Kecords and Seal, Held, The order was not in legal 
form, and the Word could not be communicated on it. — Rul. 
o/E. L. Cole, G. C. (See P. C, Sec, 1922.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., July, 1873, 8, 9. 



COMMON LAW. 555 

1753. Order: Chancellor Commander May 
Comninnicate Semi-Annual Pass Word on, when : 

(See S. A. P. W., Sec. 2434.) s. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

1 7 54. Orders : From Supreme or Grand Lodges 
Shall he Oheyed at once : (See Official Orders, Sec. 1802.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 35. 

1755. Orders: On the Master of Exchequer may 
be signed by Chancellor Commander Pro Tem- 
pore: (See Chancellor Commander, Sec. 629.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1874, 118, 180. 
G. L., 111., Jour., 1877, 156, 212. 

1756. Order : On the Master of Exchequer, may 
be recalled, when : A Lodge has the power to recall an 
order drawn by the Chancellor Commander in pursuance of a 
vote of the Lodge, at any time before payment thereof and it 
may rescind a vote authorizing the payment of money at any 
time before the money is actually paid. — Dec, of J. H. Drum- 
moncl, G. C. G. L., Me., Jour., 1877, 167, 237. 

1757. Order: May be Drawn by the Presiding 
Officer, when : The presiding officer is authorized to draw 
orders on the Master of Exchequer during the absence of the 
Chancellor Commander. — Dec, of J. F. Tarr. G. C. (See C. 
C. Sec. 628.) G. L., Me., Jour., 1875, 57, 68. 

1758. Orders: On Master of Exchequer: Duty 

of to Pay : (See Master of Exchequer, Sec. 1653.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1875, 598, 689. 

OEDEE OF BUSINESS. 

1759. Each Lodge may Provide for Itself: 

Each Lodge is authorized to adopt an Order of Business for 
itself, conforming to the Laws and usages of the Order. 

G. L., Ala., Jour., 1875, 98, 99. 

0. B. N. 

1760. Adoption and Purpose of: The Maryland 
Case : After much exciting legislation in respect to the con- 
claves of the S. P. K. the Supreme Lodge at the session of 



556 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

March 1870 adopted, as an amendment to the Kitual, an obli- 
gation designated as the 0. B. N. to be taken by the candidate 
in the ante-room before initiation and by every member of the 
Lodge (Pro. Secret Session, S. L., Mar., 1870, 218; 1871, 
252.) It was afterwards modified as now found in the Kevised 
Kitual. The Jurisdiction of Maryland proved the most recal- 
citrant in its opposition to the mandates of the Supreme 
Lodge in respect to the 0. B. N., and the Supreme Chancellor 
was authorized to resort to extreme measures in his endeavors 
to preserve and assert the authority of the Supreme Lodge in 
that Jurisdiction. (S.C.Keport, March 1871, 248.) The action 
of the Jupreme Chancellor in this respect was fully concurred 
in upon report of the committee on Unwritten Work and the 

0. B. N. was continued in force. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 386. 

1161. O. B. N. : Extraordinary Powers Con- 
ferred on Supreme Chancellor, Concerning: For 

the purpose of completing the legislation as had and made in 
the matter of enforcing the legislation of this Supreme Body 
at this session covering the application of the qualified 0. B. 
N. extraordinary powers were conferred on the Supreme Chan- 
cellor to be exercised during the vacation. Among them was 
the right to order the immediate conforming to said legislation 
within a specified time, to declare the charters of contuma- 
cious Grand Lodges forfeited, to form new Grand Lodges, to 
appoint Deputy Grand Chancellors ; to take charge of Subor- 
dinate Lodges until new Grand Lodge is formed ; to suspend 
any disloyal Subordinate Lodge or element in it. 

S. L. Jour., 1871,419,421. 

1762, O. B. N. : Lodges Suspending Member for 
Subscribing to, Ordered to Reinstate the same: 

Where a certain Lodge had suspended members for subscrib- 
ing to the O.B. N., they were ordered to forthwith reinstate the 
same, and were not permitted to enforce the payment of any 
dues or penalties during said suspension, and Grand Lodges 
were ordered to carry this into effect. s. L. Jour. 1871, 427. 

1 763. O. B. N. : Members, Suspended for Refus- 
ing to Subscribe to, May be Reinstated, How : (See 

Reinstatements, Sec. 2158.) G. L., D. C, Jour., 1878, 153, 170, 173. 



COMMON LAW. 557 

1764. O. B. N, : Of Endowment Rank, Not Dis- 
pensed with in Ontario : The Supreme Lodge at its last 
session, (1882,2557), did not dispense with or abrogate the O.B.N, 
in the Grand Jurisdiction of Ontario. It is still required of appli- 
cants for certificates in the Endowment Bank, in that prov- 
ince.— Dec. of J. P. Linton, G. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2789, 3052. 

OBLIGATOBY LAWS. 

1765. Construction and Meaning of: Resolved, 
That the provisions of the Laws of the Supreme Lodge, relat- 
ing to the Constitutions of Grand and Subordinate Lodges, to 
the effect that matter italicised is obligatory, means simply 
that those bodies have no option as to accepting them, but do 
not mean that the italicised words must be printed in their 
Constitutions. (See Constitution, Sec. 545.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 699, 734. 

1*766. Obligatory Laws : Must Ibe Constitutional 
to be Binding : (See Laws, Sec. 1530.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1232, 1302. 

1767. Obligatory Laws : Are Applicable to all 
Subordinate Lodges : (See Constitution, Sec. 545.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 536, 579. 

OBLIGATION. 

1768. The Word "Affirm," Cannot be Substituted 
for any Other Word in : (See Affirm, Sec. 272). 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1872, 8, 23. 

OKGANIZATION. 

1769. Of Supreme Lodge: The Supreme Lodge 
was organized upon a plan submitted by a convention of 
delegates for that purpose. (See Supreme Lodge, Sec. 2264.) 

S. L. Jour... 1868, 10. 

1*7 70. Organization: Of Lodges: General In- 
struction for: Subordinate Lodges come into existence 
by .virtue of dispensation issued by the Supreme Chancellor, 



558 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

or by the Grand Chancellor under whose jurisdiction the same 
may be granted. 

MANNER OF PETITIONING FOR DISPENSATION. 

Not less than nine Knights in good standing may apply to 
the Supreme Chancellor, where no Grand Lodge exists, to es- 
tablish a new Lodge. Said application must be accompanied 
by a fee of not less than fifteen dollars, and if coming from 
Knights, must be further accompanied by their cards of with- 
drawal from the Lodge or Lodges of which they were last mem- 
bers. 

In places where no Lodges of the Order exist, the applicants 
need not be Knights. In that case they must be white, male 
citizens of good moral character, sound in mind and body, and 
of the legal age prescribed by the Laws of their place of resi- 
dence. 

FORM OF PETITION. 

To the Supreme Chancellor of the Supreme Lodge Knights of 
Pythias of the World: 

The undersigned, residing in , and not within 

the jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge of the Order, respectfully 
petition that a dispensation may be granted them to establish 
a Lodge of the Order of the Knights of Pythias, to be located 

in , county of , and , to be 

known as Lodge, No of the Knights of 

Pythias and under your immediate jurisdiction. 

Fee $15.00 herewith. 

(Signed.) 



In all cases tne necessary expenses of the instituting and in- 
stalling officers must be paid by the applicants in addition to 
fees otherwise prescribed. 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTITUTING OFFICERS. 

The instituting officer on reaching the place for instituting 
the new Lodge, will, as soon as possible, proceed to the dis- 
charge of his duties as follows : 

1st. He will examine the room proposed to be used, very 
carefully, and assure himself that it is secure in every way. 

2d. Having called together the applicants, he will, after 
showing his commission and the dispensation, i^se all possible 



COMMON LAW 559 

means to satisfy himself of the identity of those present with 
the signers of the petition. 

3d. He will proceed to collect from each candidate the nec- 
essary fees for all of the Eanks. 

4th. He will then exclude from the Lodge room all not 
members of the Order, and will make due preparations for 
conferring the Eanks. 

5th, He will then confer the Eanks of the Order on the ap- 
plicants as required by the Eitual. 

6th. He will then order an election of officers for the 
Lodge ; said election to be by ballot, and under his supervis- 
ion. 

7th. He will duly install the officers elect. 

8th. He will declare the Lodge duly instituted as 

Lodge, No , of , County of 

, and 

9th. He will then, as soon as possible, make out his report, 
embodying a statement of the discharge of his duties as here- 
in designated, and promptly forward the same to the Supreme 
Chancellor. This latter duty must be performed as soon as 
the duties enumerated herein shall have been discharged; 
there must be no delay ; all money collected except as much 
as is required for expenses, must be remitted with the report. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1453, 1455. 

1771. Organization: of Lodges, Requisites to 
Entitle Members to do Work : (See New Lodges, Sec. 
1702.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

1772. Organization : of Lodges, Expenses of, how 

paid: (See Expenses, Sec. 1023 ; also Ante, Sec. 1770.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 737, 753. 

1773. Organization : Of Lodges, Application for 
must be Endorsed by Deputy Supreme Chancellor : 

(See New Lodge Sec. 1704; Petitioners, Sec. 1829.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003, 

1774. Organization: of Lodges, Instructions to 
Officers: Construction of Clause V: Clause V. of 
the general instructions to instituting officers (See ante, Sec. 
1770) reads as follows: "He will then confer the ranks of the 
Order on the applicants as required by the Eitual." Query, Is 



560 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

it requisite for a quorum (7) of regularly made Knights to be 
present in order to work the Ranks in full upon the charter 
applicants for a Lodge ? or can a Deputy under the direction 
of a Grand Lodge, or a Grand Chancellor, go by himself, and 
regularly and legally institute Subordinate Lodges, without 
any assistance from, or need of, other members of the Order ? 
If the latter, what would be his necessary course of procedure ? 
Ans., In cases where it is impossible or inexpedient to procure 
such assistance, the instituting officers can legally institute a 
Subordinate Lodge without the assistance from other members 
of the Order, conferring the Banks himself upon the applicants. 

S. L. Jour,, 1880, 1987, 2005. 

1775. Organization: Of Lodges: Supreme 
Lodge has no Authority to Authorize Member to 
Travel for : On the resolution to authorize the Grand Lodge, 
or the Grand Chancellor of California, to appoint a competent 
brother to travel over the state and the Pacific coast to organ- 
ize Lodges, the said Grand Chancellor to issue dispensations 
and charters, the expenses of the brother to be deducted from 
the charter fees, and the Grand Chancellor allowed to have the 
work of the Order translated into the French and Spanish 
languages, etc. The chair ruled, That the resolution is an in- 
vasion of the Law of the Supreme Lodge and is consequently 

out of order. — Rul. of S. Read, S, C. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 427, 428. 

1776. Organization: of Lodges: Construction 
of Law Concerning : On the question as to whether the 
Three Eanks in North America can not be conferred except as in 
Paragraph8, Section 2, Art. VIII., Supreme Lodge Constitution 
apply in the case of the institution of new Lodges ; and as to 
whether, in General Instructions to Instituting Officers, Para- 
graph 9, of Revised Official Digest, pp. 107, 108, requires the 
fees for the Ranks.to be forwarded and included in the report 
of the instituting officer, Held, 1. Paragraph 8, Sec. 2 of Art. 
VIII. of Supreme Lodge Constitution does apply to the insti- 
tution of new Lodges. 2. The fees for the Ranks are not to be 
included in the report of the instituting officer. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. (See Organization, Sec. 1770.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884,2957,2993. 



COMMON LAW. 561 

OUTEE GUARD. 

1777. Duty of: In Respect to Clearing Ante- 
Room: (See Admission, Sec. 211 ; Ante-Koom, 168.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 38. 

1778. Outer Guard: Should Inform Members 
of the Rank in which Lodge is working : It is the 

duty of the outer steward (0. G.) to state what degree the 

Lodge is working in, that no errors may occur in giving the signs, 

etc.— Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 38. 

1779. Outer Guard: Duty of in Respect to No- 
tifying Members : It is the duty of the Outer Guard to 
notify members before entering the Lodge room what Bank the 
Lodge is working in. — Dec. of S. J. Millett, Act. G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1875, 262, 322. 

1780. Outer Guard: Appointive: Cannot be 

Elected : (See Officer, Sec. 1731.) 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1875, 319. 

1781. Outer Guard: Not Compelled to Re- 
main in Ante-Room : The 0. G., may enter the Lodge 
room without giving signs, first properly securing his door, 
and occupying a position convenient thereto. — Dec. of J. F. 
Seavey, G. C. G. L., N. H. Jour., 1876, 24, 45. 

1782. Outer Guard: May Remain in Hall, 
when : Where C. C, decided that the 0. G., must be at his 
post ; that he had no right to remain in the hall, Held, That 
outside of the inner door was his station when necessary for 
action, but the ante-room being secured, courtesy should allow 
the 0. G., to remain in the hall. — Dec. ofE. W. Canfield, G.C. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1875, 7, 35. 

OFFICIAL MEMOKIAL CHAKT. 

1783. To be Furnished as Other Supplies: Re. 

solved, That the Official Memorial Chart and Patent of Mem- 
bership shall hereafter be furnished by the Grand Keeper of 
Records and Seal, and through them to the several Subordi- 
nate Lodges in the same manner as all other supplies. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1155. 

36 



562 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1784. Official Memorial Chart: Adoption of : 
For Sale to Members : (See Certificate of Membership, 
Sees., 667, 668.) S. L., Jour., 1874, 979, 980. 

OFFICIAL OEGAN. 

1785. None Recognized by Supreme Lodge: 

Resolved, That while the Supreme Lodge is pleased to encour- 
age all reputable publications in the interest of the Order, it 
does not recognize any publication of whatever name as its 
official organ. S. L. Jour., 1873, 72i. 

OFFICIAL EEPOET. 

1786. Of Proceedings of Supreme Lodge to be 
Printed for Use of Members : (See Jour., Sec. 1480, 
and Note.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 223. 

OFFICIAL EECEIPT. 

1787. Adoption of : Issue Authorized: The Su- 
preme Chancellor and Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal 
were authorized to issue receipts to all Grand and Subordinate 
Lodges at $2.00 per hundred, these receipts to be authorita- 
tive evidence to the Order throughout the world, not only of 
membership, but of good standing in the Order, and that no 
other receipt should be authoritative evidence of payment of 
dues, assessments or other claims of the Lodge, and that the 
same go into effect July 1st, 1875. s. L. Jour., 1875, 1165. 

1788. Official Receipt: Chancellor Commander 
May Demand, when : On presentation of an order for the 
S. A. P. W. a Chancellor Commander may demand the official 
receipt. (See Visitor, Sec. 2700.)— Dec. ofS. S. Davis, S.C. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1227, 1296. 

1789. Official Receipt: Must Accompany an 
Order for the Pass Word : The Supreme Chancellor, ex- 
plaing his former decision: Held, That the official receipt 
must accompany an order for the Pass Word. That*a Chancel- 
lor Commander could not communicate the Pass Word, on an 
order therefor, without the official receipt.* — Dec. ofS.S. Davis, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1372, 1427. 

*This decision was mado by way ot explaining and modifying the decision con- 
tained in the preceding section, in the one it is held that the C. C. may "require" 



COMMON LAW 563 

1790. Official Receipt: IVo Other Legal; Only 

this official receipt can be recognized as legal. (See Visitors, 
Sec. 2700 and note.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1227, 1296, 

1791. Official Receipt: Not Essential, but niay 
be Required, when : The official receipt for dues should 
only be required of a visiting brother in possession of the S. A. 
P. W., when doubts exist as to his being a member of the 
Order.* — Dec. of J. J. Acker, G. C. 

G. L., N.Y., Jour., 1878, 15, 51. 

1792. Official Receipt : Possession of not Essen- 
tial : It is not imperatively necessary for a visiting brother, 
in possession of the S. A. P. W. and proving himself in the 
secret work, to produce an official receipt to gain admission 
into a Lodge, but the Lodge (C. C.) may demand it as an evi- 
dence of membership and good standing. — Dec. of Max J. AU 
wens, G. C. G. L., Kan., Jour., 1884, 10, 33. 

1793. Official Receipt: May be Demanded, 
when : A Chancellor Commander may require a member to 
exhibit the official receipt for payment of dues before investing 
him with the S. A. P. W.—Dec. of J. A. Sweezy, G. C. 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1880, 60, 87. 

1794. Official Receipt : Lodge Cannot Charge 

for : A Lodge has no right to exact a payment for an official 
receipt. A member when entitled to it is entitled to it without 
being compelled to pay for the same. — Dec. of H. W. Long, G. 
C G. L., N. J., Jour., 1881, 1231, 1261. 

1795: Official Receipt : Lodge Cannot Charge 

for : It is not proper for a Lodge to charge a brother for an 
official receipt when he is entitled to one by paying his dues. — 
Dec. of G. H. Kidder, G. C. G. L., N. J., Jour., 1880, 1164. 

1796. Official Receipt: Is not Sufficient as a 
Visiting Credential : Where the Grand Chancellor decided 
that a member was entitled to admission upon his official re- 

the official reeeipt ; in other words, he " must." The latter must be regarded as the 
law, while the former certainly accords with the practice in the majority of Jurisdic- 
tions. (See Exposition, title Official Receipt ; see also decision of Supreme Chancel- 
lor Lindsay, Sec. 2530.) 

*This is in accord with the current of authorities now, that the official receipt is 
not essential hilt that it may he required. The opposite theory is now sufficiently 
exploded, that the official receipt is necessary, notwithstanding the possession of the 
other qualifications 



564 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ceipt, and without the S. A. P. W. Held, That as applied to a 
visiting brother, it is not the Law. That official receipt is the 
highest and best evidence of good standing in the Order, yet, 
the possession of the S. A. P. W. is necessary. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Ind., Jour., 1881, 19, 63. 

1797. Official Receipt: Price of: On the report 
of the committee on finance, the price of the official receipt 
was fixed at 75 cents per hundred, with 5 per cent, off to Grand 
Lodges ; also that they be furnished, leaving blank space for 
the name and number of the Lodge, and sold at 50 cents per 
hundred receipts, with ten per cent, discount to Grand Lodges, 
when ordered in lots of 1,000 or more. — Rep. of com. on Fi- 
nance. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2949, 3028. 

1798. Official Receipt : How far Binding Upon 
the Lodge Issuing' Same: An official receipt properly 
signed and under the seal of the Lodge is prima facie evidence 
that the member has paid all the demands acknowledged in 
said receipt to have been paid by him ; but as between the 
Lodge and the member such receipt is not conclusive upon the 
Lodge, if, in point of fact such demands, so acknowledged, 
have not been paid. S. L., Jour., 1882, 2567. 

1799. Official Receipt; No Penalty for Not 
Using : Duty of Grand Lodges to Comply with 
Legislation of Supreme Lodge Concerning: The 

Supreme Lodge refused to decree a penalty for the non-use of 
the official receipt, but grand officers were requested to call the 
attention of Subordinate Lodges to the enactments of the Su- 
preme Lodge on this subject and require their compliance 
therewith. S. L. Jo—., 1878, 1561, 1606. 

1800: Official Receipt: Deposit of in Lieu of 
Card ; Appeal of G. H. Mitchell vs. G. L., of Ontario. (See 
"Withdrawal- Card, Sec. 2790.) s. L. Jour., 1878, 1625. 

1801. Official Receipt: Recomendation of Su- 
preme Keeper of Records and Seal not Adopted : 

The Supreme Lodge refused to adopt the recommendation of 
the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal in respect to furnish- 
ing the official receipts to Subordinate Lodges, only through 
their respective Grand Lodges.— Rep. of Com. on Law. 

S. L. Jour., 1881, 2797, 2990. 



COMMON LAW. 565 

OFFICIAL OEDEES. 

1802. Froni Supreme or Grand Lodges must 
be Obeyed at once : An official order from the Supreme 
Lodge or Grand Lodge to any Subordinate Lodge of the Or- 
der, and in the order as here given, takes precedence over all 
other business, and when notified of its being there — unless 
while working one of the Sections of a Bank, and should such 
be the case the Lodge must be brought to its proper working 
rank — the contents made known and acted upon at once prior 
to proceeding with any other business. Should the order be ir- 
regular, exceptional, or even arbitrary, the after course will be 
to obey it until remedied through the proper channels. — Dec. 
of H. C. Berry, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 35. 

OFFICIAL TITLES. 

1803. Must be Affixed to Names of Members, 
when : A Lodge has the right to order the K. of E. and S. 
to affix to the names of members appearing in the minutes, 
such official title as the person named therein may be entitled 
to. G. L., 111., Jour., 1876, 61, 76. 

OFFICIAL HONOES. 

1804. Installation into Office Necessary to Con- 
vey : (See Installation, Sec. 1432, 1433.) 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1881, 453, 485. 

1805. Official Honors: Brother Serving Unex- 
pired Term Entitled to : On a query propounded, Held, 
A brother filling and serving an unexpired term in a Subordi- 
nate office, is entitled to all the honors that would accrue to 
him, the same as if he filled a full term. — Dec. of J. W. 
Thompson, Act. G. C. G. L., D. C, Jour., July, 1869, 215. 

1 806. Official Honors : Officer Entitled to for 
Service, when : An officer who serves in the position in 
which he was last installed until the end of the term, without 
being removed for non-attendance or other cause, is thereby 
entitled to the honors of the term, and to advancement, 
whether he has served a majority of the nights in the term or 
otherwise.— Dec. of E. W. Scott, G. C. 

G. L.,Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876,447, 546. 



566 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

OBITUAEY LIST. 

1807. Placing Member's Name on: Local Leg- 
islation : The Grand Lodge of New Jersey by resolution 
placed the name of a deceased brother on the obituary list. It 
was afterward discovered that the brother was not in good 
standing at the time of his death, but the Grand Lodge re- 
fused to erase the name from the list. On appeal, the Su- 
preme Lodge refused to decide as to the propriety of the action 
of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, holding it to be a matter 
for local legislation. — Appeal of Friendship Lodge vs. the G. 
L. of N. J. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1628, 1669, 1640, 1677. 

OPENING CEEEMONIES. 

1808. Motion to Dispense with Improper: A 

motion to dispense with the opening ceremonies of a Lodge 
is improper and ought not to be entertained. The Eitual is 
Law and must be observed. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2003. 

1809. Opening Ceremonies ; No Form of Public 
Installation : No form of opening the Lodge in public, is 
permitted at a public installation of officers, except such cer- 
emonies as are laid down in the installation work for public use, 
with accompany forms, etc. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2003. 

1810. Opening Ceremonies: Are Obligatory: 

The opening and closing ceremonies as prescribed in the Eit- 
ual of the Order are not optional, but are obligatory.* — Dec. 
of B. T. Chase, G. C. G. L., Me., Jour., 1878, 283, 343. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1878, IS, 23. 

1811. Opening Ceremonies: Must be Observed 
in Due Form : A Chancellor Commander has no right to 
order his Lodge opened or closed without going through the 
ritualistic ceremony. He must open and close in due form. — 
Dec. of J. D. Pappe, G. C. G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1881, 575, 598. 

*This is now modified by the new Ritual. Portions of the ceremony are no 
longer obligatory. 



COMMON LAW. 567 

OPENING LODGE. 

1812. In Absence of Chancellor Commander, 
Who Qualified to Preside : In the absence of the execu- 
tive officers of a Lodge, the Senior Past Chancellor present 
shall preside ; if no Past Chancellor be present the Lodge may 
call a Knight to the chair and he may appoint officers pro 
tern. Of a necessity, a Lodge must have officers. — Dec. of J. 
W. Wheeler, G. C. G. L., Kan., Jour., 1878, 8, 26, 34. 

1813. Opening Lodge : Legality of Proceedings 
When Chairs are not Filled : It is not imperative that 
all the chairs be fill in opening a Lodge, it is proper that they 
should, and this is one reason for prescribing that seven shall 
be a quorum. The proceedings, however, would be legal and 
binding when all the offices, necessary to the working of a 
Lodge are filled.— Dec. ofD. J. Holland, G. C. 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1883, 9, 23. 

1814. Opening Lodge: Illegal After the Chan- 
cellor Commander has Declared it Closed : (See C. 

C, Sec. 620.) G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1873, 497, 498. 

1815. Opening Lodge: Duty of Master at 
Arms : (See M. A., Sec. 1657.) G. L. s Ind., Jour., 1881, 18, 63. 

1816. Opening Lodge : Illegal if Prelate's Sta- 
tion is Unfilled : (See Prelate, Sec. 2049.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1877, 46. 

ONTAEIO. 

1817. Board of Control for : To Manage Affairs 
of Endowment Rank : (See E. E., Sec. 1068.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2557. 

1818. Ontario : O. B. N. of Endowment Rank, 
not Dispensed in : (See 0. B. N., Sec. 1764.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2789. 3052. 

OFFENSES. 

1819 A Member who Sues his Lodge for a Claim 
Guilty of Offense, when : A member who has a claim 
against his Lodge, upon which payment is refused, is guilty of 



568 KNIGSTS OF PYTHIAS 

an offense when he places it in the hands of attorneys — not 
members of the Order, for collection, and is subject to charges 
for violation of his obligation. His proper course is to appeal. 
—Dec. of W. B. McComick, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1883, 978, 979. 

1820. Offenses: Criticising Grand Chancellor: 

Addressing letters to the Grand Chancellor, criticising him for 
actions while in the discharge of his official duties, is held to 
be of the gravest character, and merits the severest condemna- 
tion. G. L., 111., Jour. 1882, 788, 888. 

1821. Offenses: Against Other Societies, Can- 
didates Not Accountable for, when : (See Candidate, 
Sec. 747.) G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1872, 59. 

OEPHANS. 

1822. Liability of Lodge for School Bills of 
Children After Marriage of Widow : On the query: 
"Is a Lodge responsible for the school bills of the orphans of a 
deceased brother after the marriage of his widow." Held, 
Yes. The marriage of the widow does not affect the relation 
of the Lodge to the orphan. G. L., Md., Jour., 1878, 533, 565. 

OBJECTIONS. 

1826. To Illegal Meeting of Division, Must be 
Taken, when : (See Division, Sec. 880.) 

G. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

PETITION. 

1824. Of Ladies for Side Degree, Tabled: (See 
Ladies' Degree, Sec. 1534.) S. L. Jour., 1868, 16. 

1825. Petition : Of Colored Citizen : Action De- 
ferred : In reference to an application from a number of col- 
ored gentlemen from Philadelphia for a charter, your commit- 
tee cannot recommend its adoption, as we deem it entirely in- 
expedient to take any action on it at present for many and ob- 
vious reasons,— Rep. of com. on U. W. (See Colored Lodges, 
Sees. 538, 539, 540.) S. L. Jour., 1869, 96. 



COMMON LAW. 569 

1826. Petition: For Membership: A Vote not 
Necessary to Receive : (See Application, Sec. 105.) 

G. L.. Nev., Jour., 1881, 454, 485. 

1827. Petition : For Membership : Law Requir- 
ing to Lie over two Weeks not in Conflict : Where 
the Law requires that, in cities or towns having more than one 
Lodge, petition for membership shall lie over two weeks, and 
notice sent to the other Lodges of the pending of said petitions, 
Held, That the Law is not in conflict with the Law on petition 
as promulgated by the Supreme Lodge, where such Law has 
received the apprcval of the Supreme Chancellor. — Rep, of 
com. on Law. G. L. s Ind., Jour., 1880, 246. 

PETITIONEES. 

1828. Restrictions as to Nationality: The Con- 
stitution provides that "no person shall be initiated into a 
a Lodge of this Order * * * * unless he be a white 
male, etc." Under this, Supreme Chancellor Berry decided 
that citizens of the Hawaiian Islands had the right to petition 
for tbe establishment of Lodges, provided it was recom- 
mended by the Deputy Grand Chancellor, but later the Su- 
preme Lodge refused the petition of Oahu Lodge No. 1, of 
Honolulu, for permission to initiate natives of that Island. — 
Dec. of H. C. Berry, 8. C. s. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1037, 1129. 

1829. Petitioners: Opposition to, by Existing 
Lodges : Duty of D. G-. C. Notwithstanding any oppo- 
sition to the petition of citizens to institute a Lodge, by Lodges 
already working in the same place, it is the duty of the D. G. 
C. to forward all applications made to him, and he must ap- 
prove, or disapprove of the same in writing. He has no right 
to agree to any "side stipulations" in the premises, and Lodges 
objecting thereto must file their objection in writing over their 
seal with the D. G. C, which must be forwarded to the Supreme 
Chancellor. This applies to Jurisdictions under the control of 
the Supreme Lodge. When there is a Grand Lodge, the ques- 
tion becomes a matter for local legislation. — Dec. of H. C. 
Berry, 8. C.—Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 
S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 



570 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

PASS WOED. 

1830. Origin of: Resolved, That all pass words in the Or- 
der shall eminate from the Supreme Lodge, and shall be uni- 
form throughout the country.* s. L. Jour., 1869, 101. 

1831. Pass Word: Instruction of Supreme 
Chancellor to Pennsylvania in Respect to: The 

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania issuing a Pass Word of its own, 
was instructed by the Supreme Chancellor to adopt the one in 
use in the other Jurisdictions. This being in conformity with 
the intention of the Supreme Lodge in dispensing with visiting 
cards.— Dec. ofS. Bead, S. C. s. L, Jour., 1869, 67. 

1832. Pass Word: Reference Thereto in Laws 
to he Stricken out : It was Resolved, That the words, 
"the pass words shall be semi-annual, and shall be the same 
throughout the country," wherever they appear in the Supreme, 
Grand and Subordinate Lodges Contitutions, they shall be 
stricken out, as they belong properly to the Unwritten Work. 

S. L. Tour., 1869, 118. 

1833. Password: Brother Holding Card En- 
titled to, when : (See S. A, P. W., Sees. 2454-2455.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 467, 613. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app., 36. 

S. L. Jour.. 1880, 1827, 2003. 

1834. Pass Word : Of the Ranks : Chancellor 
Commander not Authorized to Communicate, 
when: (See C. C, Sec. 608.) s. l. Jour., 1878, 1508, 1607. 

1835. Pass Word : Of the Ranks : Chancellor 
Commander Authorized to Communicate on 
Order : (See C. C, Sec. 608 ; S. A. P. W., Sec. 2434.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1508, 1607. 

1836. Pass Word : Of the Ranks : Brother En- 
titled to without order, when : A visiting brother 
who is not in possession of the S, A. P. W. is entitled to ad- 
mission though he may not be in possession of the Rank Pass 
Word. This latter is permanent and to oe a Knight, he must 

*In 1875 the Supreme Chancellor was authorized to issue a universal S. A. P. 
W. (Jour. 1875, 1145), but this matter is now regulated by the Const., Art. XVI. 



COMMON LAW. 571 

of necessity have been invested with it. If he has forgot- 
ten it, the C. C. can and should communicate it to him that he 
may work his way into the Lodge. No order therefore, as in 
the case of the S. A. P, W. is necessary. It is due to him as 
incident to his rank.* Dec of E. T, Sykes, G. C. 

G. L., Miss., Jour:, 1881, 7, 68. 

1837. Password: Duty of Master at Arms in 
Respect to : Must take Same as from Outer Guard : 

It is the duty of the Master at Arms to receive the Pass Words 
from the O. G. at the opening of the Lodge. He is expected 
to visit the officers at their respective stations. The 0. G. is 
no exception. — Dec. of C. P. Vanneman, G. C, 

G, L., N. J., Jour., 1884, 1475-6, 1512. 

PAST SUPEEME CHANCELLOKS. 

1838. Seniority of: Inquiry into ordered: 

Resolved, That a special committee of three be appointed to 
determine and fix the status and seniority of the 
Past Supreme Chancellors of the Order, and report at the next 
annual session. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1293. 

1839. Past Supreme Chancellor: Rank and 
Seniority of: The special committee appointed to deter- 
mine and fix the status and seniority of Past Supreme Chancel- 
lors, submitted an exhaustive report, which was adopted, fix- 
ing the rank of the Past Supreme Chancellors as follows : 

FOUNDER AND PAST SUPREME CHANCELLOR, 
JUSTUS H. RATHBONE. 

Elected by the Supreme Lodge, August 11, 1868. 

PAST SUPREME CHANCELLORS BY SERVICE. 

Samuel Bead, became P. S, C. March 9, 1870. 
H. C. Berry, " " April 23, 1874. 

S. S. Davis, " " August 23, 1876. 

*This has been decided differently in at least one Jurisdiction, but this seems to 
be the better rule. The possession of the Rank Pass Word has never been a test of 
good standing. The G. C. commenting upon this decision— bottom page 12, Jour., 
Miss.. 1881 - admits that it is in direct conflict with the ruling of the Supreme Lodge, 
but says : "For the reasons given in my ruling, I was so impressed with the illogical 
deduction of the former that I made my ruling as a means of getting the question be- 
fore the Supreme Lodge again, where I believe it will reverse 'ts former decision, as a 
non seguitur." 



572 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

HONORARY PAST SUPREME CHANCELLORS. 

W. P. Westwood, per Kesolution, August 11, 1868. 



Joseph T.K. Plant, 
Edward Dunn, 
Wilbur H. Meyers, 
Hugh'G. Divine, 
Wm. Blancbois, 



March 9, 1869. 
March 9, 1869. 
March 9, 1869. 
April 19, 1873, 
April 19, 1873. 



The committee drop the name of Clarence M. Barton from 
the list of P. S. Cs. for the reason that he had been declared, 
by resolution, a P. S. C. by reason of having been the G. C. of 
the G. L. of D. C, but upon investigation it was discovered 
that the Grand Lodge of D. C. during that period was defunct, 
and "he, the said Barton, had no Grand Lodge to be Grand 
Chancellor of."— Rep. of com. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1574, 1578. 

PAST SUPKEME CHANCELLOE. 

1840. Recommendation as to Rank, and Badge 

for : The Supreme Lodge considering the reommendation of 
the Supreme Chancellor, refused to create the rank and title 
of Past Supreme Eepresentative and to permit such to wear 
the jewel of the Supreme Eepresentative.* — Rec. of S. S. 
Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1229, 1296. 

1841. Supreme Representatives: Jewel for 
Adopted : (See Jewels, Sees. 1496, 1497.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1566, 1619. 
S. L. Jour., 1880, 1860, 2057. 

PAST GEAND CHANCELLOE. 

1842. Rank of will not be Conferred, when: 

A Grand Vice Chancellor who may serve as Grand Chancellor 
to fill vacancy in that office does not thereby become entitled 
to the rank of Past Grand Chancellor. — Rep. of com, onR. and 
C. (See G. V. C, Sees 1351, 1353.) s. L. Jour., 1871, 340. 

Jour., 1880, 2035. 

1843. Past Chancellor: Not Entitled to Rank, 
when : . The Grand Vice Chancellor of a new Grand Lodge 

*In 1 S78, the S. K. of It. and S., was instructed to prepare and submit a jewel 
regalia &c, for a Past Supremo Representative. In 1880 the designs wero submitted 
and adopted. See Jewels, Sees. 1496, 1497. The Supreme Lodge, while it does not, 
by this, create the rank and title of Past Supreme Representative, it does, however, 
give that official a distinguishing rank. A full sized drawing of the Past Supreme 
Representative's Jewel may be found in the printed By-Laws of the Supreme Lodge. 



COMMON LAW. 573 

serving in that office is not thereby entitled to a Past Grand 
Chancellor's credential nor a seat in the Supreme Lodge, he 
not having been elected to said degree 01 a Past Grand Chan- 
cellor. (So held on report of com. on R. and C. in case of C. 

D. Lucas, of Mo.) (See G. V. C, Sec. 1351.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 446, 447. 

1844. Past Grand Chancellor: Grand Lodge 
has no Authority to Elect, when: Where a Grand 
Lodge re-elects a Grand Chancellor it has no authority to elect 
a Past Grand Chancellor to receive the honors of the term. 
(Action in respect to the application of the Grand Lodge of 
Michigan to confer the rank on P. C, C. A Mack.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1354, 1425. 

1845. Past Grand Chancellor: Further Crea- 
tion of Inexpedient : On the resolution that all G. K.s of 

E. and S. who shall have served a term of five consecutive 
years, shall be entitled to the honors of P. G. C. Held, That 
it is inexpedient to provide for any other method for obtaining 
the rank of P. G. C. than the customary one of service in the 
chair of G. C* s. L. Jour., 1875, 1134, 1152. 

1846. Past Grand Chancellor: Creation of: Im- 
plied Prohibition against: Constrnction of Con- 
stitution: On the resolution to confer the rank of Past 
Grand Chancellor on a brother, the committee report as fol- 
lows : "That the facts set forth in preamble and resolution 
show that the Grand Lodge of Indiana, in the election of P. 
C, William F. Myers as a Past Grand Chancellor, were justi- 
fied, under the circumstances ; that since the adoption of the 
Constitution of 1874, there is no authority for a Grand Lodge 
to elect a Past Grand Chancellor: although, there is no ex- 
press, there is no implied prohibition of such action ; that, as a 
general provision, there is not only propriety but a necessity, 
so far as the same is practicable, to keep the honors that are 
coupled with past services strictly within and confined to those 
that have performed the services for the constitutional period. 
In view of the particular circumstances the committee recom- 
mended the adoption of the resolution. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1283, 1286. 

*At the session of April, 1884, the Supreme Lodge refused to adopt a Constitu- 
tional amendment as well also a resolution granting to G. K. of R. and S. who had 
served five consecutive years the right to receive the rank of P. G. C. Jour. 1884, 
2991. 



574 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1847. Past Grand Chancellor: Emeritus Rank 
of no Longer Confered by the Supreme Lodge: 

On the proposition to confer the rank of Past Grand Chancellor 
on a certain brother for meritorious services ruled by the Su- 
preme Chancellor that no proposition to create a Past Grand 
Chancellor Emeritus, could be entertained by the Supreme 
Lodge, so long as the present Law relating to that subject re- 
mains in force. — Rul. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1357, 1376. 

1848. Past Grand Chancellor: Right of Grand 
Lodge to Create, denied, when : The Supreme Lodge 
refused to adopt a resolution declaring that a grand Lodge has 
the power to elect a P. G. C. in place of one who may be sus- 
pended for an offense, S. L. Jour., 1873, 723. 

1849. Past Grand Chancellor Creation of in 
new Jurisdiction no Longer Necessary: Since by 
the Constitution a P. C. is eligible to the office of Grand Chan- 
cellor it is not necessary that six Past Grand Chancellors be 
given to new Jurisdictions.— Rul. of Com. on Law. 

So L, Jour.. 1872, 537, 557. 

1850. Past Grand Chancellor : District Deputy 
Grand Chancellor for German Lodges, Entitled to 
Rank, when : The committee on credentials and returns, 
rinding a brother entitled to the rank of P. G. C, so reported 
which report was adopted by the Supreme Lodge, subsequent- 
ly the committee on irregularities in the creation of P. G. C, 
reported adversely to the right of the brother to the rank, when 
it was moved that the name of the brother be placed upon the 
list of P. G. Cs. ; whereupon a point of order was raised that 
the Supreme Lodge had acted upon the credentials of the 
brother during yesterday's session. Held, That the point was 
well taken, and that the P. G. C, was entitled to be entered 
upon the Eoster of the Supreme Lodge. — Rul. of G. W. Lind- 
say, S. C. (Case of J. H. Schomburg, of D. C.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2262, 2416, 2419. 

1851. Past Grand Chancellor: Rule in Pre- 
ceding Section Adhered to: The rule laid down in 
the preceding section was adhered to in two other cases at the 
same sessions, to-wit : Where the credentials have been acted 



COMMON LAW. 575 

upon, the brother is enitled to the rank. (Case of C. H. 
Schmidt, of Wis. Case of S. C. Williams, of Ohio.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2420. 

1852. Past Grand Chancellor: Brothers Enti- 
tled to Rank : Precedent : In respect to the right of a 

D. D. G. C, for German Lodges to the rank of P. G. C, the 
committee on irregularities in the creation of P. G. C, report : 
"The extent of the jurisdiction in this case was over two 
Lodges in his own toivn. His service was not such as contem- 
plated by Law. His claim should not be allowed." This re- 
port was stricken out and the brother declared to be entitled 
to admission to the Supreme Lodge.* (Case of B, Schal, of 
W. Va.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2417, 2420. 

1853, Past Grand Chancellor: When Entitled 
to Rank : Supreme Chancellor Berry having decided that a 
retiring Grand Chancellor was not entitled to the rank of Past 
Grand Chancellor unless he was present at the installation of 
his successor, and was officially passed to his proper chair, and 
even then, not eligible to the office of Supreme Representative, 
until he had been obligated as a Past Grand Chancellor. (S. 
L. Jour., 1874, 845.) This decision not having been actually 
reversed by the Supreme Lodge, Supreme Chancellor Davis 
attempted to enforce the same, and the matter coming before 
the Supreme Lodge, on his report, it was Resolved, That the 
decisions of the Supreme Chancellor relative to Past Grand 
Chancellors were warranted by the construction of Law as 
heretofore made by his predecessor. 

Resolved, That hereafter any Grand Chancellor who has 
served a full term in that office, and against whom no 
charges«are pending, shall be entitled to the rank and title of 
Past Grand Chancellor, as soon as his successor is installed. 

Resolved, That a Grand Chancellor, on being re-elect- 
ed, shall be entitled to the rank and title of Past Grand Chan- 
cellor immediately after his second installation. 

Resolved, That no one is eligible to election as Supreme Re- 

*It is difficult to reconcile this action with the provision of the Constitution as it 
existed at the time, and the legislation of the Supreme Lodge, (See Ante). There is 
no material difference between the section of the Constitution as it stood then and as 
it exists now, both required that the jurisdiction of the D. D., should be co-extensive 
with his state and that he should serve three years. (See Sec. 590, Dann's Digest.) 
In none of the cases cited in the last three sections were these requisites fully com- 
plied with. See Supreme Lodge Const., Art.. XXI, Appendix. See post Sec. 1870. 



576 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

presentative until he is entitled to the rank and title of Past 
Grand Chancellor. (See G. C., Sec. 1336.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1115. 

1854. Past Grand Chancellor : Officer at Insti- 
tution of Grand Lodge Entitled to Rank, when : 

The Supreme Chancellor propounds the following query as sug- 
gested by Art, XXI of the Supreme Lodge Const., viz. : 

"Will the Past Chancellor who shall be elected as officiating 
Past Grand Chancellor of the Grand Lodge (at its institution) 
take that rank at the close of the term for which he is elected ?" 
Upon which the committee report, construing the Constitu- 
tion, as follows : "That under Section 3, Article YI of the Su- 
preme Lodge Constitution, upon the organization of a Grand 
Lodge in a new Jurisdiction, a Past Grand Chancellor is re- 
quired to be elected to fill that office in the Grand Lodge, we 
are, therefore, of the opinion and would report, that upon such 
election, and after service in said office until the election and 
installation of a successor at the regular election and in- 
stallation of officers, in such Grand Lodge, the Past Grand 
Chancellor would be entitled to take rank thereafter as a 
Past Grand Chancellor. " — Rep. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877,1365, 1423. 

1855. Past Grand Chancellor: Power of Su- 
preme Lodge to Confer Emeritus Rank Declared : 

On the resolution : That the Supreme Lodge has no power to 
confer the rank of emeritus P. G. C. and no Grand Lodge has 
the power to confer the rarik of emeritus P. C ; Held, That it is 
in the power of the Supreme Lodge to confer the rank of P. G. 
C. for meritorious services, and in regard to state Jurisdictions 
conferring the rank of Past Chancellor this Supreme Lodge 
has decided that it was a matter for local legislation.* (See 
P. C, Sees. 1920, 1924.) s. L. Jour., 1875, 1146, 1156. 

1856. Past Grand Chancellor : Entitled to rank 
Though not Present at Installation : Query; At the 
installation of Grand Lodge officers, does not the retiring 
Grand Chancellor become the V. G. P. and pass to the rank 
of P. G. C. by virtue of service in office, though he is not pres- 

*The Supreme Lodge has by subsequent legislation denied to itself the light to ex- 
ercise this privilege, but so far as it refers to Grand Lodges it may be considered the 
Law, as the Supreme Lodge has never attempted to deny to the Grand Lodges the 
right to confer the emeritus rank of P. C. (See Expo, P. C.) 



COMMON LAW. 577 

ent at the time of the installation of his successor. Ans. Yes. — 
Rep. of Com. on Law. S. L. Jour., 1873, 710, 735. 

1857. Past Grand Chancellor : Rank of not Con- 
ferred for Unexpired Term of Grand Chancellor, 
when : Where, on the death or resignation of a Grand Chan- 
cellor, the G. V. C. serves as Grand Chancellor the remainder 
of the term, he is not by reason of such service entitled to the 
rank of Past Grand Chancellor. s. L. Jour., 1876, 1276, 1287. 

1858. Past Grand Chancellor: Certain Grand 
Lodges Authorized to Create: Resolved, That the 
Grand Lodges of New York, Virginia, Nebraska, Connecticut, 
California, West Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Massa- 
chusetts and Indiana, be allowed six additional Past Grand 
Chancellors, to be elected from the Past Chancellors in good 
standing at the next session of said Grand Lodges. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 189. 

1859. Past Grand Chancellor : Names of Strick- 
en from the Roll: Upon recommendation of the Su- 
preme Chancellor the names of certain Past Grand Chancel- 
lors were stricken from the rolls, they having been found guilty 
of crime, and an infraction of the Laws of the Order. (Case 
of Noble J. York and k. H. Allen.) — Recom. ofH. C. Berry. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 719, 746, app. 12, 

1860. Past Grand Chancellor : Irregularities in 
Creation of: Subject of Inquiry : The Supreme Lodge 
in 1875 instituted an inquiry into the creation of P. G. 
C's. with a view to preparing a roster of those legally entitled 
to the rank. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1157. 

1861. Past Grand Chancellor: Further Time 
Granted to Committee on Irregularities in Cre- 
ation of: The committee being unable to make definite re- 
port asked for further time to search records, which was 
granted. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1160. 

1862. Past Grand Chancellor : Irregularities in 
Creation of: Roster Prepared : The committee of the 
whole, have had under consideration the "Keport of the 

37 



578 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Special Committee on Irregularities," and recommend the 
adoption of the following resolutions : 

Resolved, That the committee rise, and report to the Supreme 
Lodge, that, in the judgment of the committee, any brother 
who has heretofore been acknowledged as a Past Grand Chan- 
cellor and received as such by the Supreme Lodge, is entitled 
to that rank ; 

Resolved, That the special committee prepare a roster of 
such Past Grand Chancellors, and also such recommendations 
as they may deem advisable as to all applicants or claimants 
for the rank who have not already been admitted to the Su- 
preme Lodge, or upon whom the rank has not already been 
conferred by the Supreme Lodge ; and recommend that each 
of those whose right to the rank is questoned, be cited to ap- 
pear to answer the charge made, provided, that the roster 
shall show the present standing of each in the Order. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1554. 

1863. Past Grand Chancellor : Authority Given 
to Committee to Call for Records &c. : Resolved, 
That the "Special Committee on the Irregularities in the Crea- 
tion of Past Grand Chancellors," be authorized to demand, 
through the proper Supreme Lodge officers, certified copies of 
all records in the possession of the several Grand Lodges, rela- 
tive to the title of these Brother Knights whose title of Past 
Grand Chancellor is questioned, also, that brethern claiming 
the title of Past Grand Chancellor, and whose claims thereto 
are questioned, be requested to send up to this special commit- 
tee the grounds on which they base their claims. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 579 

1 864. Past Grand Chancellor : Report of Com- 
mittee on Irregularities in Creation of: At the 

session of 1880, the above named committee submitted an ex- 
haustive report on the creation of Past Grand Chancellors 
in the various Grand Jurisdictions which was amended and 
modiiicd to some extent by the Supreme Lodge and adopted, 
and the committee instructed to make a final report at the 
next session. At the session of 1882, the committee submitted 
its final report containing a roster of the P. G. Cs., up to 1882. 
This was again modified and amended, when the roster as 
thus prepared was adopted and a motion to discharge the 



COMMON LAW. 579 

committee and never to create another of like intent and pur- 
poses was unanimously carried. s. L. Jour., 1880, 1954, 1971. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2413, 2421. 

1865. Past Grand Chancellor : Credentials of: 
To Show Dates of Service : In the future ihe creden- 
tials of a P. G. C, shall set forth the date on which the Grand 
Chancellor entered upon the duties, and the date on which his 
duties terminated, and the S. K. of R. and S., shall prepare 
and issue the proper forms. Rec. of com. on credentials. 

S. L. Jour., 1880,2015. 

1866. Past Grand Chancellor: Rank of Con- 
ferred on Grand Vice Chancellor Serving unex- 
pired Term of Grand Chancellor: In the case of 
George H. Morrison, of Nevada, the committee on returns and 
credentials report that G. H. Morrison is entitled to the rank of 
P. G. C, by virtue of having been elected Grand Chancellor, to 
fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of the Grand Chan- 
cellor of Nevada. This was objected to on the ground that it 
was in conflict with the decision of the Supreme Lodge in the 
case of Owen and Duff. (See ante, Sec. 1340.) It seems that 
G. H. Morrison was the G. V. C. at the time of his said elec- 
tion, and for this reason, the Supreme Lodge refused to adopt 
the report of the committee.* S. L. Jour., 1882, 2261. 

1867. Past Grand Chancellor: Grand Vice 
Chancellor not Entitled to Rank, when : (See G. C. 

Sec. 1340.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 2035. 

1868. Past Grand Chancellor : Not Entitled to 
Sit in Supreme Lodge, when : A P. G, C. to be entit- 
led to sit in the Supreme Lodge must be a member in good 
standing in a Subordinate Lodge. s. L. Jour., 1872, 444. 

1 869. Past Grand Chancellor : Right of Grand 
Lodge to Annul Election of: Where a Grand Lodge 
exercising its authority, elects a P. C. to receive the rank of P. 
G. C, and said P. G. C's* credentials have been acted upon by 
the Supreme Lodge, and where the Grand Lodge subsequently 

*This is evidently in accordance with the previous legislation of the Supreme 
Lodge, holding that a Grand Vice Chancellor elected to the office of Grand Chancel- 
lor to fill a vacancy is not thereby entitled to the rank of P. G. C In this particular 
case, however, the committee afterwards reported upon the correctness of the cre- 
dentials of G. H. Morrison who was then admitted to the Supreme Lodge as a P. G. C. 
Jour, or 1882, 2263. 



580 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

concludes that the P. C. was not a member of the Order at the 
time, and the election was void, and declares a vacancy, and 
proceeds to elect another in his stead, Held, On appeal, that 
the Supreme Lodge having acted upon the credentials of the 
P. G. C. first elected there was no vacancy, and the Grand 
Lodge had no right to elect another. — Appeal of J. B. Miller, 
vs. the G. L. of Ohio. &. L. Jour., 1874, 932. 

1870. Past Grand Chancellor: Construction ot 
Law Concerning Creation of: In order to definitely 
settle the Law concerning the creation of Past Grand Chan- 
cellors, it was held that the following constitutional provisions 
were established, and only in accordance therewith could the 
rank be conferred, to wit : 

1st. Any Knight commissioned as a D. S. C. where no 
Grand Lodge exists, and serving as such to the time when a 
Grand Lodge shall be instituted in the Jurisdiction under his 
supervision, shall receive at the hands of the Supreme Lodge 
the rank of Past Grand Chancellor ; 

2d. Any German D. D. G. C, whose Jurisdiction is co-ex- 
tensive with his state, elected or appointed by the Grand 
Lodge and serving three successive years, shall be entitled to 
the rank of Past Grand Chancellor ; 

3d. Service as Grand Chancellor, and passing from that 
official station to that of P. G. C, as required by the Laws ; 

4th. As provided in Sections 3 and 4 of Article VI. of the 
Constitution.* — Rep. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1376, 1429. 

1871. Past Grand Chancellor: Creation of: 
Construction of Constitution : It was moved that the 
rank of P. G. C. be conferred upon a brother in recognition of 
valuable service rendered the Supreme Lodge. A point of or- 
der being raised that the resolution to create a P. G. C. in any 
other manner than that prescribed in the Constitution, was not 
in order ; Held, Well taken. — Bui. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. 

S. L. Jour. 1882, 2540. 

1872. Past Grand Chancellor: Petition to 
Create Declared out of Order : A petition from the 

*In respect to the second provision as above given an additional restriction has 
been placed upon the right of a German D. D. G. C. to the rank of P. G. C, that of 
recuiring him during the three years to have at least three Lodges -working in the Ger- 
man language under his charge. See Art. XXI, Supreme Lodge Constitution, app^ 



COMMON LAW. 581 

Grand Lodge of Indiana, asking that the rank of Past Grand 
Chancellor be conferred upon the G. K. of E. and S., of that 
body, was declared out of order by the Supreme Chancellor. — 
Eul ofS. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1562. 

1873. Past Grand Chancellor : Rank of Cannot 
be Conferred, when : On the resolution to confer the 
rank of Past Grand Chancellor on a brother for meritorious 
services, Held, That according to Sec. 301, Official Digest, 
the rank could not be conferred. s. L. Jour., 1880, 1982, 2013. 

1874. . Past Grand Chancellor : May Have Cre- 
dential Annulled, when : Where a Grand Lodge, after 
charges and trial, deposed its Grand Chancellor, and after- 
ward by resolution, recalled the P. G. C.'s, certificate issued to 
him, and declared him to be not entitled to the rank of P. G, 
C, the Supreme Chancellor decided the proceedings irregular, 
and that the Grand Chancellor was entitled to his rank of P. 
G. C. The matter having been referred to, and reported upon, 
by a special committee, Held : 

1st. That the Grand Lodge having deprived the brother of 
his certificate of P. G. C, and suspended him for three years, 
this was decisive of the question, unless the matter was 
brought before the Supreme Lodge by appeal in proper form, 

2d. While no brother should be punished for a violation of 
our Laws until fairly convicted under, and by the forms of our 
Laws, and no brother elevated to office should be deprived of 
his honors, save in cases of absolute necessity, yet no Lodge, 
Supreme, Grand, or Subordinate, is compelled to keep and 
maintain in official position, one openly guilty of offense &c. ; 

3d. That under the Law, the Grand Lodge was justified in 
its action ; that under a Constitution, requiring all business of 
a general nature, affecting the interest of the Order, to be 
transacted at the annual Session, it was not a violation of it 
to charge, try, and depose a Grand Chancellor at the semi- 
annual session ; 

4th. That while there is no obligatory rules for conducting 
trials of Grand Lodge officers, the right to try, suspend, and 
remove them, does, perforce, exit ; it not only has the power, 
but it is its imperative duty to cleanse and purge itself of the 
unclean, etc : 

5th. That service in office is the base of honor in the Order ; 



582 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

that one who serves a full term in the office is, prima facie, en- 
titled to the honors of that term ; but this does not prevent the 
Supreme Lodge from barring its portals against the entrance 
of an improper person. (Case of W. J. McMullan of Penn.) 

S. L. Tour., 1874, 861, 867. 
S. L. Jour., 1875, 1127 1129. 

1875. Past Grand Chancellor: Sitting: Holds 
Over, when: (See Construction of Law, Sec. 558 and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 380, 392. 

1876. Past Grand Chancellor: Grand Vice 
Chancellor Entitled to Rank of, when : (See G. V. 

C. Sec. 1351.) S. L. Jour., 1884, 3063. 

PAST CHANCELLOE. 

1877. Badge for Adopted: (See Badge, Sec. 487.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 224. 
S. L. Jour., 1877, 1373, 1423. 

1878. Past Chancellor : Certificate of Adopted : 

On report of the committee on state of the Order, a form of 
Past Chancellor's certificate as designed by Past Chancellor 
George T. Perry of Pennsylvania was adopted. (See Kt., 
Sec. 1519.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 190, 222. 

1879. Past Chancellor: Office of, May be De- 
clared Vacant: How filled in such Case: A C. C. 

may for sufficient cause, subject to the action of the Lodge, 
declare the P. C.'s chair vacant, and in such case the Lodge 
may elect from among the Past Chancellors, or if there are 
none who will accept the same, then the chair may be filled by 
appointment pro tern, of a Knight. — Rep. of com. on Late. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan. 1877, 2677. 

1880. Past Chancellor: Sitting: Is an Officer 
of the Lodge : (See Sitting Past Chancellor, Sec. 2541.) 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1874, 221, 222. 

1881. Past Chancellor: Sitting': Knight not 
Eligible to Office of, when : In case the Junior P. C. 
resigns the Lodge cannot elect a Knight to fill the office.— 
Rep. of com. on Law. G. L., Ind., Jour., July, 1875, 191, 202. 



COMMON LAW. 583 

1882. Past Chancellor : Filling Chair of on Re- 
Election of Chancellor Commander : Duty of In- 
stalling Officer : When a C. C. has been re-elected, it is 
the duty of the installing officer to install the P. C, who was 
elected as Sitting P. C. for the term, otherwise the Lodge would 
not be properly officered. — Dec. of J. H. Harney, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1882, 1672, 1745, 1753. 

1883. Past Chancellor: Chair of Filled by 
Election on Re-election of Chancellor Command- 
er : The retiring Chancellor Commander becomes the Sitting 
Past Chancellor unless re-elected. In that event the Lodge 
must elect some existing Past Chancellor to the office of Sitting 
Past Chancellor. — Dec. of T. Essex, G. C. 

G. L., Ark., Jour., 1882, 55, 82. 

1884. Past Chancellor : Chair of Filled by 
Election : On the re-election of a C. C. the Lodge may 
elect a Sitting P. C. from among the P. C's. — Rep. of com. on S. 
of 0. Dec. of D. McClure, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1878, 1224, 1250. 
G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 

1885. Past Chancellor : Chair of How Filled: 

In case of the inability of the retiring C. C. to fill the Chair of 
P. C. any P. C. is eligible.— Dec. ofE. L. Cole, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., July, 1873, 12, 37. 

1886. Past Chancellor: Sitting: Vacancy in 
Office How Filled : When a C. C. is re-elected the chair of 
P. C. may be filled by election from among the P. C's. — Dec. of 
J. S. Shropshire, G. C. G. L., Neb., Jour., 1876, 419. 462. 

1887. Past Chancellor: Sitting: Vacancy in 
Office of, Filled by Election : In the event of a vacancy 
in the office of Sitting P. C, by reason of death, removal from 
the city, or otherwise, the Chair is filled by election from 
among the P. C's. of the Lodge. — Dec. of J. H. Hobart, G. C. 

G. L., Tex., Jour., 1878, 73, 86. 

1888. Past Chancellor : Sitting: Chair of fiow 
Filled During Absence : In the absence of the Sitting 
Past Chancellor, any member from the floor can occupy the of- 



584 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

fice, pro tern,, otherwise the Lodge could not be opened. — Dec. 
of J. J. Scott, G. C* G. L., Louisania. Jour., 1881, 39, 101. 

1889. Past Chancellor : Chair Filled by Elec- 
tion, when : In case of a permanent vacancy in the office 
of Past Chancellor, from any cause, a Lodge may fill the office 
by an election from the Past Chancellors of the Lodge. 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1877, 237. 

1890. Past Chancellor: Elected: May Fill 
Chair, "when : An elected Past Chancellor may occupy the 
chair of Sitting Past Chancellor, t 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1879, 386, 472. 

1891 : Past Chancellor : Rank of May be Con- 
ferred for Meritorious Services, when : The Grand 
Lodge may, on request of a Lodge confer the rank of Past 
Chancellor on a Knight for meritorious services, and upon the 
confessed inability of the Knight to pass the chairs of said 
Lodge. Jour, of 111., 1881, 706, 724. 

1 892. Past Chancellor : Chair of may be Filled 
pro tempore, by a Knight: In the absence of the Sit- 
ting Past Chancellor and all other Past Chancellors, any 
Knight present may occupy the Chair. — Bui. of W. A. Cotter,, 
G. C. G. L., Ky., Jour., 1873, 91; 

1893. Past Chancellor: Office of in Lodge: 
Qualification for: None but a Past Chancellor can be 
elected to fill the office. (See following Sec.) 

S, L. Jour., 1-87)6, .1234, 13.02,. 

1894. Past Chancellor: Status of Officiating: 
Local Legislation : Upon the following questions submitted 
by the Supreme Chancellor as having arisen during the year; 
to-wit : 1st. Can a Sitting Past Chancellor decline serving in 
his official position while a member of the Lodge, and so sit- 
uated that he could serve if he would? 2d. Can he be- sus- 
pended from serving in that office for inefficiency, or neglect 

instances have occurred where Lodges have permitted this seat to remain 
vacant during the opening ceremonies, because there was no P. C. in the room to 
fill it. 

+A District Depiity Grand Chancellor, upon a query propounded to him, Held 
that none but actual P. C's. after the first term of a Lodge could fill the station of P. C, 
The Grand Lodge overruled him, establishing the above rule. 



COMMON LAW. 585 

to attend to the duties of the office? 3d. Can he 
resign as sitting P, C. ? 4th. In case of a vacancy from any 
cause, how shall the office be filled ? 5th. Is he an officer of 
the Lodge ? 6th. When the By-Laws of a Lodge impose a 
fine on all officers of the Lodge absent from the meetings of 
the Lodge, or require a removal from office, if absent three or 
four consecutive meetings, can said penalties be applied to Sit- 
ting P. C. ? 

It was Resolved, That the status of officiating Past Chancel- 
lors, and the subject referred to under that head in the Su- 
preme Chancellor's report, are proper subjects for local legis- 
lation, provided that no one but a Past Chancellor can be di- 
rectly elected to fill the position, in case of a vacancy for any 
cause occurring in said position. — Rep. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1234, 1302. 

1895. Past Chancellor: Officiating: Chair of 
may he filled, how : A Lodge may elect a Past Chancellor 
on the roster to fill the chair of Past Chancellor in case of va- 
cancy.* — Dec. of G. W. Herdman, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 521, 546. 

1896. Past Chancellor: Officiating: Right of, 
to Inspect Ballot when : (See Ballot, Sec. 338.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1871, 41, 156. 

1897. Past Chancellor: Right of when Clothed 
in Regalia of Knight : (See Eegalia, Sees. 2071, 2072.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1872, 178,, 
G. L., Mo., Jour., 1873, 48. 

1898. Past Chancellor: Sitting: Is an Officer 
and Subject to Fine : The Sitting Past Chancellor of a 
Lodge was fined for non-attendance under a By-Law, providing 
such penalty for non-attendance of officers. On appeal sus- 
taining the Grand Lodge ; Held, That a sitting Past Chancel- 
lor, was an officer of the Lodge and liable to fine for non-at- 
tendance as other officers.t — Appeal of S. L. Terry, vs. the G. 
L., of Cal. S, L. Jour., 1878, 1617.. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1306.. 

*It is the Law in Illinois that in case of the re-election of a Grand Chancellor the 
Sitting Past Grand Chancellor holds over. This is in accordance with an early decis- 
ion of the Supreme Lodge. The same rule is made to apply in case of re-election of 
a Chancellor Commander, the sitting Past Chancellor holds over. We doubt whether 
this is the usage in a majority of the Jurisdictions. See Ante, Construction of Laws, 
Sec. 558, and note. See also Exposition, title "Sitting P. C." 

tUnder the old regime the retiring Chancellor Commander passed to the chair of 
the Venerable Patriarch, and assumed the duties now incumbent upon the Prelate, 



586 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1899. Past Chancellor: Sitting: Does not hold 
over on Re-Election of Chancellor Commander, 
and is not Subject to Fines for Absence : A Sitting 
Past Chancellor, who serves a full term as such, after retiring 
from the chair, does not hold over, — on the re-election of the 
Chancellor Commander, — as the Junior Past Chancellor, and 
so is not liable to fines for absence.* — Dec. of E. H. Ribben, 
G. C. Appeal of C. Finn vs. J. Eckart, D. D. G. C, loiva. 

G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1882, 654, 760. 

1900* Past Chancellor : Eligible to Office of Dis- 
trict Deputy Grand Chancellor when : A Past Chan- 
cellor, who has not taken the Grand Lodge rank is eligible to 
the office of District Deputy Grand Chancellor, though it is 
better than he should have taken that rank. — Dec. of W. C. 
Caldwell, G. C. G. L., Term., Jour., 1883, 68, 96, 98. 

1901. Past Chancellor: Lodge cannot Elect, 
when : A Subordinate Lodge has no right to elect a Knight 
to the rank of Past Chancellor, except by authority of the Grand 
Lodge, otherwise it is acquired only by service in the chair of 
the Chancellor Commander. — Dec. of T. S. Jukes, G. C. — Dec. 
of W. P. Robertson, G. C. Q. L., Term., Jour., 1874, 66, 91. 

G. L„ Tenn., Jour., 1876, 203, 226. 

1902. Past Chancellor : Office of may he De- 
clared Vacant, as a Penalty, when : Upon inquiries 
propounded, it was Held, That, a P. C, was an officer of the 
Lodge, that he had duties to perform, that for non-perform- 
ance thereof, his office could be declared vacant as a penalty ; 
that any P. C, was elegible to fill such vacancy.*— Dec. of S, 
W. Hoffman, G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1877, 400, 439. 

1903. Past Chancellor i Creation of in Certain 
Cases : The creation of a P. C, from the floor in the event 
of the re-election of a C. C, or the election of a P. C, to that 
office, was held to be a subject for local legislation. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 699, 734. 

It was not strictly speaking, an elective office. It could be filled, however, by elect- 
ion xinder tho same restriction that now appertains to the office of Past Chancellor. 
Notwithstanding, it was an office to be filled by the retiring Chancellor Commander, it 
was nevertheless regarded as an office aniewible to the same Laws that governed the 
other officers of the Lodge, and it was held, that where the By-Laws of a Lodge im- 
posed fines upon officers for neglect of duty, that this included the V. P., that he was 
subject to fines as other officers. G L. , Pa., Jour., Jan., 1 8 / 3, 125. 

*This seems to be in accord with the later decisions. The Grand Lodge, however, 
reversed that part of it in respect to declaring the office vacant. But see Sec. 2542. 



COMMON LAW. 587 

1904. Past Chancellor : Creation of Local Leg- 
lation : On a resolution declaring that certain officers of a 
Subordinate Lodge shall be made Past Chancellors after three 
years continuous service, and on which the committee reported 
adversely, the Supreme Chancellor ruled, on a point of order 
raised, that it was purely a local matter and could not be con- 
sidered by this Supreme Lodge in the. manner or shape as pre- 
sented.— But ofH. C. Berry, S. C. s. L. Jour., 1873, 699, 721. 

1905. Past Chancellor: Creation of : Held to 
Subject of Local Legislation: (See Local Legislation, 

Sec. 1537.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 699, 710, 721. 734, 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1132, 1140. 

1906. Past Chancellor: Creation of: Grand 
Lodge May Authorize : The Grand Lodge of Tennessee, 
at the session of February 1873, adopted a resolution author- 
izing the several Lodges within its Jurisdiction to elect two 
Past Chancellors in addition to the number to which they are 
already respectively entitled, on appeal, "Held, That the ac- 
tion is a local subject within the province of each Grand Juris- 
diction, though we advise that such power be used cautiously." 
Appeal dismissed. — Appeal of Alliston and Moyston vs. G.L. 
of Tenn. S. L. Jour., 1873, 732, 733. 

1907. Past Chancellor: Right of Lodge to 
Create : Where a Lodge, elects a Past Chancellor to the of- 
fice of Chancellor Commander it has the right to elect a Knight 
from the floor to receive the rank of Past Chancellor, and the 
same where a Chancellor Commander is re-elected, the Lodge 
is entitled to create a Past Chancellor at the end of his second 
term, and it does not forfeit its right by a failure to elect at the 
end of the term — Action of Woodson Lodge sustained. 

G. L., N. C, Jour., 1875, 45, 46. 

1908. Past Chancellor : Lodge has the Right 
to Create, when : A Lodge having re-elected its Chancel- 
cellor Commander is entitled, at the close of his second term, to 
elect a Past Chancellor from its members to the credentialed 
to the Grand Lodge, to receive that rank.* — Dec, of J. A. 
Siveezy, G.C. G. L., Mich., Jour.. 1880, 60,* 87. 

*Somuch as is here given, is certainly good Law, and should be common, but the 
Grand Chancellor added a proviso, as follows : "Provided the candidate has served 
one full term in an elective or appointive office in the Lodge." The rule requiring of- 



588 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1909. Past Chancellor; Elected: Entitled to 
Honors, when: (See Honors, Sec. 1391.) 

G. L„ Maine, Jour., 1876, 113, 139. 

1910. Past Chancellor : Creation of by Subor- 
dinate Lodges : A Lodge that has elected a Past Chancel- 
lor to the office of Chancellor Commander, or has re-elected a 
Chancellor Commander for a second term, but omitted at the 
close of such second term to elect a member to the rank of Past 
Chancellor, has the right, subsequently at the constitutional 
session for the election of officers, to create a Past Chancellor 
by election to supply the vacancy.— Dec. of H. C. Peabody, 
G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1876, 113, 139. 

1911. Past Chancellor : Cannot be created by 
Dispensation: A Grand Chancellor has no authority to 
create a Past Chancellor by dispensation. — Dec. of J. H- 
Pierson, G. C. E. L. Cole, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., July, 1870, 117, HO- 
G. L., N. Y., Jour., July, 1873, 12, 37. 

1912. Past Chancellor: Conferring Rank of, 
on Certain Officers for Service, a Matter for Local 
Legislation : On the resolution authorizing a Grand Lodge 
to confer the rank of Past Chancellor on the Keeper of Eecords 
and Seal and Master of Exchequer, who may have served as 
such for five consecutive years, the committee on Law, report 
that it is a matter for local Jurisdictions. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1132, 1140. 

1913. Past Chancellor: A Chancellor Com- 
mander Entitled to Rank of, When Lodge Surren- 
ders Charter on Last Night of Term : Where a C. C, 
has served a full term, bat his Lodge surrenders its charter on 
the last night of his term held, he is entitled to the rank of P. 
C, by service, and where he takes his card and deposits it in 
another Lodge, his course is to petition the Grand Lodge to 
confer the rank upon him. — Dec. of S. L. Terry, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1881, 1538, 1602, 1604. 

1D14. Past Chancellor: Any Knight Eligible 
to Rank of, at Organization of Lodge : At the organi- 

ficers to qualify themselves for promotion by service in an inferior office, has long 
since ceased to have any reason to suppoit it, and so ought not to longer prevail. 
There is much more harmony and a better,and more qualified officiary where the rule, 
does not exist. 



COMMON LAW. 589 

zation of a new Lodge, any Knight in good standing may be 
elected Past Chancellor, afterwards the out going Chancellor 
Commander takes the position of Past Chancellor, and at the 
installation of his successor as Chancellor Commander, is en- 
titled to the rank and title of Past Chancellor. — Dec. of J. P. 
Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

1915. Past Chancellor: First Officer Serving 
out the Term, Entitled to Bank of, when : Where, 
during the first official term of a Lodge under the immediate 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, the master of Finance, 
Yice Chancellor, Keeper of Kecords and Seal, and Prelate re- 
signed, and officers were elected to fill the unexpired term, 
those brothers last elected were entitled to the rank of P. C, 
provided they served to the end of the term. — Dec. of J. P. 
Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884. 2775, 2988. 

1916. Past Chancellor: Bank of, Earned by 
Service, Not Interferred with by Be-Election: 

Where, under local Law, the first Chancellor Commander, Vice 
Chancellor, and Prelate of a new Lodge, are entitled to the 
rank of Past Chancellor, their right to the rank is not inter- 
ferred with by a re-election to those positions. — Dec. of P. H. 
Mulcahy, G. C. G. L., Nev., Jour., 1877, 216, 265. 

1917. Past Chancellor: Bank of May be Con- 
ferred on Certificate of Supreme Chancellor, when : 

The Grand Lodge may confer the rank of Past Chancellor on 
a member of a Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, upon a certificate of the Supreme Chancellor showing 
the brother entitled to receive the same. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1874, 556, 539. 

1918. Past Chancellor: Grand Lodge has no 
Authority to Confer, when : The Grand Lodge has no 
authority to confer the rank of Past Chancellor on a member 
of a Lodge under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge, upon the request of such Lodge, and the Deputy Su- 
preme Chancellor for that locality. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1875, 687, 698, 712. 

191 9 : Past Chancellor : Bank of, Conferred on 
Bequest of Supreme Chancellor, when : As the re- 
sult of the query propounded by Suwanee Lodge, No. 4, of 



590 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Florida, it was, Resolved, That if requested by the Supreme 
Chancellor, any Grand Lodge shall confer the rank of Past 
Chancellor on any member of a Subordinate Lodge under the 
immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, who presents 
the proper credentials that he has become entitled to thf 
rank. — Rep. of com. on Law. s. L. Jour., 1584, 2935, 295S. 

1920. Past Chancellor : Power of Grand Lodge 
to confer Emeritus Rank of : The power to confer the 
rank of Past Chancellor for meritorious services was held to be 
a matter for local legislation. (See P. G. C, Sec. 1855, also 
P. C, Sec. 1924.) s. L. Jour., 1875, 1146, 1156. 

1921. Past Chancellor : A Member Entitled to 
Rank of for Service, when : A member serving as C. 
C. a majortiy of the night's of his term, no vacancy in the of- 
fice having been legally declared, although absent the last 
night of the term, upon the installation of his successor is en- 
titled to the rank of Past Chancellor, and to receive his certifi- 
cate therefor. — Haskell vs. Damocles Lodge. 

G. L„ Cal., Jour., 1879, 1303, 1351, 1357. 

1922. Past Chancellor : Conferring Rank of on 
Foreign Member: Requisites of Certificate: 

Where a certificate is presented to a Grand Lodge, certifying 
that the bearer is a member of a foreign Jurisdiction, but is 
entitled to the Grand Lodge rank, and requesting the Grand 
Lodge to confer the same, which certificate is signed only by 
the G. K. of E. and S, of said foreign Jurisdiction, Held, The 
certificate is not in legal form, and the rank could not be con- 
ferred.— Rul. ofE. L. Cole, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., July, 1873, 8, 9. 

1923. Past Chancellor: Eligible to any Oflfice 
in Grand Lodge, when: Any Past Chancellor of the 
Jurisdiction in good standing is eligible to any Grand Lodge 
office, including that of Supreme Eepresentative, at the forma- 
tion of a Grand Lodge. — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

1924. Past Chancellor: Rank of: Right of 
Grand Lodge to confer, not Restricted, when : A 

Grand Lodge has the authority to confer the Past Chancellor's 
Eank on all such Knights as may be recommended to the 



COMMON LAW. 591 

Grand Lodge by the Subordinate Lodges. This was held, sus- 
taining the Grand Lodge of Virginia in overruling the Grand 
Chancellor, who held that the Grand Lodge could not confer 
the rank of Past Chanceilor ad libitum, without consent of the 
Supreme Lodge or Supreme Chancellor. — Protest of Hugh 
Latham, S. L. Jour., 1870, 185, 199. 

1925. Past Chancellor : Rank of: Where and 
How conferred ; It is not competent for a Grand Lodge to 
order that the rank of Past Chancellor may be conferred on 
applicants in the ante-room by the G. V. P. It is a ritualistic 
degree and must be conferred in the Grand Lodge with its at- 
tendant ceremonies. S. L. Jour., 1874, 913, 935. 

1926. Past Chancellor : Rank of Conferred in 
Another Jurisdiction, when : A brother who may be 
entitled to the rank of Past Chancellor in his own Jurisdiction 
may have the same conferred upon him in another Jurisdiction 
on a certificate certifying that he is entitled to the same. — •- 
Dec. of S. D. Young, G. C. G. L., N. J., Jour., 1876, 732, 799. 

1927. Past Chancellor : Chancellor Commander 
Entitled to Rank where Records Fail to Show In- 
stallation : (See C. C, Sec. 585.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1447. 

1928. Past Chancellor : Entitled to Rank and 
Eligible to Office of Grand Representative, when: 

(See Grand Representative, Sec. 1356, also Sec. 1923.) 

S.L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

1929. Past Chancellor: On Re-election of 
Chancellor Commander, Lodge cannot create, 
when : Where on the re-election of a Chancellor Command- 
er, the Lodge proceeded to elect a Knight from the floor — to 
receive the rank of Past Chancellor — to fill what was regarded as 
a vacancy : Held, That the Lodge had no such right, as there 
was no vacancy until the close of the Chancellor's second 
term.— Dec. of W. E. Moore, G. C. 

G. L., N. EL, Jour., 1880, 18, 19, 34. 

1930. Past Chancellor : Elected from the floor, 

when : A Lodge should elect a Past Chancellor from the 



592 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

floor at the end of the term for which the Chancellor Command- 
er, or another Past Chancellor is re-elected, to fill the chair of 
the Chancellor Commander. — Dec. of C. A. Lee, G. C. 

G. L., Rhode Island, Jour., 1876, 1634-35. 

1931. Past Chancellor: May wear Regalia 
Though not a P. C. in Full, when :—Dec. of S. Read, 
S. C. (See C. C, Sec. 584.) s. L. Jour., 1872, 468, 613. 

1932. Past Chancellor: Chancellor Command- 
er Not Entitled to Rank of, when : Where a Lodge 
surrendered its Charter two months after the election of of- 
ficers, Held, That the Chancellor Commander was not entitled 
to the rank of Past Chancellor for such service. — Appeal of J. 
Frank, vs. G. L. of Kan. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1439. 

1933. Past Chancellor : Not Entitled to With- 
drawal Card, when : Any Past Chancellor charged (for 
offenses) in a Grand Lodge, notice of which has been given to 
the Subordinate Lodge of which he is a member, ought not to 
be granted a Withdrawal-Card, but if done so either wilfully or 
innocently it can be annulled or recalled by action of the 
Lodge, or order of the Grand Chancellor. — Dec of H. C. Berry, 
S. C. (See Note to Sec 1934.) s. L. Jour.. 1873, app. 37. 

1934. Past Chancellor: Must Present Creden- 
tial when Affiliating: The past official rank of Past 
Chancellor or Past Grand Chancellor, must be evidenced by a 
certificate signed by the proper grand officers, duly attested 
with the Grand Lodge seal, prior to said official rank being 
recognized when affiliating by card in any other Lodge than 
the one in which being a member where said rank was at- 
tained.*— Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 36, 

1935. Past Chancellor: Rank of, First Officers 
Entitled to : At the installation of a Lodge, working under 
the immediate supervision of the Supreme Lodge, the Past 
Chancellor, Chancellor Commander, Vice Chancellor, Prelate, 
Keeper of Eecords and Seal. Master of Finance, and Master of 

♦None of the decisions of Past Chancellor Berry as appearing in his report, appen- 
dix to the Journal of 1873, commencing on page 34, appear to have been either af- 
firmed or revised by the Supreme Lodge. Since it is provided that the rauk shall be 
stated in the card, it may be a question whether this decision is now the Law. (See 
W. C. Sec. 2808.) 



COMMON LAW. 593 

Exchequer, take the rank of Past Chancellor, Provided, They 
serve to the end of their official term. After this the rank is 
obtained only by service as Chancellor Commander. — Dec. of 
S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114, 

1936. Past Chancellor: Does not Hold Over on 
Re- Election of Chancellor Commander : The Grand 
Chancellor decided that on the re-election of a Chancellor 
Commander, the sitting Past Chancellor retains his station. 
This the Grand Lodge reversed as being in conflict with the 
Constitution.* — Dec. of T. H. Mannen, G. C. 

G. L., Ky., Jour., 1879, 587, 637. 

1937. Past Chancellor: May he Recognized 
when Clothed as a Knight : A Past Chancellor who holds 
no office in the Lodge may enter his own Lodge and speak and 
vote as a Knight while wearing the insignia of a Knight. While 
wearing such insignia, he should receive no consideration other 
ihan is his right as a Knight. — Dec. of W. P. Savage, G. C. 

G. L.. Texas., Jour., 1880, 146, 157, 158. 

1938. Past Chancellor : Not Compelled to Wear 
Regalia of Rank, when : A Past Chancellor has a right 
, to sit in a Subordinate Lodge clothed either with or without 
a Past Chancellor's regalia, except the Sitting Past Chancellor 
of his Lodge, who must wear a Past Chancellor's regalia while 
officiating as such. — Dec. of J. J. Cooper, G. C. 

G. L., Nev„ Jour., 1881, 453, 485. 

1939. Past Chancellor: By Election: Entitled 
to Equal Rights and Privileges : A member of a Lodge 
who was legally elected Past Chancellor, is entitled to all the 
privileges accorded a Past Chancellor who has acquired the 
rank by service. — Rid. of W. P. Savage, G. C. 

G. L., Texas, Jour., 1880, 174. 

1940. Past Chancellor: No Difference in as to 
Standing : There is no difference in the standing of a Past 
Chancellor whether the title is acquired by service or otherwise. — 
Dec. of J. H. Hertz, G. C. G. L., Ga., Jour. 1883, 376, 393. 

*The Constitution of Kentucky, provided that on the re-election of a Chancellor 
Commander, the Lodge might elect from the floor a member irj good standing to fill 
the office of Past Chancellor. This is a complete breaking away from the old doc- 
trine, and is in accord with the spirit ox the legislation of the Fupreme Lodge which 
fi^es the identity of the Past Chancellor as an officer of the Lodge. (See Exposition, 
"Sitting Past Chancellor."! 

38 



594 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1941. Past Chancellor: Has no Right to Cor- 
rect an Officer in Working Ranks : It is neither the 
duty nor the privilege of a Sitting Past Chancellor to interrupt 
or correct an officer of the Lodge when proving or charging a 
candidate in the ranks. — Dec. of E. F. Duer. D. D. G. C. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1873, 17, 54. 

1942. Past Chancellor: Has no Right to Oc- 
cupy the Chancellor Commander's Chair at the 
"Scrutiny," After Having Acted as Attorney : It is 

improper for the Past Chancellor to fill the chair of the Chan- 
cellor Commander at the ''scrutiny," when he has acted as the 
prosecuting attorney at the meeting of the committee when 
the evidence was taken, and he has no right to decide the 

question when there is a tie vote.* 

G. L., Md.., Jour., 1883, 249, 333. 

1943. Past Chancellor : Credential of Necessary 
on Deposit of Card : (See W. C., Sec. 2747.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1883, 6. 

1944. Past Chancellor: Entitled to Certificate 
Without Having Served Majority of Nights, 
when : The Grand Chancellor held, that where a Chancellor 
Commander elected at the beginning of the term, failed to at- 
tend the stated meetings of his Lodge for a majority of the 
Knights therein, he is not entitled to a certificate as Past Chan- 
cellor. This the Grand Lodge reversed; Holding, That the 
brother was entitled to his certificate, provided his office had 
not been declared vacant during his term.! — Dec. ofB. Shanley,. 
G. C. G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1880, 8, 29. 

1945. Past Chancellor : Entitled to Certificate 
for Serving Unexpired Term : A brother who is elected 
to the Chancellor Commander's station to fill a vacancy, is enti- 
tled to a certificate as Past Chancellor, even if a majority of 
the nights of the term has expired prior to his election. — Dec. 
ofB. Shanley, G. C. G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1880, 7, 29. 

*The word ' 'scrutiny" here is used in its local or technical sense. It is not a word 
known to our Pythian Law, and its use is confined to a very few Jurisdictions. In 
Ontario the term "scrutineers" is applied to the committee charged with the taking 
of evidence in the trial. Why the action of the Lodge on the report of the committee 
should bo called a "scrutiny" instead of a "trial" does not clearly appear. THiis 
seems to be the sense in which it is used above. 

I The action of the Grand Lodge in this matter presents the true rule, an officer is 
certainly entitled to all the honors of his term, if permitted, to serve it out. 



COMMON LAW. 595 

1946. Past Chancellor: Not Entitled to Cer- 
tificate Before Installation : A Past Chancellor is not 
entitled to receive a certificate as such, before his installation. 
—Rul. of A. C. Withers, G. C. G. L., Ya., Jour., 1882, 55. 

1947. Past Chancellor: Suspended for any 
Cause, is not Thereby Deprived of Rank : A Past 
Chancellor who is suspended from the Order for cause, or for 
non-payment of dues, would, on reinstatement, retain, and be 
entitled to, his rank as Past Chancellor. — Rep. of com. on Laiu. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1881, 61. 

1948. Past Chancellor: Improper to Preside 
During Pendency of Charges, when : Where, by the 
Law, the Junior Past Chancellor is ex officio prosecutor, it is 
improper for him to preside as Chancellor Commander during 
the pendency of charges against a member. — Rep. of com, on 
Laiv. G. L. Ind., Jour., July 1877, 27. 

PEOTEST. 

1949. Right of Grand Lodge to Reject, Denied, 
when ; (See G. L., Sec. 1292.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 185, 199. 

1950. Protest: Against Order of Grand Chan- 
cellor, will not be Considered : A protest, which is in 
effect an appeal, will not be considered if informal. (See Ap- 
peals, Sec. 161.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 684, 774. 

1951. Protest: Against the Action of a Grand 
Lodge, Considered: — Protest of Hngh Latham: 

(See Nomination, Sec. 1687.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 185, 199, 

1952. Protest: Against Forming New Lodge: 
Dnty of Deputy Grand Chancellor : (See D. G. C, 
Sec. 779 and note.) S L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

1953. Protest: Against Initiating Charter 
Memhers, Duty of Deputy Grand Chancellor in 
Respect to : (See D. G. C, Sec. 779 and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

1954. Protest: Against Election of an Officer, 
too Late after Installation : (See Election, Sec, 1014.) 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1881, 14, 61. 



596 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1955. Protest: Maybe entered Against a Can- 
didate, to bar his Receiving Ranks : (See Applicant, 
Sec. 60.) G. L., Nev., Jour., 1881, 452, 485. 

PKOCEEDINGS. 

1956. Proceedings: Ot Supreme Lodge: Read- 
ing of: (See Journal, Sec. 148.) g. L. Jour., 1870, 219. 

PKINT1NG 

1957 . Of Supreme Lodge Journals : Recommen- 
dation Concerning : The S. K. of E. and S. recommended 
the revision and reprinting of the first proceedings. It was so 
ordered. (See Journal, Sec. 1478.) g. L. Jour., 1870, 165, 213. 

1958. Printing: Committee on: Duties of : Re- 
solved; That the committee on Law be authorized to report a 
Law defining the duties of the printing committee ; Report: 
Your committee report the following Law ; That the duty of the 
Committee on printing is to have general supervision of all 
matters of printing that may be referred to them by this Su- 
preme Lodge. g. L. Jour., 1872, 604, 613. 

1959. Printing: Duty of Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal in Respect to : (See S. K. of E. and 

S., Sec. 2320.) g. L. Jour., 1882, 2573. 

PYTHIAN PEEIOD. 

1960. Date and use of Term, Denned : Resolved, 
That hereafter the term "Pythian Period" shall be used im- 
mediately after any date given, of day, year, or month of the 
vulgar era as follows : 

"This the day of- , a. d., 187 — , and of Pythian Per- 
iod the — ," and all official documents, dispensations, or chart- 
ers emanating from, or issued by this Supreme Lodge, or 
Grand Lodge under its Jurisdiction ; and be it further Resolved: 
That the date of the "Pythian Period" shall date back, 
and commence on the 19th day of February 1864, and each and 
every year thereafter, and to come, shall succeed in regular 
numerical order, commencing on the 19th day of February of 
each year. g. l. Jour., 1871, 364, 385. 



COMMON LAW. 597 

1961. Pythian Period : Declared to be the An- 
niversary: (See Anniversary, Sec 235.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1131, 1149. 

PEOVE AND CHAEGE. 

1962. Terms Substituted for "Passed" and 
" Raised " : The Supreme Lodge adopted these terms instead 
of Passed and Eaised, and recommend the same to Grand and 
Subordinate Lodges. (See following Sec.) 

S.L. Jour., 1871, 365, 385. 

PHEASEOLOGY. 

1963. Change in: Prove and Charge Substi- 
tuted : Resolved, That this Supreme Lodge does, as also 
recommend all Grand and Subordinate Lodges of this Order 
to abjure and drop the words "Passed" and "Eaised" and sub- 
stitute therefor the words "Prove" and "Charge" in all official 
documents, dispensations or charters hereafter issued, as also 
recommend said rectification to those already issued, when- 
ever possible or practicable so to do. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 365, 385. 

PAGE. 

1964. Should not be Charged Dues: (See Dues, 

Sec. 952.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 465, 468, 613. 

1965. Page: Not Subject to Dues: Pages and 
Esquires are not subject to dues. If they were they would be 
entitled to benefits also. They are not Knights of Pythias un- 
til they have taken the Knight's rank, then they are subject to 
all the rights and privileges, and advantages of the Order.* — 
Dec. of G % Stevenson, G. <?. G,L., Neb., Jour.. 1873, 141, 163, 

1966. Pages: Cannot be Suspended for Non- 
Payment of Dues : Pages and Esquires cannot be sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues, no dues being charged 
against members until they have attained the rank of Knight. 
Dec. of M. E. Kuhn. G. C. (See Dues, Sec. 954, 955.) 

G. L., Ohio, 1S79, 549, 584. 

*This does not accord with the practice in some of the Jurisdictions, but it seems 
to be the better, and more equitable vale. See Exposition, title "Dues." 



598 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1961. Page: If Able to Write his Nanie, may 
Advance : When it was discovered that a charter member 
after he had received the Page rank was unable to write ex- 
cept so far to write his name, it was held he might be permit- 
ted to advance. S. L. Jour., 1873, 687, 768. 

1968. Page: May Receive Rank in Another 
Lodge, how : A Subordinate Lodge may confer the rank of 
Esquire and Knight on a Page who has received rank in an- 
other Lodge, in the same or another Jurisdiction, by a written 
official request of his Lodge certifying that he has received the 
rank of Page, and has paid for the other ranks, and been 
elected thereto. The Lodge conferring those ranks, should, 
when the rank, or ranks, are conferred, send to the Lodge mak- 
ing the request, an official notice of the ranks having been con- 
ferred, with date, and he shall be entered on their books holding 
rank accordingly. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. (See W. C. Sec. 
2796.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114, 1121. 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1879, 384, 471. 

1969. Page: Entitled to Withdrawal- Card, 
when, Where an applicant has received the first rank and 
his Lodge becomes defunct, and the Page desires to join a Lodge 
in another Jurisdiction, and receive the ranks, he is entitled to 
a Withdrawal-Card from the Grand Lodge of the Jurisdiction 
of which he was a member, which he may deposit in another 
Jurisdiction as in other cases. s. L. Jour., 1876, 1311, 1314. 

1970. Page: Applying to Another Lodge 
Must have Card : A member of the Page's rank, whose 
Lodge is defunct, must obtain withdrawal-card in order to get 
the ranks in another Lodge. — Dec. of H. W. Long, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1881, 1231, 1261. 

1971. Page: Chargeable with Per Capita Tax 

to Supreme Juodge, when : (See Per Capita Tax, Sec. 
2020.) S. L. Jour., 1884,2776, 2988. 

1972 Page: Per Capita Tax Chargeable for, 
when : Local Legislation : (See Per Capita Tax, Sec. 
2019.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 2002, 2039. 

1973. Page: Transfer of Membership of : A trans- 
fer of membership, of Pages and Esquires, from one Lodge to 



COMMON LAW. 599 

another, is only by withdrawal-card, the same as with Knights, 
their rank being stated in the card. — Dec. ofS. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1506, 1607. 

1974. Pages: Rejection of : May Renew Ap- 
plication, when : (See Ballot, Sec. 311.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114. 

1975. Page: Deposit of Withdrawal- Card by: 
Fee Required : (See Withdrawal- Card, Sec. 2810.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1881, 1199, 1232. 

1976. Page: Does not Forfeit Fee for Rank, 

when : (See Banks, Sec. 2222.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 820, 899. 

197 7 . Page : Name may be Dropped from Rolls 
by Majority Vote, when : (See Suspension, Sec. 2401, 
and note.) G. L., Minn., Jour., 1880, 90. 

1978. Page: Subject to Charges: (See Charges, 
Sec. 673.) G. L., N. H., Jour., 1881, 15, 31. 

1979. Page : Advancement of: Barred By Ob- 
jections, when : (See Ballot, Sec. 297.) 

G. L., Wis.,Jour., 1882, 515, 585. 

1980. Page: May be Admitted into Lodge, 
when: (See Esquire, Sec. 963.) s. L. Jour., 1873, app. 38. 

1981. Page : Rights of, in Lodge Meeting : Pages 
and Esquires cannot remain in the Lodge room and assist in 
transacting the business of the Lodge until they have taken 
the Third Eank, as the Law requires all business to be trans- 
acted in that rank. But a Page or Esquire might remain in 
the Lodge room to see the rank of Page conferred, and an 
Esquire might remain to see that rank conferred. — Dec. ofW. 
B. Hoke, G. C. G. L., Ky., Jour., 1878, 529, 540. 

Jour., 1877, 472, 507. 

1982. Page: Must Pay the Increased Fee for 
the Ranks, when: (See Fees, Sec. 1230,) 

G. L„ Ky., Jour., Sept t874, 258, 287. 

1983. Page: Not Entitled to Benefits: (See 
Benefits, Sec. 432.) g. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 



600 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIA^ 

1984. Page: May Ibe Suspended, when: (See 
Suspension, Sec. 2400.)* G. L., Nev., Jour., 1877, 217, 265. 

S. L., Jour. 1884, 2939. 

1985. Page : Rights of, when Failing to Make 
Application for the Ranks : (See Esquire, Sec. 971) 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1884, 17, 22. 

1986. Page : Is Entitled to Advancement Even 
After a Lapse of Years, Although Over Age : (See 
Banks. Sec. 2214.) g. L., Cal., Jour., 1884, 2079, 2084.. 

1987. Page: Applying to Another Lodge for 
Rank, Must Have Card • A member of the Page's rank 
whose Lodge is defunct, must obtain a withdrawal-card in 
order to get the ranks in another Lodge. — Dec. ofH. W. Long,. 
G. C. G. L„ N. J., Jour., 1881, 1231, 1261. 

1988. Page: May be Permitted to Advance 
Notwithstanding Disqualification, when: On the 

query, "Can a Page receive the Esquire's rank when it be- 
comes known that he is unable to ? Held, The brother is en- 
titled to proceed, if no other disqualification appear than the 
one referred to, as it is too late to deprive a brother of ad- 
vancement in the Order, since the qualifications for member- 
ship should have been ascertained under the Constitution. — 
Dec. of J. W. Thompson, G. C. 

G. L., B. C, Jour., Jan., 1870, 244, 260. 

1.989, Page : Membership not Affected by Re- 
jection, as Esquire : Right to Visit : Returning of 
Fee Improper : Where an applicant was reported upon 
favorably, was elected and initiated, made application for Es- 
quire's rank and was rejected, whereupon on motion, his fee 
for the first and second ranks was returned to him, and the right 
to visit as Page denied him ; Held, That the brother is a Page 
of the Lodge, and is entitled to admission when the Lodge is 
working in that rank, and he may renew his application for 
advancement, (within the time prescribed by Law), if he pre- 
serves his good standing as a Page. That the return of the 
fee for membership was, therefore improper, but it does not 
affect the brother's membership. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1883, 65, 117. 

*The Supreme Lodge Joui-nal does not show that this was acted upon, but see 

Exposition, title, "Suspension." 



COMMON LAW. 601 

PEOMOTION, 

1990. Of Officers: Honors Retained : (See Officer, 
Sec. 1725.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 564, 585, 

PICNIC. 

1991. Wearing Regalia at : (See Kegalia, Sec. 2068.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 619, 628; 1875, 1032, 1124. 

1992. Picnic: In Name of the Order, Lodge 
May pay Expenses of: (See Funds, Sec. 1269.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1881, 1537, 1601. 

POSTAL EOUTES. 

1993. Book of, to be Procured : (See Mileage, Sec. 
1591.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 747. 

PAEADE. 

1994. Authority of Supreme Lodge to Order 
Denied : On a resolution submitted by the Grand Lodge of 
Delaware, asking the Supreme Chancellor or Supreme Lodge, 
to order a parade to occur in the city of Philadelphia during 
the Centennial year, Held, That the Supreme Chancellor has 
no power to order such demonstration ; nor is it a matter upon 
which the Supreme Lodge should legislate. Any Subordinate 
Lodge desiring to appear at such a time, should obtain a dis- 
pensation from the Grand Chancellor of its Jurisdiction. 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 899, 933. 

1995. Parade: Invitations to, Declined: (See 
Public Celebrations, Sec. 2015.) s. L. Jour., 1877, 1432. 

1998. Parade: Of Division of Uniform Rank: 
Dispensation Unnecessary, when : (See Division, Sec. 
882.) S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

PAST EANK. 

1997. Evidence of, when Affiliating: Neces- 
sary : (See P. C, Sec. 1934.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 36. 

PEINCIPLES OF THE OEDEE. 

1998. Draft for Public Use Authorized : On re- 
commendation of the Supreme Chancellor concerning a declar- 



602 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ation of the Principles of the Order, it was held on the report 
of the committee, that, there is a necessity for an open, can- 
did statement and declarations of the principles of the Order; 
that the same should be concise and well digested, and i;o secure 
this end the committee recommend that a special committee be 
appointed to prepare a draft of the principles and purposes of 
the Order for public use, with instructions to report at the next 
regular session of this Supreme Lodge. -Recom,of S.S.Davis, S.C. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1236, 1274. 

1999. Principles of the Order: Adoption of: 
Declaration of the Principles of the Knights of 
Pythias; Kecognizing the universality of human brother- 
hood,its organization is designed to embrace the world within its 
Jurisdiction, intended solely and only to disseminate the great 
principles of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, nothing of 
a sectarian or political character is permitted within its port- 
als. Toleration in religion, obedience to law, and loyalty to 
government, are its cardinal principles. Misfortune, misery and 
death, being written in fearful characters on the broad face of 
creation, our noble Order was instituted to uplift the fallen ; to 
champion humanity : to be his guide and hope ; his refuge, 
shelter and defense ; to soften down the asperities of life ; to 
subdue party spirit, and by the sweet and powerful attractions 
of the glorious trinity of Friendship, Charity and Benevolence, 
to bind in one harmonious brotherhood men of all classes and 
opinions. 

The brightest jewels which it garners, are the tears of widows 
and orphans ; and its imperative commands are to visit the 
homes where lacerated hearts are bleeding ; to assuage the suf- 
ferings of a brother ; bury the dead ; care for the widow and 
educate the orphan ; to exercise charity toward offenders ; to 
construe words and deeds in their least unfavorable light, grant- 
ing honesty of purpose and good intentions to others ; to stop the 
circulation of slander and rebuke the slanderers ; to defend the 
most bitter enemy when unjustly assailed ; and to protect the 
Principles of Knighthood unto death. 

Its Laws are reason and equity ; its cardinal doctrines inspire 
purity of thought, and life, and love of truth, and loyalty to the 
government under which we live ; its intention is peace on 
earth, and good will toward man. s. L. Jour., 1877, 1419. 



COMMON LAW. 603 

PEOBATIONAEY PEBIOD. 

2000. Right of Lodge to Establish, in Respect 
to Benefits after Reinstatement : Is a subject for local 
legislation. (See Eeinstatement, Sec. 2147 ; Benefits Sec, 389, 
fit seq.) S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300. 

2001. Probationary Period: Member not Sub- 
ject to, on Reinstatement, when : (See Eeinstatement, 
Sec. 2133.) G. L., Del., Jour., 1883, 424, 426. 

2002. Probationary Period: In Respect to Re- 
instated Member : On the query as to whether a reinstat- 
ed member has the same time to wait before he becomes bene- 
ficial as a new member ; Held, Probationary periods are such 
as the By-Laws prescribe. If the By-Laws do not fix any per- 
iod when a reinstated member shall become beneficial, he is 
beneficial immediately on reinstatement. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1883, 66, 117. 

2003. Probationary Period: In Respect to 
Benefits : Grand Lodges may prescribe probationary peri- 
ods, providing for the payment of the minimum amount. — 
Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. (See Benefits, Sec. 386.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 

2004. Probationary Period: Lodges have no 
Right to Fix, in Respect to Funeral Benefits, 

when : (See Funeral Benefits, Sec. 1169.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1373, 1428. 

2005. Probationary Period : Begins only, when 
Arrearages are paid in Full : When the By-Laws pro- 
vide that a brother cannot become beneficial until three 
months after his arrearages are paid in full, and where the 
brother pays his arrearages in installments, Held, That the 
probationary period does not begin until he has paid in full.* 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1883, 245, 333. 

2006. Probationary Period : Cannot Operate to 
Deprive Member of Minimum Benefits: The Su- 
preme Lodge, intended by its Laws, that no Lodge should 
deprive any of its members of the benefits of one dollar per 

*See title, "Benefits" for the Law in respect to the Probationary Period. 



604 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

week, in case of sickness, and twenty dollars in case of death, 
during the probationary period, but this does not apply to 
members debarred from receiving benefits on account of non- 
payment of dues.* (See ante., Sec. 2003.) 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1883, 320, 334. 

200*7. Probationary Period: Member Entitled 
to Benefits at the Expiration of: (See Benefits, Sec. 
393.) G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1876, 45, 62. 

2008. Probationary Period: In Respect to 
Benefits : Lodge Cannot Declare, when : (See Bene- 
fits, Sec. 391.) G. L., Cal., Jour., 1879, 1354, 1376, 1378. 

2009. Probationary Period : In Respect to Ben- 
efits: Subordinate Lodges may provide for, when: 

A Grand Lodge has the power to authorize a Probationary 
Period in respect to benefits.! — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. 5 Pa., Jour., 1883, 37, 70. 

2010. Probationary Period : Application of the 
Law to New Members : (See Benefits, Sec. 398.) 

G. L. s Pa., Jour., 1881, 294, 303. 

PYTHIAN JOUENALS. 

2011. Encouragement of Recommended: Re- 
solved, That we recognize the powerful aid of the press of our 
land in the building up, and maintaining our beloved Order ; 
and we recommend and enjoin in our membership, the propri- 
ety of encouraging our Pythian Journals in every legitimate 
manner. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1311 ; Jour., 1877, 1456. 

PAST OFFICEE. 

2012. Deputy of, to Fill Chair : At the opening of 
the session, the Supreme Chancellor laid down this rule: 
That the Law governing Subordinate, Grand and Supreme 
Lodges, provided that the retiring executive officer shall fill the 

*The above decision as actually reported seems to convey the impression that the 
Supreme Law requires the minimum benefits to be paid from the date of initiation, 
in case the Page should be taken sick at that time. This is not warranted by anj' 
legislation of the Supreme Lodge, and is certainly not the practice. See Pages, Es- 
quires, Dues. 

•fThere can be no serious doubt about the authority of the Grand Lodge in this re- 
spect, so far as it applies to benefits above the minimum amount. Ontario has de- 
clared against it, however, and Lodges are not permitted to prescribe probationary per- 
iods in respect to benefits. (See Benefits, Sec. 387.) 



COMMON LAW. 605 

office and chair of the Past Officer, and in case of their ab- 
sence the Junior Past Officer should fill that position.* — Rid. 
cf S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1351. 

PEE SIDING OFFICEB. 

2013. Must be an Officer of the Lodge, when : 

(See C. C, Sec. 624.) g. jj. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2003. 

2014. Presiding Officer: May Draw Orders in 
Absence of Chancellor Commander: (See Orders, 
Sec. 1757.) G. L., Maine, Jour., 1875, 57, 68. 

PUBLIC CELEBEATION. 

2015. Invitations to Declined: Resolved, That in 
all future sessions of the Supreme Lodge, any and all invita- 
tions to attend public celebrations, parades, banquets, or other 
exercises, outside the regular business of the Supreme Lodge, 
shall be peremptorily declined by the Supreme Lodge, except 
such public exercises as are fixed for the first day of the session. 

S. L. Jour., 1877,1432. 

PUBLIC DISPLAY. 

2016. In Uniform, Improper when : No Lodge or 
any member of it, has the right to appear outside of the castle 
hall in the uniform of the Order, except to attend funerals, or 
with the permission of the proper Grand officer. — Dec. of J. 
H. Drummond, G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1877, 169, 237. 

2017. Public Display: In Uniform: Dispensa- 
tion to Attend Theatre Refused : The Grand Chancel- 
lor of Maine advised his District Deputy to refuse a dispensa- 
tion, permitting a Lodge to attend a theatre, in uniform, to wit- 
ness the play of "Damon and Pythias," holding that, "too fre- 
quent appearance of our Lodges in public is an injury."* 

* * "That the Order should appear in public only on oc- 
casions when it has something pertaining to itself to do, and 

*The Supreme Chancellor made this ruling, owing to the absence of both the Past 
Supreme Chancellors, who had previously retired from office, deeming it necessary to 
have some excuse for appointing a Past Supreme Chancellor pro tempore for the ses- 
sion. The Supreme Lodge acquiesced in the ruling, but perhaps without considering 
the effect of it, as applied to Subordinate Lodges. 



606 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

possibly at some important public celebration." — J. H. Drum- 
mond, G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1877, 167, 237. 

2018. Public Display: On Horseback, Permit- 
ted : A Lodge may make a public display on horseback. — 
Dec. ofB. T. Chase, G. C G. L., Maine, Jour., 1878, 283, 343. 

PEE CAPITA TAX. 

2019. Page, and Esquire, Chargeable for, 
when : On the proposition as to whether or not, it is legal to 
charge per capita tax, for Pages and Esquires, Held, To be a 
matter for local legislation.* s. L. Jour., 1880, 2002, 2039. 

2020. Per Capita Tax : Payable on Pages and 
Esquires : Per capita tax is due and payable to the Supreme 
Lodge on every member of each Subordinate Lodge working 
under the immediate Jurisdiction thereof, and Pages and Es- 
quires are to be considered members for this purpose. — Dec. of 
J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

2021. Per Capita Tax: Not Chargeable for 
Pages and Esquires : In respect to the per capita tax 
payable by Subordinate Lodges upon its members, it was held 
that Pages and Esquires should not be counted as members. 

G. L., Col., Jour.. 1883, 150, 151. 

2022. Per Capita Tax : Chargeable only for 
Knights. A Lodge is not required to pay per capita tax on 
any one who has not received the three ranks. — Dec. of G. F. 
Taylor, G. C. G. L., Ala., Jour., 1880, 87, 220. 

2023. Per Capita Tax. Payable on Knights 
Only : Per capita tax is due the Grand Lodge on Knight 
membership only. — Dec. of H. R. Lovell, G. C. 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1881, 13, 49, 50. 

2024. Per Capita Tax : Right of Grand Lodge 
to Levy on Suspended Members : The right of a Grand 
Lodge to require the payment of per capita tax on suspended 
members was upheld on appeal. — Appeal of G. H. James, et al 
vs. G. L. of New Jersey. S. L. Jour., 1870, 180, 206. 

*As to whether Pages and Esquires should be charged dues, see Dues, Sec. 952; 
Page, Sec. 1965 ; also Exposition, title "Dues." 



COMMON LAW. 607 

2025. Per Capita Tax : Payable on Member in 
Arrears : Lodges are compelled to pay the per capita tax on 
members in arrears until they are suspended. — Dec of E. L. 
Closse, G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1882, 762, 806. 

2026. Per Capita Tax : Payable on all not Sus- 
pended : The per capita tax must be paid on all members 
who have not been suspended from the Lodge on or before the 
last meeting night in the term. — Dec. of R. B. Innes, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1871, 66, 86 t 

202? . Per Capita Tax : Payable on all Members 
not Suspended : Subordinate Lodges should pay the per 
capita tax on all members on their roll who have not been sus- 
pended.— Dec. of E. E. Bowns, G. C. 

G. L., Conn., Jour., Jan., 1872, 41, 60. 

2028. Per Capita Tax: Payable Upon Whom: 

Per capita tax is payable upon all members not actually sus- 
pended, regardless of their standing as to dues.* — Dec. of 
G. W. Herdman, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 522. 

2029. Per Capita Tax : Chargeable on Delin- 
quent Member, when: (See Delinquent, Sec. 906.) 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1876, 448. 

2030. Per Capita Tax : Payable on all Members 
Not Suspended : A Lodge is liable for the per capita tax 
on all members not suspended. — Dec. of R. B. Foss, G. C. 

G. L., N. H., Jour., 1881, 15, 31. 

2031. Per Capita Tax : Cannot be Remitted by 
a Grand Chancellor : A Grand Chancellor cannot remit 
the per capita tax and rank fees to a Subordinate Lodge. It 
is a matter that must be submitted to the Grand Lodge. — Dec. 
ofC. D. Little, G. C. G. L. Mich., Jour., 1878, 10, 38. 

2032. Per Capita Tax: Authority of a Grand 
Lodge to Levy for Buiding Purposes Sustained: 

Where a Grand Lodge adopts a resolution as follows : Resolved, 
That the levy of per capita tax, for the year 1875, shall be at 
the rate of twenty-five cents per member, semi-annually, one- 
fifth of the amount to be made a sinking fund to aid in the 

*This is now made a constitutional provision in Illinois. See Jour. 1880,572. Also 
in Nebraska. 



608 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

purpose of building of a Pythian castle, and in the event of the 
building not being commenced in five years, the amount paid 
in by each Lodge, and the interest which has accrued thereon, 
shall be returned to it. The objection to it being the reten- 
tion of one-fifth for the purpose of building a hall. On appeal 
to the Supreme Lodge, Held, That the resolution is in accord- 
ance with the Constitution of the Grand Lodge, that the appeal 
be dismissed. Joint appeal of several Lodges vs. the G. L. of 
Maryland. S, L. Jour., 1875, 1148, 1149, 

PEOXY. 

2033. Installation by, Disapproved : (See Instal- 
lation, Sees. 1415, 1416.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1139. 

2034. Proxy : Not Allowed : A resolution to amend 
the Grand Lodge By-Laws, providing for the appointment of 
substitute representative in case of the absence of the regular 
representative, was ruled out of order, on the ground that it was 
an infringement of the Supreme Law referring to proxies. — Ruh 
ofD. A. Cashman, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1872, 43. 

2035. Proxy: Installation by not Allowed: 

(See Installation, Sec. 1417.) 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1877, 217, 265. 

PUBLIC INSTALLATION. 

2036. Opening Ceremonies of the Lodge, not 
to be Used at : (See Opening Ceremonies, Sec. 1809.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2003. 

PENALTIES. 

2037. Cannot be Inflicted by Mere Resolution, 
when : Where a Subordinate Lodge sought to impose a duty 
upon the K. of R and S. and fixing a penalty for a failure to 
perform that duty, Held, Whilst it is in the province of a Lodge 
to give instructions to its officers to perform duties which are 
of a benefit to the Lodge, yet it has no right to inflict penalties 
by a simple resolution for a violation of duties prescribed by 
that resolution and originated in it. This should be engraf- 
ted in the By-Laws. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1871, 546; Jan., 1872, 31. 



COMMON LAW. 609 

POINT OF OEDEE. 

2038. Not Debatable Until Appeal From Rul- 
ing on : (See Appeal, Sec. 139.) 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1883, 664, 

PAPEES. 

2039. Belonging to the Lodge: Reading of 
May be Demanded, when : (See Evidence, Sec. 1142.) 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1874, 125, 

PHYSICIAN. 

2040. Unlawful for Lodge to Elect : On a resolu- 
tion authorizing Lodges to elect a Physician for the Lodge, 
provided he be a Knight in good standing, Held, That the re- w 

solution is contrary to Law 

G. L., Oregon, Jour., 1883, 211, 216. 

2041. Physician: For the Lodge: Need not 
be Member, when : A Lodge has the right to select its 
Physician from without, when none belongs to it. — Dec. of 
J. H.Harney, G. C. G. L., Cal., Jour., 1883, 1823, 1925. 

PAEAPHEENALIA. 

2042. May be Improvised, or Manufactured by 
a Lodge, When : (See Sub. Lodge, Sec. 2521.) 

G. L., Tenn., Jour,, 1883, 67, 96, 98. 

PEOPEETY. 

2043. Of Subordinate Lo^ge: What Can Not be 
Sold: (See Subordinate Lodge, Sec. 2515 and note.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1882, 1248. 1298. 

2044. Property : Of Subordinate Lodge : What 
Does Not Revert to Grand Lodge, on Forfeiture of 
Charter : A hall, belonging to a Subordinate Lodge, would 
not become the property of the Grand Lodge in case of sur- 
render or forfeiture of charter. — Bee of W. C. Caldwell, G.C. 
(See Exposition, title, Property.) 

G. L., Tenn., Jour., 1883, 68, 96, 98, 

39 



610 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2045. Property: Of Subordinate Lodge, Not 
Unlawful to Sell, when : A Chancellor Commander re- 
fused to entertain a motion to sell the altar and flag belonging 
to the Lodge. On appeal, Held, There is no Law against such 
a motion. — Dec. of J. W. Mavity, G. C. 

G. L„ Ky., Jour., 1876. 433, 451. 

2046. Property : Of Defunct Lodge : Members 
Have No Right to Sell : (See Defunct Lodges, Sec. 895.) 

G. L„ Ala., Jour., 1880, 143, 220, 225. 

2047. Property: Of Subordinate Lodge, Re- 
verts to Grand Lodge : When a castle hall is built out 
of the funds of a Subordinate Lodge, or by the subscription of 
its members, which subscriptions are managed and controlled 
by the Lodge, that in the event of the dissolution or suspen- 
sion of the Lodge, all such property and effects belonging to,, 
or in which the Lodge is interested, must be turned over to the 
Grand Chancellor or his deputy. — Dec. of J. B. Grayson, act. 
O. C. G. L., Ala., 1881, 16, 71. 

PEEL ATE. 

2048. Entitled to Rank of P. C., when : (See P. 

C, Sec. 1915.) S. L. Jour., 1884, 2775, 2988. 

2049. Prelate : Station of Must be Filled : It is 

imperatively necessary that the Prelate's station be filled in 
order to legally open the Lodge. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1877, 46. 

2050. Prelate: Station of Must be Filled: 
Duties of Cannot be Dispensed with : On queries 
propounded, Held, The Prelate's part in the opening ceremon- 
ies can in no case be dispensed with ; it is lawful for any of- 
ficer to fill that station when called upon by the Chancellor 
Commander, in the absence of said officer, the necessity re- 
quires such action. The officer so appointed must assume the 
Prelate's station and the regalia of that office. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1874, 101, 114. 

PAELIAMENTAEY LAW. 

2051. Minority Report of Committee is no Re- 
port : (See Report, Sec. 2105 and note.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1883, 1390, 1428. 



COMMON LAW. 611 

PSCUNIAEY BENEFITS. 

2052. Pecuniary Benefits: Term Construed; 
Right of Member to Care, During Probation : 

\Yhen the general Laws provide that, "All dues, fines and as- 
sessments must be paid on or before the last stated meeting 
of each term ; and, in default of such payment, the delinquent 
shall forfeit all pecuniary benefits for thirteen succeeding 
weeks." And where there is no other Law bearing on the 
question : Held, That a delinquent brother after paying his 
arrearages and during the thirteen weeks probation, is enti- 
tled to be nursed in sickness. That nursing a sick brother 
cannot be considered furnishing him "pecuniary benefits." It 
is simply an extention to him of that brotherly love and sym- 
pathy due to any brother, and which he does not forfeit ex- 
cept by suspension. — Dec. of W. H. Gillum, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1882, 122, 161, 163. 

PEIZES. 

2053. Offered to Stimulate an Increase of 
Membership, Disapproved : Where a Grand Chancellor 
had offered two personal prizes to the members to induce efforts 
to increase membership, Held, That the action of any Grand 
Chancellor in offering prizes to stimulate brothers in endeav- 
ors to increase our membership be not approved, believing that 
such stimulants are not in accordance with the principles of 
Pythianism, nor are they calculated to produce a healthy and 
enduring membership. G. L., Nev., Jour., 1883, 626, 682. 

QUESTIONS. 

2054. For Decision by Supreme Lodge, Submit- 
ted How: Whereas It is apparent that many trifling 
inquiries are presented -at every session of this Body, from dif- 
ferent sections, and thereby preventing its legitimate legisla- 
tion : therefore, be it Resolved, That on and after this session 
the various Jurisdictions shall present their matters of inquiry 
through the Grand Keepers of Eecords and Seal to the commit- 
tee on Law and supervision at least three weeks before the ses- 
sion of the Supreme Lodge, and all matters not presented be- 
fore the assembling of the Supreme Body shall be presented 



612 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

at once to the chairman of the committee on Law and super- 
vision, and every matter thereafter presented shall be subject 
to pass over to the subsequent session. s. L. Jour., 1873, 768. 

2055. Questions : Hypothetical : Not Answer- 
ed, when : Resolved, That neither the Supreme Chancellor, 
nor this Supreme Lodge, will hereafter receive or answer any- 
hypothetical propositions or questions, submitted to them, 
either in recess or during the session of the Supreme Lodge, ex- 
cept the same come from a Grand Lodge or a Subordinate 
Lodge under the Jurisdiction of this Supreme Lodge, and 
under the seal thereof.* g. l. Jour., 1876, 1311. 

QUOKUM. 

2056. Lodge Left Without, by Members Re- 
tiring : Effect of : If a Lodge is left without a quorum by 
reason of members retiring, the business that is before the 
Lodge cannot be finished if the question is raised that no 
quorum is present, and so determined by call of the Lodge. 
The only business or work in order, is to proceed to close ; 
but if the question is not raised, the order of business may be 
called and acted upon. t — Dec. ofD. D. G. C. G. 9 E. Allen re- 
versed. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1880, 522, 591, 599. 

2057. Quorum : Presence of Necessary to Elect 

Applicant : (See Applicant, Sec. 83.) 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1882, 12, 40. 

2058. Quorum : Persons Constituting, must be 
Members of the Lodge : On the query, as to whether a 
Lodge could open, having a quorum of Knights present, but 
who were not all members of the Lodge, Held, No Lodge can 
open without seven of its own members being present. — Dec. 
of Wm. Winder, G. C. G. L., W. Va., Jour., 1876, 8, 23, 26, 29. 

EEPEESENTATIVES. 

2059. Not Entitled to Mileage and Expenses, 

when : Resolved, That no Supreme Lodge officer or Grand 

*The Supreme Lodge has repeatedly re-affirmed this decision. The various ac- 
tions thereon will be found as follows : Jour. 1877, 1433, 1445 ; Jour. 1878, 1559, 
1561, 1605 ; Jour. 1880, 2023, 2037; Jour, 1882, 2428, 2469, 2464, 2568. 

+This is undoubtedly a wise and proper xule, and sbould be observed, when busi- 
ness affecting the Lodge is to be transacted. But it would not seem at all improper for 
a Lodge to remain in session, even without a quorum, for the purpose of giving in- 
structions or exemplifying the work. 



COMMON LAW. 613 

Eepresentative* shall receive his mileage and expenses unless 
he is present at the close of the session or is excused by the 
Supreme Chancellor. S. L. Jour., 1869, 94 

2060. Representatives : Elected to Office : Not 
Entitled to Mileage for both : Resolved, That no rep- 
sentative to this Supreme Lodge elected to office in this body 
shall receive mileage etc., for both offices. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 221. 

2061. Representatives: To Supreme Lodge: 
Certificate of, Forwarded, when: Resolved, That the 
several Grand Keepers of Eecords and Seal, be, and they are 
hereby directed to forward the certificates of the Grand Eepre- 
sentatives, and Past Grand Chancellors, to the Supreme Keeper 
of Eecords and Seal at least twenty days before the session 
of this Supreme Lodge. t S. L. Jour., 1871, 410. 

2062. Representatives : When not Entitled to 
Vote or Speak : Resolved, That Eepresentatives and Past 
Grand Chancellors from Jurisdictions which have not paid all 
dues and demands against them, shall not be entitled to vote 
or speak in this Supreme Lodge. S. I,,. Jour., 1871, 426. 

2063. Representatives Accorded Right to Speak 
and Vote, Although Grand Lodge is in Arrears: 

Where, by a lavish expenditure of money by a Grand Chancel- 
lor, the Grand Lodge is plunged into a large debt to the Su- 
preme Lodge, and where, an arrangement was affected, where- 
by the debt should be cancelled only when money for such 
supplies is realized, under such circumstances the Eepresen- 
tatives of a Grand Lodge may be allowed to speak and vote in 
the Supreme Lodge. S. L. Jour.,. 1872, 447. 

2064. Representatives: To Grand Lodge, Can- 
not be Appointed, when : (See Grand Eep. Sec. 1363.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 556. 

REPEESENTATION. 

2065. Supreme Liodg&may Determine When a 
Grand Lodge is Entitled to : The question whether any 

*Duririg the early sessions of the Supreme Lodge, Representatives from the 
Grand Lodges were sometimes termed "Grand Representatives," hence the above ex- 
pression in the text. 

tAs to forwarding Returns and Tax, see Const. Art. X, App / 



614 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Jurisdiction can obtain representation in the Supreme Lodge, 
while its representative tax is unpaid, is a matter for which the 
Supreme Lodge can determine for itself at any session.* — 
Query of S. K. of R. and S. (See ante, G. L. Sec. 1302.) 

S. L T our., 1878, 1529, 1641. 

2066. Representation: Ratio of: Construction 
of Constitution: A Jurisdiction having but 28,120 mem- 
bers is entitled to but two Supreme [Representatives.! — Case 
of Pennsylvania. S. L. Jour., 1880, 2036. 

REGALIA. 

2067. Of Supreme Lodge: In Charge of Su- 
preme Keeper of Records and Seal : It is the duty of 
the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal to take charge of the 
regalia of the Supreme Lodge. (See S. K. of E. and S., Sec 
2312.) S. L. Jour., 1869, 100, 121. 

2068. Regalia : Wearing of in Public Prohibit- 
ed : In 1872 the Supreme Lodge refused to adopt a resolution 
prohibiting the wearing of the working regalia at picnics or in 
public, holding it to be a matter for local legislation. In 1875 
the Supreme Lodge took this right away from the Grand 
Lodges by sustaining the Supreme Chancellor in his decision 
prohibiting the wearing of the regalia in public. — Dec. of S. S. 
Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1872, 619, 628. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1032, 1124. 

2069» Regalia : Must be Worn by Grand Lodge 
Officers, when : (See G. C, Sec. 1333.) 

S.L. Jour., 1872, 615, 627. 

2070. Regalia : Must be Worn by Subordinate 
Lodge Officers, when : Officers of the Subordinate Lodge 
must wear their official regalia in the Lodge room while work- 
ing, regardless of fact of being in full outside "Uniform or Pa- 
rade dress." — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 
1934.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 36. 

2071. Regalia: Of Knight: Rights of Past 
Chancellor when Clothed in; Any Knight in good 

*As to the payment of Supreme Bepresentative tax. See Supreme Lodge Consti- 
tution, Art. X, Appendix. 

tSee Sec. 1, Art. II, S. L. Const., App. 



COMMON LAW. 615 

standing having attained the rank of Pa*st Chancellor, has a 
right to take part in a debate in a Subordinate Lodge of which 
he is a member, clothed in either a Past Chancellor or 
Knight's regalia, except he hold the office of Past Chancellor, 
in which case he must wear a Past Chancellor's regalia. — Dec. 
of J. S. Farrington, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1872, 178; Jour., 1873, 218, 220. 

20T2. Regalia: Of Knight: Past Chancellor 
may Speak and Vote when Clothed in : A Lodge 
cannot refuse to allow a Past Chancellor to speak or vote, up- 
on the ground that he is clothed in the regalia of a Knight. — 
Appeal of Wm. Throckmorton, vs. Cosmopolitan Lodge of Mo. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1873, 48. 

2073. Regalia: Must be Worn, when: When 
the Lodge is at work the members must be clothed in proper 
regalia. — Dec. of S. A. Lowe, G. C. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1875, 125, 159. 

2074. Regalia : Must he Furnished by the Lodge 
for its Past Chancellor : A Lodge must furnish regalia 
to its Past Chancellors. If it has not sufficient regalia it must 
procure jewels. — Dec. ofB. W. Morris, G. C. 

G. L., Ky., Jour., 1881, 745, 809. 

2075. Regalia: Not Necessary in Lodge Room 
when Uniformed : It is not required of a Knight to wear a 
collar on entering or sitting in a Lodge when equipped in the 
full uniform of a Knight.— Dec. of W. M. Stafford, G. C. 

G. L., Texas, Jour., 1876, 32. 

2076. Regalia: Of Grand Lodge, Cannot be 
Worn in Public : On a query propounded : Held, That 
the regalia of the Grand Lodge could not be worn in a public 
parade, neither could the Grand Chancellor grant a dispensa- 
tion permitting it. — Rul. of J. Mackintosh, Act. G. C. (See 
ante, Sec. 2068.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1874, 148. 

2077. Regalia: Cannot be Worn at Funerals: 

(See Funeral, Sec. 1159.) G. L„ Ohio, Jour., 1883, 866, 928. 

E1TUAL. 

2078. Translation in all Languages, Author- 
ized : Resolved, That the committee on Unwritten Work be 



616 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

authorized to have the ritual translated in the French, Span- 
ish, Danish, Swedish, and all other languages required, and 
hand the work over to the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and 
Seal at as early a day as possible after the close of the ses- 
sion.* S. L. Jour., 1871, 379, 385. 

2079. Ritual: Memorizing of: Action of Su- 
preme Lodge in Respect to : The Supreme Lodge re- 
fused to adopt a resolution urging on all officers and members, 
the propriety and necessity, of memorizing the Kitual. 

S. L. Jour,, 1871, 401, 418. 

2080* Ritual : Lodges may Require Memoriz- 
ing : There being no general Law bearing upon the mem- 
orizing of the ritualistic charges, it rests clearly in the prov- 
ince of the Subordinate Lodge to declare in what space of 
time the officers shall, by memorizing, be able to deliver the 
same "orally." — Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 
1934.) . S. L. Jour., 1873, app., 37. 

2081. Ritual: Memorizing of Requested : Grand 
Lodges are requested to use their best efforts to procure the 
memorizing of all lectures, and charges on the part of officers 
of Subordinate Lodges. s. L. Jour., 1875, 1106, 1153. 

2082. Ritual : Price of : The price of rituals per set 
of fiYe was fixed at $2.50. g. L. Jour. 1882, 2592. 

2083. Ritual: Number Lodge is Entitled to: 

A Lodge is only entitled to one set of five rituals, and it is 
improper and illegal to furnish any one Lodge with more than 
that number. — Dee. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour 1884, 2776, 2988. 

2084. Rituals : Furnished, How : New rituals, at 
the price of $2.50 per set, can only be furnished to Grand Keep- 
ers of Eecords and Seal at the rate of five rituals per set for 
every living and working Lodge in their respective Grand Juris- 
dictions! — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

*The ritual up to date has been translated into several languages, but the above 
resolution has never been literally complied with. Translations have been author- 
ized in several instances where the expense has been provided for by the Lodges de- 
siring the translation. For legislation in respect to translation of the Ritual, see 
Journals as follows: 1868, 55 ; 1869, 107, 116; 1870, 191 ; 1871, 382, 402, 418; 
1872; 620; 1882, 2577, 2578. 

+As to the exclusive right of Supreme Lodge to furnish rituals, forms, etc.. 3ea 
Sec. 1311. 



COMMON LAW. 617 

2085. Rituals : Exchange of Old for New : Where- 
as, The Supreme Chancellor has decided that new rituals could 
only be supplied to Grand Keepers of Eecords and Seal at the 
rate of one set for every living and working Lodge, which de- 
cision entails considerable loss to Grand Lodges ; therefore, 
Resolved, That the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal be 
and is hereby instructed to furnish the several Grand Lodges 
new rituals, of the old form, at the exchange price of $2.50 per 
set. S. L. Jour., 1884, 3022. 

2086. Ritual: Language and Instructions of, 
Must be Strictly Followed : The language and instruc- 
tion of the Revised Ritual as promulgated, must be strictly fol- 
lowed in exemplifying and explaining the unwritten work. The 
Prelate, and all other officers of the Lodge, must conform to the 
language of the ritual in the opening and closing ceremonies. 
They have no right to make any interpolations or their own, 
and a Lodge is correct in preventing this. — Dec. of J, P. Lin- 
ton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2777, 2988. 

208?. Ritual : Duty of Chancellor Commander 
Concerning: That in the judgment of the committee, the 
proper place for the keeping of the Rituals and other private 
work, is in the Castle Halls of the Order : that it is the duty of 
the Lodge to provide a suitable box, or other receptacle, with a 
sufficient lock, the key of which shall be in charge and keep- 
ing of the Chancellor Commander ; and that it is hereby made 
his duty to prevent their removal from Castle Hall. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1152. 

2088. Ritual : Copying of, Prohibited : Resolved* 
That it is hereby ordered by the Supreme Lodge that all of- 
ficers and members of the Subordinate Lodges are prohibited 
from copying, in any manner, any part or parts of their sev- 
eral charges or other ritualistic ceremonies. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1106, 1134. 

2089. Ritual : German : Revision of: The Su- 
preme Chancellor was "given power to act," on the subject of 
revising"the German Ritual ; also of translating names of the 
officers into German. S. L. Jour., 1873, 707, 74L 

2090. Ritual: Revision of : Action of Supreme 
Chancellor Approved: The action of the Supreme Chan- 



818 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

cellor in appointing the committee on Unwritten Work as the 
committee on the revision of the ritual, was approved and ad- 
dopted. S. L. Jour.. 1876, 1233, 1315. 

2091. Ritual: Of Amplified Third Rank: 
Adoption of: The amplified third rank as reported by the 
committee on Unwritten Work was adopted by a vote of 29 to 
23. The adoption thereof, on a point of order raised, was rul- 
ed by the chair not to be an amendment to the Constitution. — 
Rul of C. L. Russell S. V. C. s. L. Jour., 1872, 609. 

2092. Ritual: Of Amplified Third Rank Shall 
he Memorized : (See Amplified Bank, Sec. 252.) 

S.L. Jour., 1872, 637. 

2093. Ritual: Amplified: Right of Lodge to 

use : On the query ; May a Subordinate Lodge demand the 
amplified ritual after the Grand Lodge (which is a represen- 
tative body), as declared by a majority vote that the Supreme 
Lodge shall use its discretion in permitting the use of the 
same. The Supreme Chancellor ruled, that the Subordinate 
Lodges had the unqualified right to select for themselves, ac- 
cording to the direct legislation of this Supreme Body. — Rul. 
of H. C. Berry, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1873, 718. 

2094. Ritual: Ceremonies of. Must be Observ- 
ed : (See Opening Ceremonies, Sec. 1808.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2003. 

2059. Ritual: Improper to Omit any Portion 
of, when : It is improper and illegal to omit any portion 
of the ritualistic ceremony in conferring the ranks. — Bee. of 
J. D. Roper, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 819, 899 

2096. Ritual: Of Old and New Third Rank: 
Optional with Lodge Which it Will use : It is op- 
tional with the Lodge, in conferring the Third Bank, which 
form it will use, Dec. of C. D. Lucas, G. C. (See Amplified 
Bank, Sec. 252.) G. L., Mo., Jour., 1876, 182, 218. 

2091. Ritual: Chancellor Commander has no 
Authority to Change, Alter or Omit : A Chancellor 
Commander has no right to alter, change, erase or omit inten- 
tionally, any of the ritual work in conferring the ranks, and if 



COMMON LAW. 619 

persisted in, a member should object, and appeal from the de- 
cision of the Chancellor Commander, and if the Chancellor 
Commander is sustained, appeal to the Grand Lodge. — Rep, 
of com. on S. of 0. (See Opening Ceremonies, Sec. 1810, 1811,) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1052, 1087, 1090. 

2098. Ritual: Grand Lodge Cannot Prohibit 
use of: But Subordinate Lodges may : On the re- 
commendation of the committee on state of the Order, that, 
after the close of the current term the use of the Ritual be 
prohibited, and that hereafter no officer be installed until he has 
memorized the charges, obligations, instructions, &c. Held, 
That the rituals were private property of the Subordinate 
Lodges, and their grand Lodges could not pass a Law compell- 
ing them to dispense with their use. But the Subordinate 
Lodges could by their own act, in their By-Laws, provide for 
such dispensation of the rituals, and memorizing the same. — 
Rid. of H. C. Berry, S. C, in the G. L., of Wis. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1874, 35, 37. 

2099. Ritual : Grand Chancellor, not Authoriz- 
ed to Deprive Lodges of, in Order to Induce mem- 
orizing : Under the decision of Supreme Chancellor Berry, 
(See Sec, 2080,) to the effect that Lodges may require officers 
to memorize ritual, it is not competent for a Grand Chancel- 
lor to require officers of Lodges in his Jurisdiction to memo- 
rize the ritual within a specified time after their installation, 
and after that, to deprive the Lodges of their rituals, until the 
next installation. — Rul. of H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 756. 

2100. Ritual: Duty of Lodges to Adhere to 
Strictly : (See Secret Work, Sec. 2475.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., July, 1870, 117, 140. 

EEPOKTS. 

2101. Of Supreme Chancellor and Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal, to be Printed: Re- 
solved, That the reports of the Supreme Chancellor and Su- 
preme Keeper of Eecords and Seal, be printed previous to the 
annual session. S. L. Jour., 1870, 219. 



620 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2102. Reports: Of Grand Chancellor: Right of 
Grand Lodge to Mutilate, Denied: (See. G. L., Sec. 

1293.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 185, 199. 

2103. Reports: Of Grand Keepers of Records 
and Seal: Form Prescribed: The Keports of the 
Grand Keepers of Eecords and Seal, shall be made on forms to 
be furnished by the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal. (See 
Blanks, Sec. 474.) S. L. Jour., 1873,698, 716. 

2104. Reports: Of Grand Officers: Committee 
on Distribution of may Recommend Action: (See 

Committee, Sec. 530.) G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1881, 47. 

2105. Reports: Of Minority of Committee: 
Lodge not Bound to Act on : Where a Lodge appoints 
a committee, and only a minority of the committee make a 
report, Held, That it is no report and the Lodge is not bound to 
take action upon it.* — Dec, of W. B. Trenchard, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1883, 1390, 1428. 

2106. Reports: Of Division: Must be Fur- 
nished, when : (See U. E., Sec. 2654.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 



KESOLUTIONS. 

2107. Presented in Supreme Lodge Shall be in 
Writing : (See Motions, Sec. 1598.) s. L. Jour... 1870, 224. 

2108: Resolutions: Subject Matter of to Ap- 
pear in Daily Journal: Resolved, That hereafter the 
subject matter of all resolutions shall appear in the printed 
daily journal. s S. L. Jour., 1884, 2951. 

KULES. 

2109. Of Supreme Lodge as to Resolutions: 

(See Motions, Sec. 1598.) S. L, Jour., 1870, 224. 

*This accords with the well known principle of Parliamentary Law, that a mi- 
nority report is no report, and further, that a minority report cannot be considered 
until a report from the committee has been submitted. 



COMMON LAW. 621 

EULES OF OEDEE. 

2110: The Rule in Respect to Papers and 
Documents Sent to the Committee to be Enforc- 
ed : The Supreme Chancellor announced that the rule re- 
quiring papers and documents sent to committees, to be made 
in duplicate, would be enforced hereafter.* — Rid. ofG. W, Lind- 
say, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2428. 

2111. Rules of Order: Subordinate Lodges 
have power to Adopt : Subordinate Lodges have the 
power to adopt such rules as are in conformity with the usual 
parliamentary usaget — Dec. ofH. Armstrong, G. C. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1873, 15. 

EE-ELECTION. 

2112. Of Grand Chancellor : Effect of: Where a 
Grand Chancellor is re-elected the G. V. P. (P. G. C.) holds 
over another term. — Appeal from the G. L. of Mass. (See Con- 
struction of Laws, Sec. 558, also Exposition titles, P. G. C, 
Eligibility.) S. L. Jour., 1871, 380, 392. 

2113. Re-Election: Of Grand Chancellor: Effect 

of: If the G. V. P. declines serving the second term, the 
vacancy must be filled from among the Past Grand Chancel- 
lors. — Dec. of Samuel Read, S. C. s. L. Jour., 1872, 469. 

2114. Re-Election : Of Chancellor Commander : 
Eligibility of: (See Chancellor Commander, Sec. 640.) 

G. L., Kan., Jour., Sept. 1873, 11, 31. 

EEMOVAL. 

2115. Of Officers for Cause : Right of Supreme 
Chancellor in Respect to : The right of the Supreme 
Chancellor to remove members of Supreme Lodge committees 
for cause was acknowledged. The Supreme Chancellor re- 
moved a member of the committee on unwritten work on 
account of his opposition to the 0. B. N. and authority of the 
Supreme Chancellor. S. l. Jour., 1871, 386. 

*See Rule 44 S. L. Const. 
tSonie Grand Lodges have assumed the authority to adopt Rules of Order for 
Subordinate Lodges. (N. C, Jour., 1873, 29.) This authority may well be deniei. 
Others have denied to Subordinate Lodges the right to make, alter or amend the 
Rules of Order. (N. J., Jour., 1878, 965.) 



622 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2116. Removal : Right of Grand Lodge to Re- 
move Officers Upheld : (See P. G. C., McMullan's case, 
Sec. 1874.) g. L. Jour., 1875, 1127. 

2117. Removal : Of Supreme Representative : 
Right of to a New Trial (See Sup. Kep., Sec. 2305.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1125. 

2118. Removal. From one Jurisdiction to 
Another does not Forfeit Rank: (See Bank, Sec, 
2210.) G. L., Mo., Jour., 1873, 316. 

2119. Removal: From State, does not Vacate 
Office, when : A brother who is elected Grand Bepresenta- 
tive and then removes from the state, may retain the position 
of representative. — Dec. of T, R. Hicks, G, C. (See Absence, 
Sec. 267.) G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1882, 13, 40. 

2120. Removal: For Absence: Not Permitted, 
when : A Chancellor Commander cannot be removed from 
office for absence, under a By-Law authorizing such re- 
moval, unless he had notice, and the proceedings are strictly 
legal.— Dec. of A. Meyer, G. C. (See Notice, Sec. 1712.) 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1878, 544, 576. 

2121. Removal: From Office: Right of Lodge 
to Provide for: A Subordinate Lodge has the right to 
make provisions in its By-Laws relative to the removal of offi- 
cers for continued neglect of the duties appertaining to their 
stations. — Dec. of J. B. Grayson, G. C. 

G. L., Ala., Jour., 1882, 13, 76. 

2122. Removal: Of Chancellor Commander for 
Absence : Notice and Opportunity to Plead Excuse, 
Necessary: Whereas, A Chancellor Commander was ab- 
sent for three consecutive meetings whereupon, the acting 
Chancellor Commander, without notice to the delinquent offi- 
cer to show same summarily declared the office vacant, under 
a By-Law providing that an absence for three successive meet- 
ings (unless excused by the Lodge) shall vacate an office, and 
the Lodge thereupon provided to fill the vacancy by an elec- 
tion ; Held, That the proper construction of said Law requires 
that any officer coming within its provision should be notified 



COMMON LAW. 623 

by summons to show cause or otherwise, and thus afforded an 
opportunity to present an excuse for his absence, before his office 
can be declared vacant. Where this is not done, an election 
held to fill a vacancy, thus created, is illegal and therefor void. 
— Appeal of Damon Lodge vs. D. Larke. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1882, 46, 47. 

EEINSTATEMENT. 

2123. Subordinate Lodge may be Directed to 
Reinstate Members, when: (See 0. B. N., Sec. 1762.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 427. 

2124. Reinstatement: Manner of, After In- 
definite Suspension: Any member of a Lodge in- 
definitely suspended for cause, may be reinstated in his Lodge 
on the presentation of a written application, said application 
being referred to a committee and receiving a favorable re- 
port, and by passing a regular ball ballot. — Dec. of J. P. Lin- 
ton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

2125. Reinstatement: Manner of: Local Leg- 
islation : (See Local Legislation, 1574.) 

S. L. Jour,, 1874, 902, 909. 

2126. Reinstatement: Manner of, in Lodges 
Under Control of Supreme Lodge : "A member sus- 
pended for non-payment of dues wishing to be reinstated, 
should pay the amount of one year's dues and all assessments 
charged during that year. Beyond this, it is discretionary 
with the Lodge. This decision applies only to Lodges work- 
ing ur>der the direct control of the Supreme Lodge." — Dec. of 
S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114. 

2127. Reinstatement: Action of Lodge Nec- 
essary, when: A brother Knight suspended from his 
Lodge for non-payment of dues, cannot be reinstated by sim- 
ply paying his dues up to the time of his suspension, without 
a ballot. There must be this action of the Lodge.* 

G. L., Ga.. Jour., 1874, 93, 96. 

*It was sought to overturn this rule by placing a construction upon the Consti- 
tution which would authorize suspension and reinstatements under it, without ac< 
tion of the Lodge, but this failing, the rule as above given remained in force. Jour, 
of Ga., 1875, 167.— See Exposition, titles "Suspension" and "Reinstatement" 



624 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2128. Reinstatement: What Action Neces- 
sary to Effect : The Grand Lodge of Kentucky decided on 
appeal, that a member suspended for non-payment of dues, up- 
on the payment of all arrearages stands reinstated to member- 
ship without written application or further action on his part. 
This was held, construing the the following section of the local 
Law : " Provided, however, A brother suspended for non-pay- 
ment of dues shall be reinstated by paying up all arrearages." 
Upon appeal to the Supreme Lodge, this construction of the 
Grand Lodge of Kentucky was sustained. 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 566, 567, 588. 

2129. Reinstatement: Application and Ballot 
for, not Necessary, when; On the query: "Is a mem- 
ber, suspended for cause, obliged to apply for reinstatement 
and be balloted for in open Lodge?" Held, That it was not 
necessary, in case of suspension for a definite time, if the 
brother kept his dues paid up. — Rul. of Wm. Wilson, G. C. 

G. L.. Mass., Jour., 1877, 868. 

2130. Reinstatement: Amount of Payment 

Necessary : In no case can a brother be reinstated for less* 
than one year's dues, and such sum cannot be applied to his 
credit as payment of dues in advance. It is the same as an 
initation fee. — Dec. of J. F. Spalding, G. C. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1877, 241, 297. 

2131. Reinstatement: May Occur without 
Ballot, when : On the query, to wit : When a member is 
suspended for a year, and the year has expired, how is he to be 
reinstated ? Held, The term of suspension from the Lodge is 
the punishment in the judgment or sentence of the Lodge, and 
at the expiration of that time he is entitled to admission with- 
out ballot.— Dec. ofW. B. Hoke, G. C. 

G. L., Ky., Jour., 1878, 529, 540. 

2132. Reinstatement: No Ballot Required 
for, when : A member is suspended for a definite time, is 
reinstated at the expiration of said time, without action or vote 
of the Lodge, but by virtue of the expiration of the term of 
suspension. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1873, 42, 50, 



COMMON LAW. 625 

2133. Reinstatement: After Definite Suspen- 
sion, no Action Necessary : A member suspended for a 
definite period is not required to make application and the 
payment of one year's dues for reinstatment, nor is a ballot 
necessary. He becomes reinstated at the expiration of his 
term of suspension without action. His dues should be paid 
from the time of suspension, after the expiration of his term 
of suspension he is not required to serve a probationary period 
in respect to benefits. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Del., Jour., 1883, 424, 426. 

2134. Reinstatement: After Suspension for 
Cause : Where a member has been suspended for a definite 
period, and the period has expired, Held, It is not necessary 
that he make application for reinstatement, or for the Lodge to 
take action. Having served out his sentence he regains his 
good standing, and stands on the same footing as other mem- 
bers. — Dec. of J, T. Caldwell, G. C. 

G. L., D. C, Jour., July, 1874, 646, 663. 

2135. Reinstatement: After Suspension for 
Cause no Action Necessary : Where a member has been 
suspended for a term of years, he may, at the expiration of his 
term, return to the Lodge as a member thereof, without any 
action on the part of the Lodge. The Lodge, may, however, 
begin to charge him dues the moment his term of suspension 
expires and he may thereafter be suspended for non-payment 
of dues, although he may never have returned to the Lodge 
after his suspension expired.* — Dec. of C. E. Miller, G. C. 

G. L., D C, Jour., July, 1882, 420, 442. 

2136. Reinstatement: No Formal Application 
Necessary : Where a member, absent from the Jurisdiction, 
remits through another member of the Order, a sum sufficient 
to reinstate him, and place him in good standing, and intimat- 
ing a desire to be reinstated ; Held, All the Lodge requires of 
a member wishing to be reinstated, is to remit the amount of 
money required to reinstate him, together with his address, 
and his desire to be reinstated. The Lodge should then ap- 
point a committee of investigation, and upon its report a ballot 

*This accords with the decision of Grand Chancellor Miller, to the effect that dues 
cannot be charged to a member during suspension, (See Exposition, title Dues,) and 
while it conflicts with the decisions in some other Jurisdictions, it seems to be the 
better rule. 

40 



626 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

should be taken, if favorable, he shall be considered reinstated. 
—Rep. of com. on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan. 1873, 110, 111. 

2137. Reinstatement: Occurs Without Action, 
when : If the time of the suspension of a Knight has expir- 
ed, and he has paid his dues, it does not require any action of 
the Lodge to reinstate him. g. L., Iowa, Jour., 1883, 864. 

2138. Reinstatement: Two-Thirds Vote, Nec- 
esssary to Effect, when : In the absence of any direct 
Law, usuage has made two-thirds, voting in the affirmative, 
necessary to reinstate a brother. — Dec. of J. T. Caldwell, G. C. 

G. L., D. C Jour., July 1874, 648, 663. 

2139. Reinstatement: By-Law in Force at the 
Time of Application Fixes Amount of Payment 
Necessary :■• Where a brother was suspended, at a time 
when the By-Laws fixed the amount of payment necessary to 
effect re-instatement at $5.20, before the brother applied for 
reinstatement the By-Laws had been amended, increasing the 
amount : Held, The brother must pay the increased amount 
fixed in the By-Laws in force + he time of application. — Rep. 
of com. on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 555, 588. 

2140. Reinstatement: Fees for: Amount Pre- 
scribed in By-Laws at Date of Application Gov- 
erns: Where the By-Laws of a Lodge provided that "no 
member shall be reinstated in this Lodge for a less amount 
than stands charged against him as dues on the books 
of the Master of Finance, etc., under which certain 
members were suspended ; subsequently the Law was amended 
so as to require of all members, who have stood suspended for 
over one year, the payment of one dollar additional for each 
and every year he stands suspended ; and where the members 
suspended under the old Law make application for reinstate- 
ment under the new ; Query, Under which can they be rein- 
stated ? Held, The old By-Laws became null and void on the 
adoption of the new, and those in force at the time of the appli- 
cation for reinstatement govern the case.* — Dec. of J. Mackin- 
tosh, G, C. G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 26, 77, 183. 

*This is not the rule in some Jurisdictions, but it is in analogy with the rule in 
respect to the fees for the ranks where they have been increased during the progress 
of the initiate's advancement. See Fees, Sees. 1227 to 1231. 



COMMON LAW. 627 

2141. Reinstatement; Amount of Payment 
Necessary to Effect; On the Query, to wit, "A suspend- 
ed member applies for reinstatement, will six dollars, the 
amount of one year's dues, be sufficient while our By-Laws re- 
quire three dollars to accompany the application ? or is he re- 
quired to pay nine dollars before he is reinstated ? Held, You 
have no right to demand more than the amount of one year's 
dues.* — Dec. of C. P. Vanneman, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1884, 1475, 1512. 

2142. Reinstatement: Under the Old Law, 
Amount of Payment Necessary: Where, under the 
old Law, a member six months in arrears was suspended, Held, 
That he could be reinstated by the payment of six months' 
dues, unless otherwise ordered by the Lodge. — Dec. of D. 
Gregg, G. C. G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1880, 262, 285. 

2143. Reinstatement: Amount of Payment 
Necessary: Where Lodge Fails to Suspend at 
End of Year: Where a Lodge permitted dues to be 
charged against a member beyond the time at which he should 
have been suspended, Held, That the Lodge could not exact 
from him the full amount standing against him at the time of his 
suspension, as a condition of his reinstatement ; that in ac- 
cordance with the Laws of the Supreme Lodge a member is 
only liable for the amount of dues prescribed therein. A 
suspended member cannot be held responsible for the omis- 
sion on the part of the Lodge to suspend him at the time 
prescribed by the Constitution. — Dec. of R, Goodhart, G. G. 

G. L., D. 0., Jour., Jan., 1872, 382, 414. 

2144. Reinstatement: Amount to be Charged 

for : If a Lodge fails to suspend a member when twelve 
months in arrears, it cannot, because of its failure to comply 
with the Law, charge more than twelve month's dues to an ap- 
plicant for reinstatement. — Dec. of D. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 

2 1 45. Reinstatement : What Payments Requi- 
site : A member suspended for non-payment of dues, must 
pay the one year's dues for which he was suspended, and all 

*The G. L. refused to approve this decision, presumably on the ground that it 
vitiated a By-Law requiring an applicant to pay three dollars for the privilege of 
making an application. The decision, however, seems to be in accord with the policy 
of our Laws and a majority of the decisions. 



628 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

other indebtedness on the books against him at the time of his 
suspension. — Dec. of J. J. Scott. G. C. 

G. L., La„ Jour., 1881, 38, 101. 

2146. Reinstatement : Amount a Lodge May 
Demand on : It being the duty of a Lodge to suspend a 
member who is twelve months in arrears, it is not authorized, 
should it allow the time to pass, to demand — on an applica- 
tion for reinstatement — any more than the sum of twelve 
months dues. — Dec. of W. A. Schmitt, G. C. 

G. L., Ill,, Jour., 1879, 390, 448. 

2147. Reinstatement : Right of Lodge to Pro- 
vide for in By-Laws : The Supreme Lodge refused to an- 
swer the following query, holding it to be a subject for local 
legislation : "Is it not lawful for a Subordinate Lodge, with the 
approval of the Grand Lodge, and Grand Chancellor, to pre- 
scribe in its By-Laws that a member suspended for other rea- 
sons than nonpayment of dues, and desiring reinstatement, 
shall not be admitted except upon application and ballot, the 
same as application for initiation, on payment of the amount 
standing against him at the time of suspension; also that 
such member so reinstated shall not become beneficial for six 
months after restoration." S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300 

2148. Reinstatement : Subordinate Lodge : 
May be required to Comply With Certain Terms 
and Conditions : Where a Lodge was suspended for refus- 
ing to comply with the terms of the 0. B. N., the Grand Chan- 
cellor proposed the terms upon which the Lodge could be rein- 
stated, upon appeal it was Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of 
New Jersey shall propose to Nonpareil Lodge, No. 11, the fol- 
lowing conditions of reinstatement ; 1st. That said Lodge, as 
existing on the 28th day of May, 1870, shall be recognized as 
the Lodge to be reinstated when such members, and said Lodge 
shall fully comply with the Law of the O. B. N.. as now in 
force, and shall make payment in full of its indebtedness to the 
Grand Lodge at time of suspension. 2d., That all persons init- 
iated during the suspension of said Lodge, may be received as 
members, by each being obligated in each degree, after said 
Lodge has been duly reinstated. (Appeal of Nonpareil Lodge 
vs. G. L. New Jersey.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 608. 



COMMON LAW. 629 

2149. Reinstatement. Dues Paid on, Returned 
in Case of Rejection or Death of Applicant : In 

case an applicant for reinstatement is rejected, the amount of 
dues paid on his application shall be returned, as also in case 
he should die wLile his application is pending and before he is 
restored to membership. — Rep. of com. on state of Order. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 68. 

2150. Reinstatement : Dnes Paid on to be Re- 
turned, when : Dues paid on an application for reinstate- 
ment should be returned to a brother in case of an unfavor- 
able ballot, The payment, being conditional, it should be re- 
turned unless reinstatement follows. — Dec. of S. J. Willet, G. 
C. Reversed by com. G. L., Ill,, Jour., 1876, 28, 82. 

2151. Reinstatement: Mnst Occnr Before 
Card can be Granted, when : A member suspended for 
non-payment of dues must first make his application to his 
Lodge for reinstatement before a card can be issued to him. — 
Dec. of A. Meyer, G. G. G. L«, Neb., Jour., 1878, 548, 576. 

2152. Reinstatement: Ballot on, Cannot be 
Reconsidered : Membership Begins on Announce- 
ment of Result : There is no Law that will sustain a Lodge 
in reconsidering a vote by which an applicant for reinstate- 
ment was declared elected, The applicant becomes a member 
of the Lodge with ail its rights and privileges, and there is no 
Law requiring an applicant for reinstatement to be introduced 
into his Lodge before becoming a member, but he becomes a 
member immediately upon the announcement of the Chancel- 
lor Commander declaring him elected. — Appeal of J. A. Bar- 
nett vs. Stoddard Lodge. (See Membership, Sec. 1639, 1640.) 

G. D., Md., Jour., 1883, 237, 238. 

2153. Reinstatement: Of Members Over Age: 

A Lodge can reinstate a suspended member for non-payment 
of dues, who is over fifty years of age without asking a dispen- 
sation. — Dec. of J, J. Cooper, G. C. (See Admission, Sec. 216.) 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1881, 453, 485. 

2154. Reinstatement : Lie^al Requirements of, 
Cannot be Waived by Resolution : Where the Consti- 
tutions and the Laws, prescribe the qualifications for reinstate- 



630 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

merit, they cannot be annulled or changed by motion. A Lodge 
has no right to donate a portion of the dues for which a mem- 
ber was suspended, and to reinstate him for a less sum than 
prescribed by Law. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., July 1873, 565. 
App., Feb. 1874,738. 

2155. Reinstatement ; Ballot on : Duty of Chan- 
cellor in Announcement of: too Late to Reconsid- 
er, when : Where, upon an application for reinstatement, 
the applicant was declared duly elected, and no objection was 
made to the announcement, until the next meeting, when the 
brother applying for admission was denied, upon several mem- 
bers stating that they had voted blackballs ; Query, ' 'Can they 
investigate a secret ballot, or can they appeal from the decis- 
ion of the Vice Chancellor and Chancellor Commander in a se- 
cret ballot?" 

''Does the Law compel the Chancellor Commander to state 
the number of balls, white and black, cast?" Held, The elec- 
tion of a candidate having been duly declared by the Chancel- 
lor Commander without any apparent objection at the time, it 
was too late, at a subsequent meeting, to appeal from the decis- 
ion of the Chancellor Commander, upon the fact of election. 
The Chancellor Commander should state the number of white 
and black balls in the ballot, if asked. A Lodge may investi- 
gate the number of balls, black and white, in a ballot, but can- 
not inquire who cast them.— Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 536, 574. 

2156. Reinstatement: Of Applicant Over Age: 
Lodge has no Right to Refuse, when: Where a mem- 
ber has been suspended for non-payment of dues, and subse- 
quently makes application for reinstatement, when it is dis- 
covered that he is over fifty years of age, whereupon, the Chan- 
cellor Commander refuses to order a ballot and reinstate the 
member ; Held, The Lodge has no right to refuse to ballot on 
the application on the sole ground that the applicant is over 
age. — Appeal of A. Lynch, vs. Mt. Vernon Lodge. 

G. L., D. C, Jour., 1879, 201, 202. 

2157. Reinstatement. Of Suspended Member, 
Must be Effected in his own Lodge, when: A sus- 
pended member desiring to reconnect himself with the Order, in 



COMMON LAW. 631 

a Jurisdiction other than his own, must first be reinstated in his 
own Lodge, then obtain a withdrawal card which he may de- 
posit.— Dec. of S. D. Young, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1876, 734, 799. 

2158. Reinstatement: After Suspension for 
Refusing to take O. B. N. may be Effected, how : 

Where a member was suspended, for refusing to subscribe to 
the 0. B. N. may now be reinstated upon the payment of all 
dues and assessments charged against him at the time of his 
suspension — Dec. of W. T. Baily, G. C. 

G. L., D. 0., Jour., 1878, 153, 170, 173. 

2159. Reinstatement: Right ot Brother to, 
after Consolidation of his Lodge with Another : 

Where a member is suspended for non-payment of dues, and 
during his suspension his Lodge is consolidated with another 
Lodge, Held, The member cannot claim reinstatement in the 
consolidated Lodge, for the reason that he was never a mem- 
ber thereof. His course is to obtain a card from the Grand 
Lodge which he may deposit in any Subordinate Lodge under 
the laws.— Dec. of W. T. Baily, G. C. 

G. L., D. 0., Jour., 1878, 152, 170, 173. 

2160. Reinstatement: Presence of Member 
not Necessary : Dues Become Chargeable, when : 

It is not necessary for a member on being reinstated to present 
himself to the Lodge. His dues begin to accrue when he is re- 
instated. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Pa., Jour., 1882, 530, 570. 

2161. Reinstatement: Of Member, who Be- 
comes Maimed During Suspension: A Subordinate 
Lodge cannot reinstate a suspended brother who has become 
maimed subsequent to his suspension, except upon a dispen- 
sation from the Grand Lodge or Grand Chancellor — Dec. of 
D. McClure, G. C. G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1017, 1073, 1085. 

2162. Reinstatement : Of Members in Endow- 
ment Rank : Manner of: (See Endowment Eank, Sec. 
1118.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2479, 2487. 

2163. Reinstatement: Of Members in Endow- 
ment Rank over Fifty Years of Age : (See Endowment 
Rank, Sec, 1119.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 



632 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2164. Reinstatement: Of Section of Endow- 
ment Rank: Manner of: (See E. K. Sec. 1113.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2293, 2480, 2491. 

2165. Reinstatement: In Endowment Rank, 
Cannot be had After Expiration of Card : : Where a 
member of a defunct section took a clearance card good for 
six months, and who was afterwards suspended for non-pay. 
ment of assessments, and applied for reinstatement after the 
expiration of his card. Held, That the brother is not entitled 
to reinstatement after the expiration of his card. — Dec. of J. 
P. Linton, S. C. S. L.Jour., 1884, 2789, 3052. 

2166. Reinstatement : Necessary Before Joining* 

Annother Class in Endowment Rank: Where a 

member of but one class in the Endowment Bank has been 

suspended for non-payment of assessment, it is necessary that 

he be reinstated in said class in order to connect himself with 

other classes. — Rep. of com. on E. R. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2958, 2959. 

2167. Reinstatement: In Division, Manner, 
and Conditions of: A Sir Knight suspended from his di- 
vision for non-payment of dues, can be reinstated in his divis- 
ion by passing a fair ballot, and paying the amount fixed by 
the By-Laws of the division, provided he produce an official 
receipt showing he is in good standing in his Lodge. — Dec. of 
J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

2168. Reinstatement : In Uniform Rank : Rule 

Concerning : A member of a divison suspended for a defi- 
nite time, at the expiration of that time may regain his mem- 
bership without a ballot, provided he pays all his arrearages. 
— Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

2169. Reinstatement: Membership Dates From, 
when : (See Membership, Sec. 1639, and ante, Sec. 2152.) 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1877, 241, 397. 

BELIEF. 

2170. General Bnrean of: For States: (See 

Local Legislation, Sec. 1567.) s. L. Jour., 1873, 688, 722. 



COMMON LAW. 633 

2171. Relief: For Lodges Suffering: from Mis- 
fortune : (See Eelief Fund, Sec. 2186.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1501, 1624. 

2172. Relief: Furnished to Members of the 
Order : Their Lodge Liable for, when : (See Bene- 
fits, Sec. 471.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1989, 2005, 2009. 

2 1 13. Relief: Liability of Lodge for when Fur- 
nished to its Members : A Lodge is liable for expenses 
incurred by another Lodge, for the care of a sick brother.* — 
Dec. of Geo. A. Steere, G. C. G. L., K. I., Jour., 1882, 9, 29. 

2174. Relief; Furnished to Members out of 
the Jurisdiction : Liability of Lodge for : Where 
a Lodge's By-Laws provide for nursing the sick and there is no 
restriction as to residence, Held, That the Lodge must pay for 
nurse hire for one of its members taken sick out of the Juris- 
diction. — Dec. of H. Wellenvoss, G. C, on appeal of Lambert 
vs. Clay Lodge. G. L., Ky., Jour., 1877, 471, 510. 

2175. Relief: Extent of Lodge's Liability 
for to its Members : A Lodge's By-Laws should provide 
a stated sum for sick and funeral benefits. Aside from this, and 
in the absence of any Law, it becomes a matter of option on the 
part of the Lodge based on the worthiness of the recipient, and 
the condition of the Lodge's finance. — Dec. of C. A. Mack.G.C. 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1882, 7, 50. 

2176. Relief: Member Asking, Under his 
Shield, must be in Possession of Semi-Annual 
Pass Word : When a member who holds a traveling shield 
goes into another Jurisdiction and there becomes disabled, it 
is necessary for him in making application for benefits to be 
in possession of the S. A. P. W., or an order for the same. — 
Dec. ofE. L. Closse, G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1882, 763, 806. 

2 ITT- Relief: Maybe Furnished to a Member 
of a Suspended Jurisdiction, when : Although a Lodge 
may not communicate the S. A. P. W. to a member of a sus- 
pended Jurisdiction, even though he may have a properly at- 
tested certificate of his good standing, etc. Yet if such a mem- 

*Thisis true when the expenses incurred come within the rule laid down hy the 
Supreme Lodge. See ante, Sec, 471. 



634 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ber is sick and in need of relief, he has claims upon us as a 
Knight independent of Jurisdiction, and as such, is entitled to 
relief and assistance. — Dec. of E. B. Rice, G. C. 

G. L., Del.. Jour., 1873, 85, 91, 92. 

2 1 78. Relief : A Lodge May Grant to a Suspend- 
ed Member when : Where, upon a proposition to relieve a 
member who was suspended for non-payment of dues, an ap- 
peal was taken on the broad ground that "A Lodge has no 
right to bestow charity on a suspended member of the Order ;" 
Held, That a Lodge may relieve such a member ; That the 
position of the appellant is not tenable. — Dec. of S. L. Terry, 
G. C, on appeal of H. A. Holland vs. Live Oak Lodge. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1881, 1539 1587, 1588. 

2179. Relief: Issue of Circulars for, Prohibit- 
ed : (See Circulars, Sec. 723.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 3044. 

BELIEF COMMITTEE. 

2180. Rules and Regulations Concerning : Mat- 
ter for Local Legislation : The Grand Lodge of Ohio 
presented to the Supreme Lodge for adoption, a set of rules 
with the following title: ''Rules and Regulations for the 
Creation, Guidance and Protection of Relief Committees." 
Pending discussion a point of order was raised that the matter 
is strictly under the control of the Grand Lodge of Ohio be- 
ing a matter for local legislation ; and it was so held. — Rid. of 
S. Reed, S.. G. (See Benefits, Sec. 376 ; Dues, Sec. 908 and 
note.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 535, 578. 

2181. Relief Committee: Request to Grand 
Lodges Concerning: On the resolution: "Resolved, 
That a relief committee shall be established in all cities and 
towns having two or more subordinate Lodges, for the purpose 
of relieving transient brothers in distress." The committee on 
the state of the Order report that the several Grand Jurisdic- 
tions be requested to consider the subject and take such steps 
toward carrying out the proposed relief system as in their 
judgment may be deemed consistent and practicable. 

S. L., Jour., 1875, 1134, 1142. 

2182. Relief Committee : Subordinate Lodges 
Must Define and Regulate Duties of: It is a matter 



COMMON LAW. 635 

entirely within the power of the Subordinate Lodges to fix the 
number, qualifications and duties of the relief committee. The 
By-Laws of the Lodge should be explicit on this point, and 
strictly adhered to. — Dec. of H. Lemmermann, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1879, 19, 59, 61. 

2183. Relief Committee : Duty of in Reporting 
Members Entitled to Benefits : It is the duty of the 
relief committee to visit the sick and report at any stated meet- 
ing the condition of those under their care, also who are, and 
who are not entitled to benefits. It is then the duty of the 
Lodge to act on the report and to say whether the brothers are 
entitled to benefits by being in good standing. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876, 473, 484. 

2184. Relief Committee: Report to by Sick 
Brother, is Same as Report to Lodge : It is the same 
to report to the relief committee, as it would be to the Lodge, 
as they are officers of the Lodge, specifically charged with that 
special duty during the recess of the Lodge. — Rep. of com. on 
Laiv. G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1872, 389. 

BELIEF FUND. 

2185. Compulsory Assessments for, Not Ap- 
proved : (See Funeral Benefits, Sec. 1185.) 

S. L., Jour., 1876, 1288. 

2186. Relief Fund : Creation of, by Supreme 
Lodge Refused : The Supreme Lodge refused to concur in 
the recommendation of the Supreme Chancellor to take steps 
looking to the establishment of a relief fund for Lodges suffer- 
ing from unavoidable misfortune. — Recom. ofS. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1501, 1624. 

EELIEF MEASURES. 

2187. Recommendation of Supreme Chancellor 
Concerning : (See Fees, Sec. 1237.) 

S. L., Jour., 1876, 1229, 1286. 

KESIGNATION. 

2188. From the Order : A member cannot resign his 
membership as a Knight of Pythias — Dec. of W. R. McCor- 
mick, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1883, 977. 



636 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2189. Resignation: From the Order, Not Per- 
mitted : A member duly qualified must, on application, have 
a withdrawal-card granted him, which severs his connection 
with the Lodge, whether taken or not, but a Lodge cannot re- 
ceive a resignation from the Order. — Dec. of P. Loivry, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1870, 536, 576. 

2190. Resignation: Of Chancellor Commander 
During Term Permitted : (See C. C, Sec. 648.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 564, 585. 

2191. Resignation : Of Subordinate Lodge Offi- 
cer : Lodge Has No Right to Request : Where a Lodge 
passed a resolution requesting an officer to resign for a sup- 
posed infraction of the Law : Held, A Lodge has no right to 
adopt a resolution to that effect. Should an officer not attend 
to his duty, charges may be preferred against him. — Rep. of 
com. on Laiv. G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876, 476, 484. 

2 1 92. Resignation : Should be Accepted by the 
Lodge When Tendered: Chancellor Commander 
has no Authority to : The Chancellor Commander can- 
not accept the resignation of an officer, it can only be accepted 
by a vote of the Lodge. The Lodge cannot compel an officer 
to serve, and therefore when the resignation is tendered it 
should be accepted if the brother insists upon it. — Dec. oj T, 
G. Sample, G. C. G,L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 28, 176. 

2193. Resignation: May be Tendered Orally: 

When an officer is present in the Lodge, a-id tenders his resig- 
nation, it is not necessary that it should be submitted in writ- 
ing,— Dec. of J. M. Price, G. C. G.L., Kan., Jour., 1879, 7, 34. 

EETIKING FKOM LODGE. 

2194. Officer or Member Need Not Give Sign, 
when: Any officer or member retiring from the Lodge 
under "an order," from the Chancellor Commander, or enter- 
ing it again, after having performed the duty for which being 
sent out of the Lodge, is not required to give the sign on retir- 
ing or entering, but must "work" his way through the door.* — 
Dec. of H. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 1934; See 
Entering Lodge, Sec 1139.) s. L. Jour., 1873, app. 38. 

*Kentucky and Maine have followed this decision. Jour., of Kv., 1870, 10. 42; 
Jour., Me., 1878, 283, 343. 



COMMON LAW. 637 

2195. Retiring from Lodge: Right of Chan- 
cellor Commander to Prevent : The Chancellor Com- 
mander has the right to prevent members from leaving the 
Lodge, if it is likely to leave the Lodge without a quorum. — 
Dec. of G. W. Lindsay, G. C. G. L., Md., Jour., 1874, 153,195. 

2196. Retiring from Lodge: Not Permitted, 
when : No one can be admitted or allowed to retire while 
working in any of the ranks, except between the several sec- 
tions of the same by the permission of the Chancellor Com- 
mander. Neither can a brother retire while the Lodge is at 
ease, it must be called to order to be able to permit any 
brother to retire from the same. — Dec. of H. Lemmermann. G. 
C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1879, 17, 59, 61. 

2197. Retiring from Lodge : Prohibited, when : 

No member is allowed to enter or retire from the Lodge room 
during a recess, or during initiation. — Dec. of E. W. Scott,G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 449, 547. 

KEJECTION. 

2198. Wha*t Amonnts to: Construction of 
Term : Query: "Does not the dropping of a name from the 
list of applicants for dispensation, by ballot by all the appli- 
cants, amount to a rejection of the name so dropped?" Answer. 
It virtually has that effect among those who are interested at 
the time, yet does not estop the party whose name has been 
"dropped" from applying in a regular way and taking the 
chances of legal ballot when, or after, the Lodge is legally insti- 
tuted. Neither does the "dropping" of the name in the first 
instance constitute him a blackballed or rejected party, or pre- 
vent him from applying to that, or any other Lodge of the Or- 
der, in a regular way, under the local Laws of the Jurisdiction 
or territory where residing.— Dec. ofH. C. Berry, S. C. (See 
Note to Sec. 1934.) S. l. Jour., 1873, app. 40. 

2199. Rejection: Of Page or Esquire: Re- 
newal of Application : (See Ballot, Sec. 311.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114. 

2200. Rejection: Of a Person Prevents his 
Becoming a Charter Member, when. (See Charter 
Member, Sec. 579.) G. L., Miss., Jour., 1880, 89. 



638 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2201. Rejection: Of an Applicant: May Apply 
to Another Lodge, when : (See Applicant, Sec. 48.) 

G. L., Miss., Jour., 1880, 90. 

2202. Rejection : Of Candidate after Election : 

An applicant for membership having been elected to receive 
the Page rank, but is found unworthy before instruction there- 
in, may be rejected by a majority vote. — Dec. of J. H. Lumsden, 
G. C, as modified by committee.* 

G. L., Ontario, Jour., 1881, 7, 18, 25. 

2203. Rejection: For Advancement: Notifi- 
cation to Sister Lodges Unnecessary: The K. of 

E. and S. need not notify sister Lodges when an applicant is 
rejected for advancement, but must notify the applicant and 
return tke fee. — Dec. of. J. S. Davidson, G. C. 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1874, 81, 95. 

2204. Rejection : On Deposit of Card : Law as to 
Making new Application : When a member of the Or- 
der deposits his card and is rejected ; in the absence of any 
positive Law, defining the time within which a new applica- 
tion can be made, the Law governing application for initiation 
would govern the case. G. L., Ga., Jour., 1875, 164, 166, 171. 

2205. Rejection : Of Applicant Over Age : Dis- 
pensation : Fee to be Returned : (See Dispensation, 
Sec. 839.) G. L., N. C, Jour., 1882, 8, 9, 32. 

BAFFLES. 

2206. In the Name of the Order, Prohibited : 

Resolved, That no Grand Lodge, nor Subordinate Lodge of 
this Order, nor any individual member of any Lodge, shall, in 
the name of the Order, resort to, institute, or promote any 
scheme of raffles, lotteries, gift enterprises, or schemes of chance 
of any kind. Any Grand Lodge violating this rule, shall for- 
feit its charter to the Supreme Lodge. Any Subordinate 
Lodge violating this rule, shall forfeit its charter to its Grand 

*The G. C. was asked whether a Lodge could reconsider a ballot electing an ap- 
plicant to membership, if before his initiation he was found to be unworthy, which he 
answered in the negative, but held that th Lodge could, by majority vote, reject the 
applicant, and thus prevent his taking the rank. The G. L. confirming this decision 
instructed the committee to report a resolution covering the point, which was so re- 
perted as above given. Some Jurisdictions require charges to be preferred against 
an elected applicant who may be found unworthy, but this rule of Ontario seems to 
the more reasonable. 



COMMON LAW. 639 

Lodge. Any individual member of any Lodge who shall vio- 
late this rule, shall be suspended from the Order. 

S. L. Jour., 1876. 1264, 1299. 

2207. Raffles: Resolution of Supreme Lodge 
Concerning: Intention of: The resolution of the Su- 
preme Lodge relating to "raffles, lotteries, gift enterprises, or 
schemes of chance," was not intended to prevent the hold- 
ing of a legitimate fair, gotten up to benefit the Lodge and the 
Order.— Dec. of Wm, Wilson, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1877, 833, 865, 868. 

BANK. 

2208. Term Adopted in lieu of Degree : Resolved, 
That the word "degree" and "degrees" be stricken out where- 
ever appearing in the Eitual, Laws, Installations, or Odes, or 
when used in connection with the Order of Knights of Pythias, 
or its legislation and workings, and the word Rank be inserted 
in lieu thereof. S. L. Jour., 1872, 561, 598. 

2209. Rank: Rights of Members not Clothed 
in Regalia of: (See Eegalia, Sees. 2071, 2072.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1872, 178. 
G. L., Mo., Jour., 1873, 48. 

2210. Rank: In Order not Forfeited, when: 

A brother removing from one Jurisdiction to another does not 
lose his rank. — Dec. of R. E. Cowan, G. C. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1878, 316. 

221 1. Rank : Members to be Designated by the 
Highest Attained : The members of this Order shall be 
known and designated by the highest rank they have attained, 
or the official position which they occupy. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1869, 25. 

RANKS, 

2212. Conferred in Another Jurisdiction, when : 

(See Page, Sec. 1968.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114. 

2213. Ranks: Conferring of, After Lapse of 
Three Years : On the Query, "An applicant who has been 
elected and taken the Page rank, and then refuses to go fur- 



640 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ther, but after a lapse of three year applies for the Esquire's 
and Knight's ranks, can the Lodge confer them without a new 
application and election for the same ?" The committee re- 
port that it does not contain matter necessary to be considered 
by this Supreme Lodge.* s. L. Jour., 1876, 1265, 1300. 

2214. Ranks : Conferred on Page, After Lapse 
of Years, and. who is Over Age : Where a Page neglects 
for nine years to apply for advancement, at which time he is 
over forty years of age, Held, That the remaining ranks could 
be conferred upon such Page. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1884,, 2079, 2084. 

2215. Ranks: Conferring of Legal, when: The 

Chancellor Commander may call any duly qualified member 
of the Order to the chair, when conferring the ranks. — Dec. of 
D. B. Woodruff, S. C. (See C. C, Sec. 624; Business, Sec. 
505.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2003. 

2216. Ranks: Lodge may Refuse to Confer, 
when: (See Applicant, Sec. 64.) s. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, nu. 

22 1 7. Ranks : Fees for : Right of Grand Lodge 
to Regulate by Resolution, Notwithstanding Con- 
stitution : — Appeal of G. W. Lindsay vs. G. L. of Md. (See 
Appeals, Sec. 149.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 205, 206. 

2218. Ranks : Ballot for, Necessary, what Balls 
Shall Reject: (See Ballot, Sec. 355.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1379, 1428. 

2219. Ranks : Special Authority to the Grand 
Lodge of Indiana to Authorize the Conferring of : 

(See Dispensation. Sec. 824, and note.) s. L. Jour., 1872, 595. 

2220. Ranks: Cannot he Conferred without 
Payment of Fee : The ranks can be conferred upon no 
one unless the prescribed fee for the same is paid. — Dec. of B. 
T. Chase, G. C. (See Fees, Sees. 1227 to 1231 ; Applicants, 
Sec. 90.) G. L., Maine, Jour., 1878, 283, 343. 

2221. Ranks: Conferring of: No Portion of 
Work to be Omitted : (See Kitual, Sec. 2095.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 819, 899. 

♦This evidently means that it is a subject for local legislation. 



COMMON LAW. 641 

2222. Ranks: Lodges Cannot Limit the Time 
in which Pages and Esquires Must Apply for : A 

Lodge cannot provide in its By-Laws, that a Page or Esquire 
must apply for advancement in the ranks within a limited 
time, and forfeit the amount paid for the rank, if failing to ap- 
pear within that time.* — Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 820, 899. 

2223. Ranks: Petitition for shall be Balloted 

on : All petitions for any rank shall be balloted on. — Dec. of 
S. J. Willett, G. C. G. L., 111.. Jour.. 1877, 160, 199. 

2224. Ranks : Applicant may be Debarred the 
Right to, when : (See Applicant, Sec. 62.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1871, 42. 

2225. Ranks: Conferring of, on Applicants, 
who had Received them Before, Unlawful : Upon 
a statement of the facts of an actual occurence it was Held, 
That the Chancellor Commander and D. D. G. C, by allowing 
one who had hitherto become a member of a Lodge, and been 
duly initiated, proved and charged, to again apply for mem- 
bership in their Lodge and thereupon again confer the ranks 
upon him, did act in direct violation of all Law, and should be 
severely censured, and such proceeding is irregular, unlawful, 
and censurable. G. L., Oregon, Jour., 1883, 218, 230. 

2226. Ranks : Dispensation Necessary to Con- 
fer, when : (See Dispensation, Sec. 833.) 

G. L., Ala., Jour., 1878, 311, 382. 

2227. Ranks: Conferred on Applicant of a 
Sister Lodge without Charge: Where the Grand 
Chancellor decided that a Lodge conferring ranks upon Pages 
and Esquires of another Lodge, at the request of such Lodge, 
and may charge the Lodge the customary rank fees, Held, 
That to charge a sister Lodge for conferring a rank on one of 
its applicants, would be a gross violation of Pythian courtesy. 
Decision reversed. — Dec.ofMaxJ. Alivens, G. C. 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1884, 9, 35. 

*See Expo., title "Suspension." 

41 



642 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2228. Ranks : May be conferred without Dis- 
pensation on Applicant beyond Limit of Age 
when : (See Applicant, Sec. 73.) 

G. L., Ind M Jour., 1883, 49, 50. 

2229. Ranks : Must be Applied for Separately : 

On the Query, "Does it require a separate application for each 
rank, as a candidate is advanced, or does one application cover 
all three ranks?" Held, That each rank must be applied for 
separately. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Iiid., Jour., July, 1875, 215, 218. 

2230. Ranks : Conferred on Request by another 
Lodge : Transfer of Membership is by Card : Where 
an applicant is elected to membership but before ranks are con- 
ferred, removes from the jurisdiction of the Lodge ; Held, He 
may have the ranks conferred by another Lodge on request of 
the Lodge electing him, and when they are so conferred, he is 
a member in good standing of the Lodge in which he was 
elected. A transfer of membership in then effected by with- 
drawal-card. — Dee. of C. P. Vanneman, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1884, 1875, 1512. 

2231. Ranks : Authority of a Lodge to Confer 
Restricted, when : No Lodge has authority to confer the 
Esquire's or Knight's ranks upon any person except a member 
of the Lodge unless the same is done as an act of courtesy to a 
sister Lodge, upon its request or by order of the G. C. for the 
purpose of extending a knowlege of the Order.* — Dec. of S. P. 
Oyler, G. C. G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1874, 159, 174. 

2232. Ranks: Conferring Same on Minor Le- 
galized : (See Curative Legislation, Sec. 733.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 191, 192. 

2233. Ranks : Authority of Supreme Chancel- 
lor to Confer at Sight : (See Degrees, Sec. 817.) 

S. L. Jour., 1869, 69, 108. 

2234. Ranks: Fees for: Applicant Shall Pay 
Increased Amount, when: (See Fees, Sec. 1227, and 
note.) G. L„ W. Va., Jour., 1881, 8, 31. 

♦There was a practice indulged in to some extent, in at least one Jurisdiction, in 
the early years, of inviting strangers to take the ranks, without joining the Lodge. 
This was done for the purpose of ''extending a knoivledge of the Order." These 
"strangers" were imbued with the spirit of Pythianism and then sent forth, like the 
apostles of old, to proclaim the glad tidings. Fortunately the practice never became 
very general. 



COMMON LAW. 643 

2235. Ranks: Time to Elapse Between the 
Conferring of: Constitutional Law : The Supreme 
Lodge Constitution is necessarily, and by direct enactment 
(Art. XIII, S. L. Const.) the paramount authority of the 
Order, hence, in all cases (except the first four meetings of a 
Lodge, or when a Lodge is working under a dispensation) one 
week must elapse between the conferring of ranks, (Art. VIII, 
Sec. 2, S. L. Const.) any provision in a Grand Lodge Consti- 
tution conflicting with this is void, (Art. VIII, S. L., Const.) 
and if such Constitution containing such a provision was in- 
advertently approved by a Supreme Chancellor, it must still be 
construed in subordination to the Supreme Lodge Law. — Dec. 
of J. P. Linton, S. C S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

BANK CREDENTIAL. 

2236* Must be Presented when : Contents of : 

(See P. C. 1934.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 36. 

BANK TAX. 

2^31'. Lodges Chargeable for on Charter Mem- 
bers : Where a Subordinate Lodge Constitution required the 
payment of a "rank tax" for all ranks conferred it was held, 
on appeal to the Supreme Lodge, that this included the rank 
conferred on the charter members of a new Lodge, and that the 
Lodge was chargeable therewith. — Appeal of the G. L. of Neb. 
vs. the decision of S. C, Davis. s. L., Jour., 1877, 1406, 1438. 

2238. Rank Tax : Chargeable to Lodges under 
Dispensation : The rank tax charged to Lodges on Pages 
initiated, applies to all Lodges, whether working under dis- 
pensation or charter. — Dec. of A. Brandt, G. C. 

G. L., Ga„ Jour., 1881, 325, 343. 

BECONSIDEBATION. 

2239. Of Ballot: Rejecting Esquire, Cannot 
be Had: (See Ballott, Sec. 308.) 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1879, 14, 15, 48. 

2240. Reconsideration : Of Ballot May be Had 
to Correct Mistake : A ballot cannot be reconsidered, 



644 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

but if a member states that he east a black ball by mistake, 
another ballot may be had at once. — Dec. of W. H. Rudolph, 
G. C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1880, 79, 80, 127. 

2241: Reconsideration: Of Vote Granting 
withdrawal-card : Cannot be Had : (See W. C, 2782.) 

G. L., Term., Jour., 1880, 390, 425. 

2242. Reconsideration : Of Vote Electing Ap- 
plicant Cannot be Had, when : (See Eejection, Sec. 
2002 and note) G. L., Ontario, Jour., 1881, 7, 18, 25. 

2243. Reconsideration: Of Ballot on Rein- 
statement : No Law to Authorize : (See reinstate- 
ment, Sec. 2152.) G. L., Md., Jour., 1883, 237, 238. 

2244. Reconsideration: Of Vote Granting 
Card Dannot he had : (See W. C, Sec. 2787.) 

G. L.. N. Y., Jour., 1883, 33, 67. 

KENUNCIATION. 

2245. Of the Order: Forfeits Benefits, when: 

Resolved, That a member who shall from any cause whatsoever, 
renounce the Order, the Lodge to which said member belong- 
ed, may, upon proof of renunciation, withold all pecuniary 
benefits. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2949, 2990. 

2246. Renunciation: Of the Order: Lodge 
not Liable for Benefits in Case of: (See Benefits, Sec. 
455.) G-. L., D. C, Jour., 1878, 152, 170, 173. 

KESIDENCE. 

2247. Required of Initiates: A Lodge cannot in- 
itiate a . profane, who, though located permanently in the 
state, has not resided therein six months preceding his appli- 
cation — Dec. J. J. Monell, Jr. G. C. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1875, 319,350. 

EECEIPTS. 

2248. Initiation Fee to be Reported as, when: 

The initiation fee accompanying an application for member- 
ship, (and the rank fees as well), should be counted as a por- 



COMMON LAW. 645 

tion of the receipts of the evening, though it does not become 
the property of the Lodge until the candidate is elected, as 
counting it regularly on the books will serve to keep the cash 
accounts of the Lodge straight.— Dec. of A.G. Bartlett, G. C. 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1876, 6, 44. 

2249. Receipts: For Assessment in Endow- 
ment Bank, is Prima Facie Evidence of Payment : 

(See Assessment, Sec. 41.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 2790, 3052. 

EELIGION. 

2250. How far May Disqualify for Membership : 

(See Membership, Sec. 1631.) 

G. L., Pa„ Jour., Aug. 1874, 104, 105, 115. 

2251. Religion : A Change of Faith in, Cannot 
Effect Brothers Rights, when: Where an applicant, 
previous to his initiation, declared his belief in the existence 
of a Supreme Being, but subsequent to his obtaining full mem- 
bership he experienced a change of faith in this respect ; Held, 
He cannot be deprived of the benefits, nor any privileges of the 
Order, as no charges seem to have been preferred against him. 
— Rep. of com. on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1873, 571. 

Jour., Feb., 1874, 739. 

EOSTEE. 

2252. Signing of, Essential when ; (See Member- 
ship, Sec. 1641; Elections, Sec. 982.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1875, 708, 730, 733. 

EECESS. 

2253. Lodge Cannot Take, when : A Lodge can- 
not take a "recess" from a regular to a special meeting, but 
must always be closed in due form.— D<?c. of G.F.Taylor, G. C. 

G. L., Ala., Jour,, 1880, 90, 220. 

EISING VOTE. 

2254. Manner of Taking : (See Vote, Sec. 2679.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1871, 182, 260. 



646 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

EOTATION. 

2255. In Office: Law Concerning, Local: (See 
Eligibility, Sec. 1128.) S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

SEAL. 

2256. Of Supreme Lodge, Adoption of: The Su- 
preme Chancellor reported that he had appointed a committee 
to submit a design for a seal for the Supreme Lodge, which 
being done, the seal was decided upon and put into use, and 
recommended for adoption by the Supreme Lodge, whereupon 
a committee was appointed to get up a design for a seal, and 
whatever action the committee should take was endorsed.* 

S. L. Jour., 1868, 25, 45. 

225*7. Seal: Of Supreme Lodge, Copyrighting 

of: After the session of March 1870, the Supreme Chancel- 
lor authorized the copyrighting of the Seal, and the incorpora- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge, which act was approved. (See 
S. L. Sec. 2265.) S. L. Jour., 1871, 382. 

2258. Seal : Of Supreme Chancellor : Adoption 

of: Supreme Chancellor Berry devised, and made use of an 
individual seal for the Supreme Chancellor, and recommended 
its adoption, which, on report of the committee was adopted 
as the official seal of the Supreme Chancellor. 

S. L. Jour, 1873, 719, 746, app 1*. 

2259. Seal : Of Grand Lodge, Not Necessary to 
Authenticate Orders of Grand Chancellor : (See G. 
C, Sec. 1346.) G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 387. 448. 

2260. Seal: Of Grand and Subordinate Lodge : 
Purposes of: The purpose for which the seal of a Lodge, 
either Grand or Subordinate, can be used, are for the authen- 
tication of documents issued by authority, and should not be 
degraded by being indiscriminately used. — Dec. o/W. A. 
Schmitt, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 387, 448. 

2261. Seal: Of Subordinate Lodge, Illegal Uses 

of: It is not proper to affix the seal of the Lodge to a ticket 
of admission to a levee, ball, excursion, or banquet. The vote 

♦The seal thus adopted is the one now in use. 



COMMON LAW. 617 

of a Lodge, to affix the seal to such a ticket of admission is not 
legal. The vote of the Lodge to stamp such a ticket of admis- 
sion with the seal of the Lodge, does not make said ticket an 
official document. The seal of the Lodge cannot be affixed to 
any such document, of any nature, with the signature of the 
Keeper of Eecords and Seal.— Dec. of A. J. Hastings, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., Aug., 1874, 20, 53, 56. 

2262. Seal: Of Lodge: Unlawful use of : It is 

unlawful for a Lodge, Grand or Subordinate, to permit its seal 
to be used, for any other than the authentication of documents 
necessary for the business of the body. To use the seal for 
stamping "dance programmes, tickets, or things of that char- 
acter, was never contemplated by, and contrary to, the spirit of 
the Law."— Dec. of D. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L. } Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 

2263. Seal: Of Subordinate Lodge: Custodian 
of: Use Illegal, when : The Keeper of Eecords and Seal, 
is the custodian of the seal of the Lodge, and no officer of 
a Lodge has the right to use the seal on any document with- 
out the knowledge and consent of that office. — Dec. of J. J. 
Cooper, G. C. G. L., Nev., Jour., 1881, 453, 485. 

SUPEEME LODGE. 

2264. Plan Upon which Organized : The conven- 
tion called together, by the Grand Lodge of the District of 
Columbia, to devise a plan for organization of the Supreme 
Lodge, submitted the following. 

The Supreme Lodge shall be composed of Past Grand Chan- 
cellors and three Eepresentatives from each Grand Lodge, 
their election, as such, making them Past Grand Chancellors. 
They shall be elected for two years, at the same meeting at 
which the deliberations of this convention are ratified. They 
shall meet in Supreme Lodge, in the city of Washington, Dis- 
trict of Columbia, upon the second Tuesday in August, in 1868, 
and proceed to organize by electing a— 

Founder and Supreme Past Chancellor, 
Supreme Venerable Patriarch. 
Supreme Chancellor. 
Supreme Vice Chancellor. 



648 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Supreme Kecording and Corresponding Scribe. 
Supreme Banker. 
Supreme Guide. 
Supreme Inner Steward. 
Supreme Outer Steward. 

The said body, after organizing as above, shall be hailed, and 
known, and recognized, as the supreme authority of the Knights 
of Pythias of the World. 

All the present officers of the state Grand Lodges are de- 
clared Past Grand Chancellors."* 

Eespectfully submitted, 

William Blancbois, 
Attest : President of the Convention, 

Clarence M. Barton, 

Secretary. 

Pro. of Con., S. L. Jour., 1868, 10. 

2265. Supreme Lodge, Incorporation of: Re- 
solved, That the Supreme Lodge approve the copyrighting of 
the Supreme Lodge seal and the incorporation of the Supreme 
Lodge. — Rep. of com. on state of the Order. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 382. 

2266. Supreme Lodge : Power of: To Delegate 

Authority, etc. : The Supreme Lodge, under existing Laws, 

has no power to authorize the Grand Lodge, and the Grand 

Chancellor of California, to employ a brother to travel over the 

state and the Pacific coast and institute Lodges, the said 

Grand Chancellor, to issue charters and dispensations, and the 

expenses of the brother to be deducted from the charter fees of 

Lodges he may organize, and the Grand Chancellor to have 

the work translated into the French and Spanish languages, if 

necessary, at the expense of the Jurisdiction in which said 

Lodges are located. — Rul. of S. Read, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 427. 

2267. Supreme Lodge : Authority of to Grant 
Special Dispensation : (See Dispensation, Sec. 824.) 

S.L. Jour., 1872, 595. 

2268. Supreme Lodge: Has No Authority to 
Order Parade: (See Parade, Sec, 1994.) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 899, 933. 

*The above plan waa ratified by the Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia, 
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, all of the Grand Lodges then in 
existence. The delegates met on the day named and perfected the organization of 
the Supreme Lodge. Jour. 1868, 11. 



COMMON LAW. 649 

2269. Supreme Lodge : Authority of to Legalize 
Legislation in the Jurisdictions : Resolved, That the 
acts of all Subordinate Lodges, and the Grand Lodge officers of 
the Grand Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania had, acting and work- 
king under the old ritual, subsequent to the order of promulga- 
tion of the revised ritual, to take effect and be in operation on 
and after October 21, 1872, be, and the same are hereby legal- 
ized ; and all disabilities resulting from the non-conformity, on 
the part of said Grand Lodge, to said order of promulgation, be 
removed from those upon whom the several grades of rank may 
have been conferred under the old ritual, subsequent to the 
date of operation of said order of promulgation. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 769. 

2270. Supreme Lodge: Admission of New 
Members to, when : (See Admission, Sec. 229.) 

S. L., Jour., 1875, 1166. 

2271. Supreme Lodge : Right of to be Judge 
of its own Membership : The Supreme Lodge has as- 
sumed the authority, peculiar to most deliberative bodies, of 
judging of its own membership. This, by striking the names 
of certain Past Grand Chancellors, from the list of membership, 
who were found guilty of crimes, and also, of those who had 
been irregularly elected, and by refusing to seat representa- 
tives who had been irregularly appointed or elected. (See 
P. G. C, Sees. 1859, 1868, 1870.) g. L., Jour., 1875, 1127, 1276. 

2272. Supreme Lodge: Funds of: Duty of 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal in Respect 

to : (See S. K. of E. and S., Sec. 2321.) s. L. Jour., 1882,2573. 

2273. Supreme Lodge : May Place its Subor- 
dinates Temporarily Under the Jurisdiction of a 
Grand Lodge : The Supreme Lodge, while it has denied 
the right of a Grand Lodge to assume extra territorial jurisdic- 
tion, has assumed the right to place its Subordinates temporar- 
ily under the supervision of a Grand Lodge. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1623, Jour., 1876, 1310. 

2274. Supreme Lodge: Orders of to Subordi- 
nate Lodges, Take Precedence over all Other Bus- 
iness.* (See Official Orders, Sec. 1802.) 

S. L. Jour., 1773: app. 35. 

*As to the exclusive right of the Supreme Lodge to issue all forms, ceremonies, 
etc., see Sec. 1311. 



650 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

BUPEEME OFFICEKS. 

2215. Meeting of Approved : The authority of the 
Supreme Chancellor to call together the Supreme Lodge offi- 
cers for consultation was recognized. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1012, 1141. 

SUPEEME CHANCELLOR. 

2216. Has no Authority to Issue Dispensation 
to Initiate Minor : The Supreme Chancellor has no au- 
thority to issue dispensations to confer the degrees on a person 
under twenty-one. — Dec. of S. Read, S. C. (See Age, Sec. 1.) 

S. L. Jour., 1868, 26, 45. 

2277. Supreme Chancellor : Expense of in Or- 
ganizing Grand or Subordinate Lodges how Paid : 

(See Expense, Sec. 1023.) s. L., Jour., 1873, 737, 753. 

2278. Supreme Chancellor: Duties of in Re- 
spect to Obtaining Duplicate, Invoice, etc: (See 
S. K. of E. and S., Sec. 2322.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2573. 

2279. Supreme Chancellor: Has no Authority 
to Issue Dispensation, when : The Supreme Chancel- 
lor has no authority to issue dispensation to admit a brother 
to honorary membership in the Endowment Eank. — Dec. of G. 
W. Lindsay, S. C. (See E. K., Sec. 1060.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2291, 2479, 2487. 

2280. Supreme Chancellor: Authority of to 
Permit Initiation of Maimed Persons : The request 
of K. E. Lee Lodge, of Mississippi, to confer the ranks on an 
applicant who had lost an arm, was referred to the Supreme 
Chancellor with power to grant or refuse the same. (See Maim- 
ed persons, Sees. 1616, 1617, 1620.) s. L. Jour., 1871, 358, 384. 

2281. Supreme Chancellor: Report of to be 
Printed : (See Eeports, Sec. 2101.) s. L. Jour., 1870, 219. 

2282. Supreme Chancellor: Right of to Re- 
move for Cause : (See Eemovals, Sec. 2115,) 

S. L. Jour., 1871,386. 



COMMON LAW. 651 

2283. Supreme Chancellor: Authority of to 
Suspend a Grand Lodge, for Cause : The authority of 
the Supreme Chancellor to suspend Grand Lodges, for cause, 
was upheld in the case of the suspension of the Grand Lodge 
of Pennsylvania, by Supreme Chancellor Berry.* (See Sus- 
pension, Sec. 234; 0. B. N., Sec. 1761.) 

S. L, Jour., 1873, 714; 1871, 419, 421. 

2284. Supreme Chancellor: Authority of to 
Extend the Order in Foreign Lands : Resolved, That 
the Supreme Chancellor is instructed to give his special atten- 
tion to all opportunities that may present themselves for ex- 
tending our Order in all parts of the habitable globe ; and that, 
if, in his judgment, this end can be accomplished, by the 
appointment of properly qualified agents, in any part of the 
world, keeping in view the condition of our finances in regard 
to all expenses incurred, he is hereby instructed to so appoint 
such agents or deputies. (See Foreign Countries, Sec. 1256.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875,1053, 1142. 

2285. Supreme Chancellor: Extending Order 
Into Foreign Countries : Duty in Respect to : The 

action of Supreme Chancellor, in respect to his endeavors to 
establish the Order in England, was approved, and upon recom- 
mendation of the committee on state of the Order, was in- 
structed "to carry out, during the official year, the spirit and 
letter of the resolution adopted at the seventh annual session, 
1875, of this Supreme Lodge." (See preceding section.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1203, 1274. 

2286. Supreme Chancellor : Authorized to Visit 
England and Germany in the Interests of the 
Order : Resolved, That the Supreme Chancellor be, and he 
is hereby instructed, to make an official visit to the kingdom 
of Great Britain, and the empire of Germany, during his pres- 
ent term of office, for the purpose of organizing Lodges of our 
Order in those countries, and for the purpose of disseminating 
information of the principles and purposes of our Order. — Rep. 
of S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1362, 1417. 

2287. Supreme Chancellor: Exclusive Right 
of to Issue Circulars, when : (See Circulars, Sec. 721) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1675. 
*See S. L. Const., Sec. 6, Art. VII, Appendix. 



652 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2288. Supreme Chancellor : Has no Authority 
to Authorize the Conferring of the Ranks for Less 
than the Minimum Amount, when : Rep. oj com. on 
Law. (See Dispensation, Sec. 825.) s. L. Jour.. 1880, 2004. 

2289. Supreme Chancellor : Duty of in Select- 
ing Hall for Session : (See Sessions, Sec. 2460.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2461. 

2290. Supreme Chancellor : Authorized to Issue 
Certificates in Lieu of Withdrawal-Card, when : 

(See W. C, Sec. 2779.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2279, 2473. 

SUPEEME EEPEESENTATIVE. 

2291. Any Past Chancellor Eligible to Office of, 
when : (See P. C, Sec. 1923.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

2292. Supreme Representative: New Certifi- 
cate for, Ordered : (See Certificate, Sec. 6Q5.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 3026. 

2293. Supreme Representative : Roll of, to he 
Called : Resolved, That the roll of representatives be called 
each session. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1406. 

2294. Supreme Representative : Office Not For- 
feited, when : The Grand Chancellor of Maryland held that 
a Supreme Eepresentative holding the office of Grand Guide, and 
resigning the same, thereby vacated his office of Supreme Eep- 
resentative. This the Supreme Lodge reversed, holding that 
the Supreme Eepresentative did not forfeit his office by resign- 
ing that of Grand Guide ; that he was already a member of the 
Supreme Lodge and had been declared a Past Grand Chancel- 
lor. S. L. Jour., 1868, 23, 37. 

2295. SupremeRepresentative : Must be Elected, 
when : The committee on returns and credentials reported 
the representative from New York as, "appointed to fill vacancy" ; 
a point of order being raised— on a motion to table the report, 
until the representatives furnished evidence that their Grand 
Lodge Constitution authorized the Grand Chancellor to ap- 
point—that the Supreme Lodge Constitution provides for the 



COMMON LAW. 653 

election of Supreme [Representatives in a particular manner, 
and the motion to admit representatives in any other manner 
is, in effect, an amendment, and should be offered as such. The 
chair ruled the point well taken, and that an appointment of 
representative was not in accordance with the Law of the Su- 
preme Lodge, unless the Grand Lodge of New York has con- 
ferred said power upon the Grand Chancellor. On appeal, the 
chair was sustained. — Rul. of S. Bead, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 442, 443. 

2296. Supreme Representative: Appointment 

of : Where a Grand Lodge adjourns without electing a repre- 
sentative to the Supreme Lodge, the Grand Chancellor may 
appoint to fill a vacancy, under a Constitution containing the 
following provision: The Grand Chancellor shall . . . 
appoint Grand Officers, pro tempore, in case of temporary absence 
or disqualification of any Grand Officer, and representatives so 
appointed may be admitted to seats in the Supreme Lodge. 
(See preceding section.) S. L, Jour. 1872, 444. 

Jour. 1880, 2034. 

2297. Supreme Representative : Denied Admis- 
sion, When Not Legally Elected: Where a Grand 
Jurisdiction, being entitled to only three Supreme Eep- 
resentatives, elected four, and supplied them with credentials : 
Held, on report of committee, that the one, as shown by the 
Grand Lodge proceedings, who had received the lowest num- 
ber of votes in the election, should be denied the seat as a 
Supreme Kepresentative from that Jurisdiction. (Case D. M. 
Blackburn of Pennsylvania.) S. L. Jour. 1875, 1276. 

2298. Supreme Representative: Term of: The 

term of Supreme Representative should be the calandar year, 
that is to say, from the 1st day of January to the 31st of De- 
cember of each year. — Recom. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1229, 1296. 

2299. Supreme Representative : Admitted with- 
out Credential, when: Where the returns of a Grand 
Jurisdiction shows the election of a Supreme Representative, 
he may be admitted, notwithstanding the absence of the usual 
certificate, showing his election. — Rep. of com. on Returns 
and Credentials. (Case of W. A. Cotter, of Ky.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1481. 



654 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2300. Supreme Representative: Jewel for: 

(See Jewel, Sec. 1500.) g. l. Jour., 1880, 1991. 

2301. Supreme Representative: Status of, on 
Changing from Annual to Biennial Sessions: Re- 
solved, That any decision of the Supreme Chancellor, any ac- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge, either by the sdoption of the re- 
port of any committee of the Supreme Lodge, or by the action 
of any Grand Lodge, shall not effect, disturb, or vitiate in any 
way whatever, the rights and privileges of any Supreme Bep- 
resentative, who was elected to serve as Supreme Eepresenta- 
tive for four years, from January 1st 1880, to December 31st, 
1883, and whose credentials have been accepted by this Su- 
preme Lodge, as such representative, for the above mentioned 
time, excepting the Grand Lodge of Missouri, already acted 
upon. S. L. Jour., 1880, 2067. 

2302. Supreme Representative: Authority of 
Grand Lodge to Declare Vacancy in Office of De- 
nied, when : Where the credentials of a Supreme Kepre- 
sentative are reported to, and are acted upon, by the Supreme 
Lodge, and where the Grand Lodge afterwards, without suffi- 
cient charges, summarily declares the office vacant,and proceeds 
to, fill the vacancy by election of another ; Held, On the author- 
ity of the appeal of Muller against the Grand Lodge of Ohio, 
—(See Ante P. G. C, Sec. 1869.) that the action of the Grand 
Lodge is illegal, and the representative, previously reported, is 
entitled to his seat. (Appeal of M. C. Troy vs. G. L. of N. C.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2265. 

2303* Supreme Representative : Contesting for 

Seat: Payment of Mileage in Case of Contest: (See 

Mileage and Per Diem. Sec. 1593.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2428, 2468. 

2304. Supreme Representative : A Grand Chan- 
cellor, Or Past Grand Chancellor not Eligible to 
Office of, when : (See G. C, Sec. 1336.) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 908; 1882, 2568. 

2305. Supreme Representative : Entitled to a 
Fair Trial Before Seat can be Declared Vacant : 

Where a Supreme Eepresentative having failed to attend the 
Supreme Lodge session, and, upon inquiring into the cause 



COMMON LAW. 655 

thereof, action was taken,, vacating the seat ; and where it was 
shown that the brother was not accorded a fair trial, under the 
Laws, Held, That a Supreme Representative, and all brothers 
are entitled to a fair and impartial trial ; but in the case un- 
der consideration, as the aggrieved brother was not complain- 
ing the appeal must be dismissed. — Appeal of J. Johnson et al. 
vs. G. L. ofN. C. (See Appeals, Sec. 160.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1122, 1123. 

2306. Supreme Representative: Must be a 
Member of the Jurisdiction He Represents : Your 
committee on credentials and returns, would report in case of 
the appointment of brother W. D. Kennedy, of Illinois, to rep- 
resent the Grand Lodge of Oregon, as one of its representa- 
tives at this session of the Supreme Lodge, made by the Grand 
Chancellor of said Grand Jurisdiction, on account of the ab- 
sence of Supreme Kepresentative E. D. Curtis, one of the duly 
accredited representatives from said Grand Lodge,would recom- 
mend that said appointment be not recognized, or Brother 
Kennedy be permitted to represent said Grand Lodge, he not 
being a member of the same, but belonging to another Juris- 
diction. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2266. 

230?. Supreme Representative : Taking With- 
drawal-Card Does not Vacate Seat in Supreme 
Lodge, when : (See W. C, Sec. 2800.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1371, 1423. 

2308. Supreme Representative : Taking With- 
drawal-Card Does Not Vacate Office Instanter: 

Where the Lodge of a Supreme Kepresentative became defunct, 
and the Supreme Representative thereupon procured a card 
from the Grand Chancellor, but had not as yet affiliated : Held, 
Upon application to declare a vacancy that the suspension of 
the Lodge did not, instanter, produce a vacancy in the office of 
the Supreme Eepresentative, but that the incumbent was en- 
titled to a reasonable time thereafter in which to procure a 
Grand Lodge card and affiliate with another Lodge. — Dec. of 
O. F. Jones, G. C. G. L., Wis., Jour., 1877, 74, 107. 

2309. Supreme Representative: Right of to 
Seat in Supreme Lodge : The Grand Chancellor of New 
York, John H. Meech, immediatelv after the installation of his 
successor, was elected a Supreme Representative. Objection 



656 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

was made to his election as oeing illegal, (presumably), on the 
ground that he was not yet a Past Grand Chancellor. Eefer- 
ring to the previous legislation of the Supreme Lodge in respect 
to Past Grand Chancellors, it was held that Past Grand Chan- 
cellor John H. Meech, be admitted a regularly elected Su- 
preme Eepresentative of the Supreme Lodge, and as such 
entitled to a seat in this body.* — Appeal of G.W. Root vs. G. L. 
of N. Y. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1267. 

2310. Supreme Representative: Suspension of 
from Subordinate Lodge Vacates office : A member 
suspended from his Subordinate Lodge, while Supreme Eepre- 
sentative, the office of Supreme Eepresentative held by him 
thereby becomes vacant — Rul. of T. G. Sample, G. C* 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 135. 

SUPEEMEKEEPEBOF EECOEDS AND SEAL. 

2311. Duty of in Respect to Committees: It is 

the duty of the Supreme Eecording and Corresponding Scribe 
(S. K. of E. and S.), to notify in thirty days, all committees of 
their appointment and the subject of their appointment, and 
all Grand Lodges of all resolutions and motions affecting their 
Jurisdictions. S. L. Jour., 1869, 118. 

2312. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Duty of in Respect to Regalia : It is the duty of the 

S. K. of E. and S.to take care of the Supreme Lodge regalia. 

S. L. Jour., 1869, 121. 

2313. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Duty of as to Supplies Furnished: The S. K. of E. 

and S. is not permitted to furnish supplies except for cash. (See 
Supplies, Sec. 2482.) S. L. Jour., 1871,410. 

2314. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Duty of in Respect to Approval of Grand Lodge 
Constitution : Resolved, That the S. K. of E. and S. be 
instructed to inform all Grand Jurisdictions, through the G. K. 
of E. and S., of the approval of the state Grand Lodge Consti- 
tution, as they may be approved by the Supreme Lodge or 

*It appears from the record that this appeal was prosecuted on the theory that a 
member was not eligible to the office of Supreme Representative until after he had 
been obligated as, and received the rauk of P. G. C. This, however, had been settled 
by the Supreme Lodge at a previous session. See ante title, P. G. C. 



COMMON LAW. 657 

committee on Law and Supervision with instructions to notify 
Subordinate Lodges in their Jurisdiction (over the seal of their 
Grand Lodge) of said approval. S. L. Jour., 1869. 112. 

2315. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Expenses of how Paid ; (See Appropriation, Sec. 173.) 

S.L. Jour., 1872, 633. 

2316. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Boards of Auditors on Accounts of: Unconstitu- 
tional : (See Auditors, Sec. 175.) s. L. Jour., 1873, 681, 729. 

231*7. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Instructions to, Relative to Supreme Lodg;e Li- 
brary : Resolved, That the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and 
Seal, be and is hereby instructed to carefully preserve all 
printed Journals of proceedings, and all periodicals of the Or- 
der received by him, and at all suitable times, cause the same 
to be bound in permanent binding for preservation in the ar- 
chives of the Order. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1275. 

2318. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Shall Furnish Standing Committee with Digest 
and Journals : (See Standing Com., Sec. 2469.) 

S. L. Jour,, 1882, 2421. 

2319. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Shall Furnish Committee on Returns and Creden- 
tials, Certain Information : It is made the duty of the 
Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal, to furnish the commit- 
tee on returns and credentials with information as to arrears of 

Grand Lodges. (See Arrears, Sec. 201.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2458. 

2320. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Duty of in Respect to Inviting Bids for Printing : 

It was made the duty of the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal to invite bids for all printing, when it amounts to $25.00 
or over, and said bids to be filed with voucher for the inspec- 
tion of the finance committee. S. L. Jour,, 1882, 2573. 

2321. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Shall Transmit Funds to Supreme Master of Ex- 
chequer, when : Kecommended that the Supreme Keeper 

42 



658 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

of Eecords and seal be required to comply with the Law, and 
transmit to the Supreme Master of Exchequer all sums of 
money received by him amounting to $100.00 or over.* 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2573. 

2322. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal : To 
Furnish Supreme Chancellor With List of Business 
Firms, when : It is made the duty of the Supreme Keeper 
of Kecords and Seal to furnish the Supreme Chancellor at the 
expiration of each fiscal ySar, or as early thereafter as practic- 
able, with a list of all business firms and manufacturers that 
have furnished any supplies or printing, and that the Supreme 
Chancellor obtain from each of these firms and manufacturers, 
duplicate invoices of all such, transmitting the same to the fi- 
nance committee. — Rep. of com. on Finance. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2573. 

2323. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Shall Issue Permit to Members Desiring to Pro- 
cure Jewel of Smaller Size, when : (See Jewel, Sec. 1503.) 

S.L. Jour., 1882,2561. 

2324. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Duties of in Respect to Grand Lodge Journals: 

(See G. L., Sec. 1300.) s. L, Jour., 1875, 1106, 1124. 

2325. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Shall Furnish Annual Statement of Supplies Or- 
dered and Received : (See Annual Statement, Sec. 253.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 624. 

2326. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Duty of in Respect to Appeals Filed : (See Appeals, 

Sec. 162.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 563. 

232*7. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Amount and Custody of Bond of: (See Bonds, Sec. 
283,) S. L. Jour., 1869, 121. 

2328. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal: 
Shall Procure Insurance on Supreme Lodge 
Property: (See Insurance, Sec. 1461.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1533, 1614. 
*See S. L. Const., Sec. 6, Art. Ill, app. 

\ 



COMMON LAW. 659 

SUPEEME MASTEE OF EXCHEQUEE. 

2329. Amount and Custody of Bond of: (See 
Bonds, Sees. 283, 285.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 746. 

S. L. Jour. 1884, 3024, 3025. 

2330. Supreme Master of Exchequer : Salary 

of: Amount and Apportionment of: On motion the 
salary of the Supreme Master of Exchequer was fixed at 
$1,500 per year ; of which $1,000 shall be paid out of the En- 
dowment Bank fund, and $500 out of the Supreme Lodge 
funds. S. L. Jour., 1884, 3025, 3026. 

SUPEEME LECTUEEE. 

2331. Refusal of Supreme Lodge to Create : The 

Supreme Lodge refused to create a Supreme Lecturer, to visit 
Lodges, giving instructions, etc., holding it to be a matter for 
local legislation, but afterward appointed a Lecturer for the 
Order. (See Lecturer, Sec. 1586 ; Local Legislation, Sec 1569.) 
S. L. Jour., 1873, 694, 734; Jour. 1877, 1449. 

SUPEEME PYTHIAN KNIGHTHOOD. 

2332. Order of: (See Higher Degree, Sec. 1383.; 

S. L. Jour., 1868, 17. 

2333. Svipreme Pythian Knighthood: Order 
of Repudiated : It was Resolved, That the legislation had 
in respect to the "Supreme Pythian Knighthood," or "Con- 
claves" should not be accepted as recognizing the existence of 
said bodies, but the same are repudiated as detrimental to the 
power and harmony of the Supreme Lodge.* (See O. B. N., 
Sec. 1760; et seq.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 225. 

SUSPENSION. 

2334. Extending Time of: The Supreme Lodge 
decided it had no authority to extend the time of suspension 

*The Supreme Lodge was very much exercised in the earlier years of its exist, 
ence, over what it was inclined to regard as Spurious Order of "Supreme Pythian 
Knighthood." An Order instituted by authority of the Grand Lodge, District of Co- 
lumhia— which was the Provisional Supreme Lodge— and intended as a sort of higher 
degree of the K. of P. A legitimate purpose in itself, but one which was destined to 
create much discord, and bitter feeling, and working well nigh the dismemberment of 
our beautiful Order. The legislation referred to in the section, began with the very 
first session after the organization, and will be found in the Proceedings of November 
1868, March 1869, March 1870. There was subsequent legislation at the session 
1871. 



660 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

from six to twelve months ; being a provision of the Grand Lodge 
Constitution, it was a subject of local legislation. — RulofC.L. 
Russell, S. V. C. S. L. Jour. 5 1870, 198. 

2335. Suspension: Of Subordinate Lodge,Cause 

for : A Subordinate Lodge received the petition of certain 
applicants, living beyond its Jurisdiction and in another state, 
and, notwithstanding notice and warning of the Law in such 
cases, proceeded to confer the rank on such applicants. Upon 
investigation, the Grand Chancellor suspended the Lodge, and 
the members, which action was confirmed by the Grand Lodge, 
and on appeal to the Supreme Lodge both were sustained. — 
J. A. Andrew Lodge vs. G. L. of Mass. (See Subordinate 
Lodge, Sec. 2506.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 538, 573. 

2336. Suspension : Right and Duty of Subor- 
dinate Lodges Concerning : On the query, Is it com- 
petent for a Subordinate Lodge to suspend any member for a 
less sum than one year's dues ? The committee on Law and 
supervision answered : "Art. IX. (Subordinate Constitution) 
being obligatory, a member cannot be suspended until he is 
one year in arrears."* s. L. Jour., 1872, 531, 585. 

233?. Suspension : Of Subordinate Lodge : May 
be Required to Comply with Prescribed Conditions 
on Reinstatement : (See Sub. Lodge, Sec. 2506.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 608. 

2338. Suspension: Of Subordinate Lodge: Not 
Liable for Benefits Accrued During : (See Benefits 
Sec. 399.) S. L. Jour., 1874, 944. 

2339. Suspension: Of Grand Jurisdiction: 
Rights of Members of, to Relief: (See Eelief, Sec. 
2177.) G. L., Del., Jour., 1873, 85, 91. 

2340. Suspension: Of a State Grand Lodge: 
Authority of Supreme Chancellor: The Supreme 

*Art. IX.of the Subordinate Constitution referred, to was as follows : "Each Subor- 
dinate Lodge shall regulate its dues and benefits ; provided, however, that a member 
who is one year in arrears shall stand suspended," The wording of the present Con- 
stitution, in this respect, is as follows : "A member who is one year in arrears shall 
be declared suspended ; provided, said member is not under charges." (See Appendix 
S. L. Const. Sub. div. 21 of Sec. 2, Art. VIII.) It will be noticed that the wording of 
both these provisions makes it obligatory upon Lodges to suspend at the end of the 
year, but does not, in terms, prohibit suspension for any less amount of arrearages, 
hence the question which the Grand Lodge was called upon to decide, and the con- 
struction thus placed upon the old article will apply with equal force to the present. 



COMMON LAW. 661 

Chancellor assumed the authority to suspend the Grand Lodge 
of Maryland for insubordination; (Jour. 1871, 271.) and insti- 
tuted a new Grand Lodge in its place. A resolution declaring 
that the Supreme Chancellor was not justified in instituting 
the Grand Lodge, was tabled thus recognizing the authority of 
the Supreme Chancellor in this respect. 

S.L. Jour., 1871, 387,388. 

2341. Suspension: Of Members: Must be Twelve 
Months in Arrears: The Supreme Lodge refused to adopt 
a resolution, placing a construction on the provision of the 
Constitution relating to suspension, permitting Lodges to sus- 
pend members for six months arrearages if they desired. (See 
ante, Sec. 2336, and Note.) s. l. Jour., 1873, 683, 735. 

2342. Suspension : Of Members : Status of : It was 

held that the suspension of members, and the status thereof, 
also the mode and manner by which they may regain member- 
ship, was a subject of local legislation. (See Local Legisla- 
tion, Sec. 1571.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 690, 734. 

2343. Suspension : Right of Lodge Over Mem- 
ber, under: (See Keinstatement, Sec. 2147.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300. 

2344. Suspension : The Effect of: Manner of 
Reinstatement: Local Legislation: On the resolu- 
tion providing for an amendment to the Constitution declaring 
that all suspensions shall be absolute and that the manner of 
regaining admission shall be the same as now provided for re- 
instatement after suspension for non-payment of dues ; Held, 
A matter for local legislation. s. L. Jour., 1878, 1627, 1640. 

2345. Suspension : For Non-Payment of Dues : 
No Vote Required : It does not require a vote of the 
Lodge to suspend a member for non-payment of dues. — Dec. 
of J. B. Merritt, G. C> — Reversed. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1881, 325, 356. 

2346. Suspension : Brother Admitted in Good 
Faith Cannot be Suspended: (See W. C, Sec. 2790.) 

S. L., Jour., 1878, 1625, 1626. 



662 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2341'. Suspension: There Must be Evidence to 
Warrant, or Appeal will not be Sustained -.—Ap- 
peal of C. E. Edgecombe vs. G. L. of W. Va. (See Appeal, 
Sec. 148.) S.L. Jour., 1870, 181, 206. 

2348. Suspension : Conditional, not Sanctioned 

by the Law : A Chancellor Commander has no power to de- 
clare at the last convention of a Lodge in any term, that a 
brother shall stand suspended if he does not pay up his dues be- 
fore the first day of the next quarter. Conditional suspensions 
for non-payment of dues, are nowhere sanctioned by our Laws. 
The brother has until the first convention of the Lodge, in the 
next term, or quarter, in which to pay his dues. — Dec. of G. W. 
Herdman, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1880, 522, 546. 

2349. Suspension : Member under not Entitled 
to Admission, when : (See Admission, Sec. 230.) 

. G.L., 111., Jour., 1879,385. 448. 

2350. Suspension: Not Stayed by Charges, 
when : As the Law requires that a member who is twelve 
months in arrears, shall be declared suspended, a complaint or 
charges filed, would not act to stay the suspension for non-pay- 
ment of dues, as in case of granting a withdrawal-card, and 
even were such proceedings a bar, the status of the person upon 
acquittal, would be the same as before charges were preferred. 

— Dec. of W.A. Schmitt, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 384, 448. 

2351. Suspension : Member under may be Cited 
for Trial, when: (See Trial, Sec. 2598.) 

G. L., Ills., Jour., 1879, 384, 448. 

2352. Suspension: Indefinitely: Manner of Re- 
instatement: (See Reinstatement, Sec. 2124.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

2353. Suspension : For Cause : Advanced Dues 
not Returned in Case of: (See Dues, Sec. 911.) 

G. L. Mass,, Jour., 1881, 1198, 1232. 

2354. Suspension : For Definite Time does not 
Require Ballot for Reinstatement: (See Reinstate- 
ment, Sec. 2129.) G. L., Mass.,Jour. f 1877, 868, 



COMMON LAW. 663 

2355. Suspension : For a Definite Period, no 
Action Necessary to Reinstate : (See Eeinstatement, 
Sec, 2133.) G. L., Del., Jour., 1883, 424, 426. 

2356. Suspension; For Definite Period: Rein- 
statement Without Action : A brother suspended for a 
misdemeanor becomes a member at the expiration of the term 
of suspension, and entitled to the pass word, if no other reason 
exists to affect his right. He would be subject to dues during 
his suspension. — Dec. of W. F. Garcelon, G. C. 

G. L., Maine, Jour. 1881, 49, 135. 

2357. Suspension: For Cause: At Expirition of 
Term, Reinstatement Takes Place Without Ac- 
tion : (See Eeinstatement, Sec. 2138.) 

G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1883, 864. 

2358. Suspension : Status of Members Pending 
Appeal : A member who has been tried by his Lodge and 
suspended, and appeals from that decision has no right to visit 
the Lodge during the pendency of his appeal. — Dec. of J. D. 
Weeks, G. C. G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1872, 59. 

2359. Suspension : Cannot be Declared on Last 
Meeting in Term : A brother cannot be suspended for 
non-payment of dues on the last meeting of the quarter, as the 
quarter has not expired until the new one commences. As a 
member must be declared suspended in open Lodge, it follows 
that the first regular meeting in a new term, must be the night 
when the suspension takes place.* — Dec. of A. J. Hasting, G. 
C. G. L., Mass., Jour., 1875, 637, 671, 673. 

2360. Suspension: Cannot be Declared while 
Member is Entitled to Benefits: A brother, while 
sick, whose benefits have been appropriated but not paid, can- 
not be declared suspended for non-payment of dues.t 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1877, 912, 937, 938. 

2361. Suspension: Right of Member During: 

A member who has been suspended, and taken an appeal 

*This decision was declared unconstitutional by Grand Chancellor Wm. B. Gale, 
which the Grand Lodge approved. See Jour, of Aug. 1875, 692, 729. As to Juris- 
dictions, however, where constitutional objections cannot be raised it may be consid- 
ered good Law. New York has decided otherwise, Jour. 1882, 13, 40. 

+This would seem to naturally follow whether the benefits had been appropriated 
or not. If the member is entitled to benefits, it i« the duty of the Lodge to appro- 
priate sufficient, at least, to keep him in good standing. See Good Standing, Sec. 
1375. 



664 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

(from the action of the Lodge) cannot, pending the appeal, sit 
in the Lodge. — Dec. of S.A. Lowe, G. C., reversed. (See Ante, 
Sec. 2358.) G. L., Mo., Jour., 1875, 124, 159. 

2362. Suspension : Brother Restored to Mem- 
bership without Action, when : Where a brother is 
suspended for a definite period, he is restored to membership 
at the expiration of the term without action of the Lodge, pro- 
vided he is not in arrears for dues. — Dec. ofR. H. Maybury, 
O. C. G. L., Mo., 1882, 108. 

2363. Suspension : For Fines and Assessments : 

When a member's indebtedness reaches the amonnt of twelve 
month's dues, he stands suspended, notwithstanding a portion 
of such indebtedness arises from fines and assessments.* — Rul. 
of J. W. Carter. G. C. G. L., Neb., Jour., 1873, 167. 

2364. Suspension: From Office: Charges will 
Effect, when : (See Charges, Sec. 696.) 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1878, 826, 34. 

2365. Suspension: Ballot for how Taken: In 

trials for suspension the vote shall be taken by a ball ballot. 
—Dec. of J. F. Seavey, G. C. G. L., N. H., Jour., 1876, 24, 45.. 

2366. Suspension : May be Prevented by Pay- 
ment of Portion of Arrears: A member who is twelve 
months in arrears, can, before declaration, pay a portion of 
his arrears and prevent suspension thereby. — Dec. of D. W. 
Day. G. C. G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 519, 585. 

2367. Suspension: Should be Declared, when : 

A member who is twelve months in arrears on the last day of 
the year, and suspension should be declared immediately after 
the call for "collection of dues," at the next succeeding regular 
session. — Dec. ofC.A. Lee, G. G. 

G. L.. Rhode Island, Jour., 1876, 16, 34, 35. 

2368. Suspension : For Non-Payment of Dues, 
what Action Required : The mere fact of a member being 
over twelve months in arrears does not constitute him a sus- 
pended member. To render him such, the Master of Finance 

*W'hile this ruling did not accord with the exact spirit of the Supreme Lodge, 
legislation, at the time, it does now, See ante and Sec. 1192. 



COMMON LAW. 665 

must first report the fact in open Lodge, that he owes for 
twelve months dues ; one week thereafter the Chancellor Com- 
mander formally declares him suspended, unless he pays or 
causes to be paid a sum sufficient to reduce the amount below 
twelve months dues, — Dec. of P. Dowry, G. G. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1870, 542, 580. 

2369. Suspension : For Non-Payment of Dues ; 
Declaration of Necessary: Where the Grand Lodge 
Law delares that a Subordinate Lodge shall suspend a member 
who is twelve months in arrears, for non-payment of dues, and 
as the Law is silent on the manner as how to proceed to ac- 
complish the result, Held, The proper way to do so, is by the 
Lodge. A declaration of the result by the Chancellor Comman- 
der shall be the voice of the Lodge on the question. — Dec. of 
J. M. Powell, G. C. G. L., N. J., Jour., 1878, 964, 1022, 1024. 

23 TO. Suspension: Declaration of Necessary : A 

brother is not suspended from the Lodge until so declared by 
the Chancellor Commander. — Dec. of R. B. Foss. G. G. 

G. L., N. H M Jour., 1881, 16, 31. 

2371. Suspension: Until Declaration of, Dues 
may be Paid : Dues may be paid by a brother until he has 
been declared suspended by the Chancellor Commander, and 
the Master of Finance has a perfect right to receive the dues, 
and the Lodge has no right to compel the Master of Finance 
not to give the brother credit for the money received. — Dec. of 
F. E. Rollins, G. C. G. L., N. H., Jour., 1877, 77. 

2372. Suspension : Until Declaration of, Brother 
May Pay his Arrearages : Where a Lodge fails to de- 
clare a member suspended, who is one year in arrears for dues ; 
Held, The Lodge must receive his arrearages, if tendered at any 
time before declaration of suspension, and declare the mem- 
ber in good standing. — Dec. of H. Lemmerman, G. C, 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1879, 18, 59, 61. 

2373. Suspension : Declaration of After Notifi- 
cation : Resolved, That when a member is twelve months in 
arrears he shall be notified thereof, and the fact of his suspen- 
sion declared by the Chancellor Commander in open Lodge, 

and record thereof made on the minutes. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1302. 



666 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2314. Suspension: Declaration of : When a mem- 
ber is in arrears a sufficient time to work suspension, the Mas- 
ter of Finance should report to the Chancellor Commander so 
that the Lodge may have notice of the fact, and have the same 
entered on the suspended list. The brother being reinstated, it 
should also be announced by the Chancellor Commander. — 
Dec. of S. Bead, 8. C. S. L. Jour., 1870, 144. 

2375. Suspension: Declaration of: A Local 
Matter : As to whether the Chancellor Commander shall 
declare a brother suspended who is the requisite time in ar- 
rears ; Held, to be a matter entirely within the hands of the lo- 
cal Jurisdiction. — Rid. of S. Read, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 588, 595. 

2376. Suspension: Act of Declaration Essen- 
tial : A member who is twelve months in arrears for dues, 
and who has been lawfully notified, may be suspended by the 
declaration of the Chancellor Commander, from his station at 
the last convention of the term, but this act of declaration is 
essential. — Dec. of 8. J. Willett, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1877, 155, 212. 

2377. Suspension: Declaration of Necessary: 

A member twelve months in arrears, does not lose his member- 
ship until, after due notice to him, he has been declared sus- 
pended in open Lodge. — Dec. ofJ.H. Drummond, G. C. 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1877, 170, 237. 

2378. Suspension: Declaration of; Chancellor 

Commander has no Alternative, when: When a 
member has been reported as over twelve months in arrears 
for dues, and has had notice of such arrearage, the Chancellor 
Commander has no alternative but to declare him suspended. — 
Dec. of J. L. Dudley, G.C. G. L., N. C, Jour., 1881, 9, 45. 

2379. Suspension: Declaration of Necessary: 
Construction of Law : Where the Law says, in respect 
to a member in arrears for dues at the end of the year, "he 
shall stand suspended" : Held, It is necessary that he be so 
declared from the chair by the Chancellor Commander to make 
it legal.— Dec. o/E, R. Rice, G. C. 

G. L., Del., Jour., 1873, 104, 107. 



COMMON LAW. 667 

2380. Suspension : Declaration Necessary : Is a 

member suspended from the Lodge if no declaration of his sus- 
pension is made by the Chancellor Commander, when twelve 
months or more in arrears for dues? Answer: No. The 
record of the declaration made is the proper evidence of his 
suspension. The declaration of suspension is as binding as is 
suspension, and a part of it. "What is the status of a mem- 
ber who is twelve months or more in arrears for dues, and no 
declaration of his suspension having been made by the Chan- 
cellor Commander ?" Answer : His membership is not severed. 
The Lodge has not complied with the Law. He may, at any 
time before the declaration is made, tender the amount due 
the Lodge, and it must be received, and he is restored to mem- 
ship in good standing, so far as the payment of dues affects it 
under local Laws. Should he at the same time apply for with- 
drawal-card, he would be entitled to it, if no charges were pend- 
ing against him S. L. Jour., 1877, 1372, 1427. 

2381. Suspension : A Member Liable to, Should 
be so Reported : Where a member is liable to suspension, 
it is the duty of the Master of Finance to so report to the 
Chancellor Commander, and it is the Chancellor Commander's 
duty to declare him suspended. A Lodge cannot vote to "carry" 
a member who is in arrears ; but may remit his dues for cause, 
in which case a warrant should be drawn for the amount.* — 
Dec. of J. T. West, G. C. G. L., Minn., Jour., 1880, 6, 89. 

2 3 82* Suspension : Notice to Member Necessary, 
when : There can be no suspension for non-payment of dues, 
until due notice be given. — Dec. of F. Heser, G. C. 

G. L., Ky., Jour., 1873, 15, 87. 

23S3. Suspension: Members Must be Notified 
of Indebtedness Before : Under the resolution of the 
Supreme Lodge, (See ante., Sec. 2373.) a member, if his resi- 
dence is known must be notified of his indebetedness before he 
is declared suspended. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1372, 1427. 

2384. Suspension: For Non-Payment of Dues 
Without Vote : On the query, Can a member be suspend- 
ed for non-payment of dues without vote of the Lodge?" 

*As to the right of a Lodge to remit dues, see Exposition, title "Dues." 



668 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Held, "Yes. The Constitution says, if a brother is in arrears to 
the amount of one years dues, he shall be suspended from 
membership. A Chancellor Commander should not entertain 
a motion on the subject. — Dec. of C. P. Vanneman, G. C. 

G. L., N. J. } Jour., 1884, 1476, 1512. 

2385. Suspension: For Non-Payment of Dues, 
of Member while Sick, not Permitted, when: On 

the query as to whether a member, who becomes delinquent 
while sick, can be suspended for non-payment of dues : Held, 
A Lodge cannot allow a sick member to become delinquent who 
was in good standing when he became sick, and was properly 
reported to the Lodge. — Dec. of W. H. Gillum, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1882, 120, 161, 163. 

2386. Suspension : For Non-Payment of Dues 
Cannot Occur when Brother has Claim for Bene- 
fits: (See Benefits, Sec. 441.) 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1872, 300, 337, 347. ( 

2387. Suspension: For Non-Payment of As- 
sessments : (See Fines, Sec. 1192.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 3062, 3063. 

2388. Suspension: Vote on, Irregular, when: 

Where, under the Law it requires a two-third vote to suspend, 
and balls are used in taking the ballot, but some of the mem- 
bers cannot vote for want of sufficient black balls. Held, The 
vote is irregular, as every member is entitled to vote. — Dec. of 
T. O. Benton, G. C. G. L., La., Jour., 1883, 28, 64. 

2389. Suspension: Sentence of may be Re- 
viewed and Terminated by the Lodge Imposing it : 

(See Trial, Sec. 2611.) G. L., Ark., Jour., 1883, 119, 136. 

2390. Suspension: Cannot Occur when Lodge 
is Indebted to the Member in Arrears : A Lodge can- 
not suspend a Knight for non-payment of dues, if the Lodge be 
indebted to the Knight equal or more than his own indebted- 
ness. — Dec. of A. G. Levy, G. C. 

G. L. N. Y., Jour., July, 1869, 110, 210, 212. 

2391. Suspension : Of Members : Operates as Sus- 
pension From the Order, when : On the proposition 
that suspension, as a penalty, is not an absolute removal from 



COMMON LAW. 669 

[membership, but only exclusion from Lodge, and from privi- 
! leges and benefits peculiar to the Lodge, and that such exclud- 
ed member would be entitled to receive at least one dollar, per 
week, benefits during the sickness, and consequently liable to 
dues ; Held, reaffirming, previous legislation, that the question 
is one for local legislation, but that the proposition presents a 
wrong construction of the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge, 
that suspension for a limited period for cause other than for 
non-payment of dues operates for such time as a suspension 
from the Order. That the payment of the minimum benefits 
is obligatory in the case of members in good standing under the 
local Law.* (Proposition from the G. L., of Maine.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2038. 

2392. Suspension: Effect of: A brother suspended 
for non-payment of dues ceases to be a member of the Order 
until reinstated. — Dec, of W, A. Schmitt, G. C, 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 388, 448. 

2393. Suspension : For Dues : Forfeits Member- 
ship : A brother suspended for non-payment of dues ceases 
to be a member until reinstated. — Rul. of S. Read, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 225. 

2394. Suspension : Of Subordinate Lodge Of- 
ficers by District Deputy Grand Chancellor : Where 
a Keeper of Eecord and Seal was suspended by a District Dep- 
uty Grand Chancellor, for some supposed dereliction of duty 
in respect to making out his report, Held, That although the 
District Deputy had properly construed the Law, yet there is 
no authority or Law for any Grand officer, not even the Grand 
Chancellor himself , to suspend or reinstate an officer or member 
at will. If he has violated any Law, charges must be preferred 
against him in regular form, and that the brother must be enti- 
tled to a fair trial by his Lodge. — Dec. of R. P. Button. D. D. 
G. C, reversed by the G. L. G. L., Va., Jour,, 1872, 48, 49. 

2395. Suspension: Does not Affect Member's 
Rank, when : (See Past Chancellor, Sec. 1947.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1881, 61. 

2396. Suspension: Rights of Member Under, 
to Benefits : A member suspended for cause, other than 

*See Expulsion Sec. 96Q and Note, also Exposition, title "Expulsion." 



670 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

non-payment of dues, is not entitled to sick, or funeral bene- 
fits, although he pays his dues regularly during his term of 
suspension. — Dec. o/C.E. Miller, G. C. 

G.L., D. C, Jour., July, 1882, 420, 442. 

2397. Suspension : For Contempt : Cannot be 
Effected by Mere Motion : (See Contempt, Sec. 756) 

G. L., N. 0., Jour., 1883, 40, 47. 

2398. Suspension : Member who may be Cited 
as witness, when : (See Trial, Sec. 2599,) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 384, 448. 

2399. Suspension: From Subordinate Lodge, 
Vacates Grand Lodge Office: (See Sup. Eep., Sec. 
2310.) G. L., Pa., Jour.. 1880, 135. 

2400. Suspension: Of Pages and Esquires, Power 
of Lodge in Respect to: On the query: "Can a Page, 
who is not worthy to proceed further in the Order, be sus- 
pended ?" Held, Lodges are not required to carry a Page or 
Esquire for an indefinite period. They have the right to sus- 
pend them after having passed the probationary period of six 
months, — Dec. of P. H. Mulcahy, G. C. 

G. L., Nev., Jour., 1877, 217, 265. 

2401. Suspension: Of Pages and Esquires; A 

Lodge may, by majority vote, drop from its rolls the name of 
any Page or Esquire who has failed to apply for advancement 
to the next rank for a period of six months. 

G. L., Minn., 1880, 90. 

2402. Suspension : Member under Charges not 
Liable to, nor for Dues, after act of Suspension : 

Since the decision of the Supreme Chancellor, at the session of 
1870, it has not been lawful to charge suspended members 
with dues after the act of suspension, nor can a member under 
charges be declared suspended for non-payment of dues. (See 
Dues, Sec. 944 ; Suspension, 2393.) s. L. Jour., 1875, 1112, 1156. 

2403. Suspension: Want of Criminal Intent will 
not warrant, when : Where an applicant, at the time of 
initiation, gave false answers to questions and was subse- 

*In 1884 the Supreme Lodge legislated upon this question, declaring it to be a 
matter for local legislation, but the Journal fails to record the action. See Exposition 
title, "Suspension." 



COMMON LAW. 671 

quently tried therefor, and suspended for five years : Held, On 
appeal, that as there was no criminal intent on the part of the 
applicant his appeal be sustained. — Appeal of J. F. Pratt vs. 
Grand Lodge, N. J. (See Appeal, Sec. 148.) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 938. 

2404. Suspension: For Non-Payment of Dues : 
Requisites of Reinstatement: (See Keinstatement, 
Sec. 2146.) G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 390, 448. 

2405. Suspension: Member not Liable to, for 
Non-Payment of Dues, Charged in Advance: (See 
Dues, Sec. 938.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114, 1121. 

2406. Suspension : Of Members of Endowment 
Rank, Holding Clearance Cards: (SeeE. R., Sec. 1117.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 

2407. Suspension : From Lodge : Effect of in En- 
dowment Rank : (See Endowment Eank, Sec 1110.) 

S.L. Jour., 1878.92,1671. 

2403. Suspension: From Endowment Rank 
Declaration of Not Necessary; (See E. K. Sec. 1111.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1815, 2076. 

2409. Suspension: In Endowment Rank: Oc- 
curs on the day after Expiration of Notice : (See E. 
E. Sec. 1109.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2292, 2479. 

2410. Suspension : From Lodge : Severs Member- 
ship in Division : A Sir Knight, suspended from his Lodge 
for non-payment of dues, or other cause, at once ceases to be a 
member of his division, and cannot be recognized as such. — 
Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056 

2411. Suspension: May be Effected by Fines 
and Assessments, when: (See Fines, Sec. 1192.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 3062,3083. 

SUSPENDED MEMBEES. 

2412. Status of in Respect to Maryland : Upon the 

question : "What is the status of the members of the sus- 
pended Grand Lodge of Maryland, and in what manner can 



672 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

they regain membership in the Order ?" The chair ruled that 
the whole matter was under the control of the Grand Lodge of 
that state which was recognized by this Supreme Lodge. — 
Rul. ofS. Read, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1871, 428. 

2413. Suspended Members: Not Entitled to 
Visit Although Having Pass Word : A member sus- 
pended for contempt, cannot only be prevented from visiting, 
but should be. The object of notifying Lodges of suspensions 
is that they may refuse admittance to all suspended parties. — 
Dec. ofL. L. Bass, G. C. G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 18, 19. 

SEMI-ANNUAL PASS WOED. 

2414. Cannot be Communicated by President 
of Section : The president cannot instruct a member in the 
S. A. P. W., even if he is entitled to it. It must be obtained 
of the proper officers of the Lodge. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1492, 1671. 

2415. Semi- Annual Pass Word : Right of Su- 
preme Chancellor to Rescind : If the exigencies of the 
case demand it,the Supreme Chancellor may rescind the S. A. 
P. W. of a Grand Jurisdiction.— Rul. of D. B. Woodruff, S. V. 
C. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1115. 

2416. Semi- Annual Pass Word : Brother Can- 
not Remain in Lodge Room Without : No member 
or person, can remain in the Lodge room without the S. A. P. 
W. If entitled to it under the local Law, he will receive it from 
the Chancellor Commander, and if he refuses to receive the 
word he must retire without regard to advance payment of his 
account. — Dec. of of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 

2417. Semi- Annual Pass- Word : Member must 
be in Possession of to sit in Lodge Room : Can a 

member remain in the Lodge, when opening, or when in ses- 
sion, if not in possession of the Semi- Annual Pass Word ?" 
Answer, No ; if not entitled to it by the payment of dues un- 
der the local Laws. The Law on which this decision is based 
will be given in secret session. The resolution adopted in 1875, 
Journal page 1121, says "That the length of time a member 



COMMON LAW. 673 

may be in arrears for dues before he can be deprived of the 
S. A. P. W. is a question subject to the legislation of state 
Grand Bodies, so long as said Jurisdictions comply with the re- 
quirement of this Supreme body in suspending members who 
are twelve months in arrears for dues.* — Rep. of S. Read, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1372, 1427. 

2418. Semi- Annual Pass-Word: Essential to 
Admission to, or Remaining in, the Lodge Boom : 

A member cannot be admitted to, neither can he remain in the 
Lodge room, who has not the S. A. P. W. and being in arrears, 
although he may not be dropped from the rolls. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1875, 31, 37, 38. 

2419. Semi- Annual Pass- Word: Possession of 
Essential to Gaining* Admission: (See Admission, 
Sec. 211 and note.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 38. 

2420. Semi- Annual Pass- Word: Possession of 
Essential, when : If a brother is not in possession of the 
S. A. P. W. he is not entitled to a seat in the Lodge. — Dec. of 
F. P. Wiley, G. C.) G. L., Mo., Jour., 1881, 15, 61. 

242 lo Semi- Annual Pass Word : Cannot be giv- 
en to Member of Suspended Jursdiction : (See Be- 
lief, Sec. 2177.) G. L., Del., Jour., 1873, 85, 91, 92. 

2422. Semi- Annual Pass Word: Member En- 
tiled to, when : On a query propounded ; Held, That any 
member of any Subordinate Lodge is entitled to the S. A. P. 
W. when his dues shall have been paid on, or before the last 
meeting night of the term preceding his demand for such S. A. 
P. W., and he be otherwise clear on the books. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Ind., Jour., 1881, 62. 

2423. Semi- Annual Pass Word: Chancellor 
Commander Cannot Communicate to Member 
Hofding Card : A Chancellor Commander is not authoriz- 
ed to instruct a brother, holding a withdrawal-card, in the S. A. 
P. 'W.—Dec. of D. McClure, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1877, 1015, 1073, 1085. 
*See Expo, title Admission, for discussion of the Pennsylvania case. 

43 



674 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2424. Semi- Annual Pass Word : Duty of Master 
at Arms in Respect to : It is necessary that the Master at 
Arms take up the S. A. P. W. from all the members present at 
the opening of the Lodge, for he can only thereby, officially as- 
certain who is qualified to remain. — Dec. ofC. T. Loehr, D. D. 
G. C. G. L., Va.. Jour., 1878, 26, 73. 

2425. Semi- Annual Pass Word : Should not be 

Given Through the Wicket : On the query, as to where 

the S. A, P. W. should be given; Held, Never through the 

wicket, but only after the door is partially open, so that the 

visiting brother can see that the Outer Guard is in fact a 

Knight.— Dec. of J. C. Nott, G. C. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1880, 9. 

2426. Semi- Annual Pass Word : Can be Com- 
municated Only by the Chancellor Commander, 
when: Authority of Lodge in Respect to: The 

Chancellor Commander is not authorized to empower any per- 
son to communicate the pass word to a brother between the 
sessions of the Lodge, nor can the Lodge make any special 
Law regarding the same. — Dec. of J. D. Heritage, G. C. 

G. L., No J., Jour., 1874, 473, 566. 

2427. Semi- Annual Pass Word : A Chancellor 
Commander Cannot Authorize a Member to Com- 
municate : A Chancellor Commander has no right to Au- 
thorize any member of his Lodge to communicate the S. A. P. 
W., to a member, even if he knows him to be clear on the 
books. He cannot authorize the Master of Finance to com- 
municate it to a brother when he pays his dues during the re- 
cess of his Lodge. — Rid. ofW.A. Edwards, G. C. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1881, 44. 

2428. Semi- Annual Pass Word: Cannot be 
Communicated by the Master at Arms : The Master 
at Arms cannot communicate the S, A. P. W. The members 
receive it from the Chancellor Commander, and the Chancel- 
lor Commander cannot delegate that power to any one. — Dec. 
of B. Shanley, D. D. G. C. G. L., W. Va.. Jour., 1878, 11, 24. 

2429. Semi: Annual Pass Word: Cannot be 
Communicated by the Master at Arms on the 
Order of the Chancellor Commander: Where the 
Master at Arms on his examination, preparatory to opening 



COMMON LAW. 675 

the Lodge found several members without the S. A. P. W., 
whereupon the Chancellor Commander directed him to com- 
municate the word to the brothers. On appeal, Held, That 
the Chancellor Commander had no authority to order the 
Master at Arms to communicate the pass word. — Appeal of 
Limestone Lodge vs. D. D. G. C.—Dec. of B. W. Morris, G.C. 

G. L., Ky., Jour., 1881, 746. 

2430* Semi- Annual Pass Word : Cannot be Com- 
municated by Master at Arms, when: It is not 

proper for the Chancellor Commander to order the Master 
at Arms to communicate the S. A. P. W. to a brother in good 
standing in the Lodge. The Master at Arms is not * 'acting 
in the capacity of Chancellor Commander, Grand Chancellor, 
or his Deputy, Supreme Chancellor, or his deputy."* — Dec. of 
Owen Royce, G. C. G. L., Miss., Jour., 1882, 17. 

2431. Semi- Annual Pass Word : Member Enti- 
tled to Order for, when : On leaving home, and paying 
his dues to the end of the current term, a member is entitled 
to the S. A. P. W. for the coming new term. — Dec. of W. R. 
McCormick, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1883, 977, 1036. 

2432. Semi- Annual Pass Word: Chancellor 
Commander the only Officer Authorized to Com- 
municate : The Chancellor Commander is the only person 
authorized to communicate the Pass Word in the Lodge, or 
during its interval, nor can he authorize the same to be done by 
another, under any circumstances whatever. — Dec. of S. J Wil~ 
lett, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1875, 262, 322. 

2433. Semi- Annual Pass Word: A Brother 
Under Suspension not Entitled to, when : A brother 
under suspension, pending an appeal, is not entitled to the S. 
A. A. P. W.—Dec. of A.J. Hastings, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., Aug., 1874, 20, 53, 56. 

2434. Semi- Annual Pass Word: A Chancellor 
Commander can Communicate the Semi- Annual 
Pass Word on Order, when : A Chancellor Commander 
is authorized to communicate the S. A. P. W. to all members, 
in or out of his Jurisdiction, on an order for the same, signed by 

*The Grand Chancellor of Ohio, in 1876, and the Grand Chancellor of Iowa, in 
1881, decided this question, exactly the other way, which was wrong then, and is 
certainly not the ritualistic Law now.— Dec. of J. G.Thompson. Of. C, Ohio. Jour., 1876, 
346. Dec. of J. Pappe, G. C, Iowa, Jour., 1881, 575, 598. 



676 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the Chancellor Commander and attested by the Keeper of Kec- 
ords and Seal,and presenting the usual evidence of good stand- 
ing.— Pec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

Explained, S. L. Jour, 1876, 1228. 

2435. Semi- Annual Pass Word: Order for Re- 
tained by the Lodge on Communication of Pass 
Word : (See Order, Sec. 1751.) 

G: L., Rhode Island, Jour., 1874, 8, 42. 

2436. Semi- Annual Pass Word: Grand Lodge 
Authorized to Legislate Concerning : The authority 
of a Grand Lodge to legislate concerning a brother's right to 
the S. A. P., W. was upheld. (See Construction of Laws, Sec. 
560.) S. L. Jour., 1875, 1121. 

2437. Semi-Annnal Pass Word : Orders for how 
Signed and Attested : Orders for the S. A. P. W. should 
be signed by the Chancellor Commander and attested by the 
Keeper of Eecords and Seal and should state the Semi-Annual 
term for which the Order is given. — Dec. of G. F. Taylor, G. C. 

G. L., Ala., Jour.. 1878, 312, 382. 

2438. Semi- Annual Pass Word : May be Denied 

to a Member, when : A Lodge can, by Law, deny the S. A. 
P. W. to a member who owes one quarters dues. — Rep. of com. 
on state of the Order. G. L., Va., Jour., 1881, 55. 

2439. Semi-Annual Pass Word : Member En- 
titled to, when : It is not necessary that a member be 
"clear on the books" to be entitled to the S. A. P. W. It is 
sufficient if he is less than three months in arrears. — Dec. of 
J. M. Powell, G. C G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1878, 965, 1022, 1024. 

2440. Semi-Annual Pass- Word: Order for, 
Member Entitled to, when : Where a member pays his 
dues to the end of a term, and who desires to go into another 
state, is entitled to an order for the S. A. P. W. for the new 
term, and an official receipt. — Dec. of J. R. Rutan, G. C. 

G, L., N. J., Jour., 1882, 1326, 1349. 

2441. Semi-Annual Pass- Word: Member En- 
titled to, when : A member who has paid up to the be- 
ginning of a term is entitled to the S. A. P. W. on the night of 
the beginning of the term.* — Dec. of L. S. Dungan, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1878, 468, 573. 

*The Grand Lodge reversed this decision, but, see Dues, Sec. 941, and note 



COMMON LAW. 677 

2442. Semi- Annual Pass- Word: Cannot be 
withheld, for non-Payment of Dues in advance: 

(See Dues, Sec. 942.) G. L., Mich., Jour., 1880, 60, 87 

2443. Semi- Annual Pass-Word: Member Can- 
not be Deprived of for Failing to pay Dues in 
Advance : (See Dues, Sec. 938.) 

S. L., Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114, 1121. 

2444. Semi- Annual Pass -Word: Member En- 
titled to without Payment of Dues in Advance: 

(See Dues, Sec. 922.) g. L., Neb., Jour., 1874, 248, 284. 

2445. Semi-Annual Pass Word: Member not 
Entitled to, when : A delinquent member cannot be ad- 
mitted without the pass, and is not entitled to it if six months 
in arrears. G. L., Neb., Jour., 1876, 448. 

2446. Semi-Annual Pass- Word: Not Withheld 
for Arrears, when : The S. A. P. W. cannot be withheld 
from members only three months in arrears for dues.* — Dec. of 
L. Firestone, G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour,, 1873, 169, 200. 

2447. Semi-Annual Pass- Word: Brother not 
Entitled to, when : A brother three months in arrears is 
not entitled to the S. A. P. W.— Dec. of J. H. Hertz, G. C. 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1883, 376, 393. 

2448. Semi-Annual Pass Word: Chancellor 
Commander may Communicate Outside Lodge 
Room : The Chancellor Commander can communicate the 
Semi-Annual Pass Word to any member of his Lodge, he 
knowing him to be clear on the books of his Lodge, at a time, 
or place, other than in the Lodge room in open Lodge. Dec. of 
B. T. Chase, G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1878, 283, 343. 

2449. Semi-Annual Pass Word : May he Com- 
municated Outside of Lodge Room, when: A 

Chancellor Commander has the right to communicate the S. 

*Ohio has subsequently held that arrears for dues for any amount, even one cent, 
will prevent a member's receiving the S. A. P. W. This is too harsh and should not 
be enforced. The rule as in force in most Jurisdictions seems to be the better one to 
wit : Arrears for three months, deprives a member of the right to vote, hold office, or 
receive benefits ; for six months, deprives him of the right to receive the S. A. P. W. 
or to visit, if in possession of it. Grand Chancellor Firestone went so far as to say 
that the S. A. P. W. could not be withheld if the member was less than one year in 
arrears. This is the other extreme and is opposed to the better practice. 



678 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

A. P. W., to a member of his Lodge, outside of the Lodge room, 
when he is satisfied that the brother is in good standing and 
has his official receipt for dues. — Dec. of C. O. Emery, D. D. 
G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1882, 185, 268. 

2450. Seini- Annual Pass Word: Grand Chan- 
cellor nor Deputy can Commuincate, when: 

Neither the Grand Chancellor, nor District Deputy Grand 
Chancellor, has the right to communicate the Semi-Annual 
Pass Word to a Knight, except to promulgate it to the proper 
officers. — Dec. ofH. C. Peabody, G. C. 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1876,. 114, 139. 

2451. Semi-Annual Pass- Word: Communicated 
to Knights Only : The term pass word is communicated 
to Knights only. g. L. Jour., 1870, 229. 

2452. Semi-Annual Pass Word : Used only in 
Knight Rank : The S. A. P. W. cannot be given or taken, 
in any degree (rank) but that of Knight, except it be in open- 
ing, at the outer door, or in examining the Lodge preparatory to 
passing from the Page or Esquire rank to that of Knight. Yet 
the Chancellor Commander has the right to exact it whenever 
and wherever the safety of the rank requires it, etc. — Dec. of 
H. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 1934.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 38. 

2453. Semi-Annual Pass Word : Brother Enti- 
tled to, when : Local Legislation : The Supreme Chan- 
cellor decided that "a member, to be entitled to the S. A. P. W. 
must pay all dues to the commencement of a term." Upon 
which the committee reported adversely, on the ground that 
it was a subject for local legislation. Dec. ofS.S. Davis, S. C. 
(See Construction of Laws, Sec. 560.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114, 1121, 

2454. Semi-Annual Pass- Word : Brother Hold- 
ing Card Cannot Visit without : A brother, out on a 
card, cannot visit without the S. A. P. W., and cannot obtain 
the word while holding a card, after a new one has been pro- 
mulgated, and hence the only right enjoyed is swept away by 
such changes of the S. A. P. W.—Dec. ofD. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 



COMMON LAW. 679 

2455. Semi- Annual Pass- Word : Brother Hold- 
ing: Card, Entitled to, when : A brother holding with- 
drawal-card is entitled only to the word current at the time of 
issue, and is not entitled to a subsequent word, until he joins 
a Lodge.— Dec. of S. Read, S. C, H. C. Berry, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1872. 467, 613. 
S. L. Jour.. 1873, app. 36. 

SESSIONS. 

2456. Of the Grand Lodges: Right of Grand 
Lodge to Determine : Grand Lodges have the right to de- 
termine when and how of ten they will hold their sessions. (See 
Grand Lodges, Sec. 1317, and note.) s. l. Jour., 1871, 342, 394. 

2457. Sessions: Of Grand Lodge: Change of 
to Semi- Annnal : Local Legislation: On request to 
permit Grand Lodges to amend their Constitutions, so as to 
dispense with semi-annual sessions, Held, That the Grand 
Lodges have that power. S. l. Jour., 1870, 201, 202. 

2458. Sessions: Grand Lodges may Change 
Time of Animal Session Without Effecting Term 
or Honors of Officers : (See Grand Lodge, Sec. 1318.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1969, 1988, 2004. 

2459. Sessions: Of Supreme Lodge, Leave of 
Absence from, Obtained how : On motion all requests 
to be excused from further attendance on the session of the 
Supreme Lodge, were referred to the Supreme Chancellor with 
authority to act as he may deem best. s. L. Jour., 1880, 2044. 

2460. Sessions : Of Supreme Lodge : Place of 
Holding, Duty of Supreme Chancellor in Respect 

to: Resolved, That in future sessions of the Supreme Lodge, 
the Supreme Chancellor, by personal inspection or correspon- 
dence, shall satisfy himself that the room selected for holding 
the session will be suitable for the purpose designed. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2461. 

SEMI-ANNUAL SESSION. 

2461. Of Grand Lodge : What Business May be 
Transacted at : Construction of Constitution : (See 
P. G. C, Sec. 1874, McMullan's case.) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 861, 867; Jour., 1875, 1127,1129, 



680 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

SPECIAL MEETINGS. 

2462. A Subordinate Lodge Cannot Ballot Fox 
Applicant at : (See Ballot, Sec. 324 ; see also Exposition, 
Special Meeting. ) G. L., Texas, Jour., 1876, 32 

2463. Special Meetings : A Lodge May Hold : A 

Lodge may hold special meetings to confer the ranks, but such 
meetings must be opened in regular form.— Dec. of E. T. 
Haines, G. C G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1872, 109, 155. 

2464. Special Meetings: Blanks May be Con- 
ferred at, when : The By-Laws of a Lodge prescribing noth- 
ing to the contrary, it is legal for such Lodge to work the ranks 
at special meetings ; Provided, One week elapses between the 
conferring of each rank. — Dec. of G. F. Taylor, G. C. 

G. L., Ala.. Jour., 1880, 83, 133, 220. 

2465. Special Meetings: Application May be 
Received at, when: Applications may be received at a 
special meeting, if the meeting is called for that purpose.* — 
Dec. of F. M. Mumford G. C. 

G. L., La., Jour., 1882, 19, 20, 63. 64. 

2466. Special Meeting : May be Called to Install 
Appointive Officers : There is no impropriety in a Lodge 
calling a special meeting for the purpose of appointing and in- 
stalling appointive officers, if due notice is given.— Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Ind., Jour., July, 1875, 175, 176. 

SPECIAL TAX. 

2467. By a Subordinate Lodge Upon its Mem- 
bers Illegal : (See Assessment, Sec. 22.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2058. 

SPECIAL COMMITTEES. 

2468. Payment of Expenses of: (See Committee, 

Sec. 527.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1572, 1608. 

STANDING COMMITTEE. 

2469. To be Furnished with Digest and Jour- 
nal: Resolved, That the Supreme Keeper of Kecords and 

*The Grand Lodge disapproved this decision, but without sufficient reason, how- 
ever. There is nothing in the Pythian Law opposed to the decision. 



COMMON LAW. 681 

Seal be instructed to set apart from the stock on hand, one 
copy of the Official Digest, and a full set of the bound Journals 
of the Supreme Lodge proceedings, for each of the standing 
committees of the Supreme Lodge, and that the same be furn- 
ished to the chairman of said committees at the beginning of 

each of the sessions of the Supreme Lodge. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2421. 

SECEET SESSION. 

2470. Lodge Cannot Resolve Itself Into, when : 

A Lodge cannot resolve itself into secret sessions and exclude 
visiting brothers, until after it has gone through with the regu- 
lar order of business, and closed the business of the Lodge. — 
Dec. ofH. D.Miller, G.C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1871, 58; Jour., 1872, 41. 

2471. Secret Session : Lodge May Exclude Visi- 
tors from : A Lodge desiring to act upon any very impor- 
tant measure which pertains exclusively to its own welfare, 
has the right to refuse admittance to, and clear the room of all, 
but its own members, during the consideration of such meas- 
ure.* — Dec. of T. W. Deering, G. C. 

G. L., Kan., Jour., Sept. 1873, 13. 31. 

2472. Secret Session : Lodge May Hold, and May 
Exclude Visitors from : As a Lodge has an undoubted 
right to pass upon very important matters pertaining exclu- 
sively to its own welfare, it has also, an undoubted right to 
clear the room of all but its own members. — Dec. of C. T. 
Gardner, G. C. G. L., K. I., Jour., 1872, 55, 66. 

SECEET WOEK. 

2473. Instruction in: May be Given Outside 
the Lodge Room, when : It was held by a Grand Chan- 
cellor, in a point of order raised, that a Grand Lodge could not 
entertain a resolution denying to the Grand and Subordinate 
Lodge officers, the right to give instructions in the secret work 
outside the Lodge-room, and the chair ruled that the Grand 

*This favors the right of any Subordinate Lodge to go into secret session, but it 
would seem that a Lodge would have this right, not alone for considering a very im- 
portant matters, but for any purpose, 



682 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Chancellor, or his deputy, could give such instructions outside 
the Lodge-room, and could communicate the S. A. P. W. to a 
Chancellor Commander ; Held, that the Grand Chancellor had 
this authority. — Appeal of Feivlass vs. G. L. of Ky. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 723, 724. 

2474. Secret Work : When Instructions May 
be Given outside the Lodge Room : A resolution, de- 
claring it to be the sense of the Grand Lodge, that Grand and 
Subordinate Lodge officers, should not give instructions in the 
unwritten work outside the Lodge room, except the S.A. P.W., 
was declared out of order by the Grand Chancellor, but upon 
request, he ruled that the Grand Chancellor, or his deputy, 
could give instructions in the unwritten work, and the S. A. P. 
W. to the Chancellor Commander, outside the Lodge room. 
Which ruling was, upon appeal, sustained, whereupon the 
query : "Can a Chancellor Commander give the secret work to 
a member of a Subordinate Lodge outside the Lodge room : 
Held, He could not, except the S. A. P.W.*— ZM. of W.A.Cot- 
ter. G. C. G. L. Ky.,* Jour., 1873, 92. 93. 

2475. Secret Work: Duty of Lodge to Adhere 
to Strictly : A Lodge has no right to make additions to the 
work of initiation, or of conferring the ranks, but must confine 
itself to the ritual and unwritten work strictly — Dec. of J. H. 
Pierson, G. C. G. L., N. J., Jour., July, 1870, 117, 140. 

24*76. Secret Work: Lodges Cannot Decide 
Question Relating thereto : A Subordinate Lodge can- 
not decide any question relating to the work of the Order. The 
work emanates from the Supreme Lodge, and is conveyed by 
the Supreme Eepresentatives to the Grand Lodges, when it is 
imparted to the representatives of the Subordinate Lodge, etc. 
—Dec. of P. Lowry, G. C. G. L. Pa., Jour., Jan., 1871, 183, 261. 

2477. Secret Work : Shall Not he Incorporated 
in the By-Laws : A Lodge cannot incorporate in its By- 
Laws any of the secret work. G. L., Ga., Jour.. 1872, 26. 

*Grand Chancellor Heser, of Kentucky, had decided (Jour. 1873, 16) that the 
S. A. P. W. could only be given by the Chancellor Commander in the Lodge room, 
while in session, and that secretly, but that a brother might be examined in the other 
secret work outside, if in a secret place. It does not appear that the Grand Lodge 
affirmed this decision, nor that it expressly overruled it, except in permitting the 
above ruling of Grand Chancellor Cotter to etand. The Law, as laid down in the 
text, however, seems to be the approved practice. 



COMMON LAW. 683 

SOLICITING MEMBEESHIP. 

24?8. Should be Exercised with Caution: On 

the resolution that the practice of soliciting candidates for 
membership in the Order is wrong, both in principle and 
practice, and it is hereby forbidden ; the committee on the state 
of the Order, report ; "while not recommending the adoption of 
the resolution, still recommend that great caution, and dis- 
crimination, should be exercised in the matter referred to." 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 401, 413. 

24¥9. Soliciting Membership: Prohibited: Ke- 

f erring to the action of the Supreme Lodge as disclosed in the 
preceding section, the Supreme Chancellor decided: That 
members of the Order are positively prohibited from soliciting 
members to join. — Dec. ofH. C. Berry, S. C. (See note to Sec. 
1934.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 39. 

2480. Soliciting Membership : Offering Induce- 
ments Illegal, when : Where a Lodge passed a series of 
resolutions, to the end of building up and strengthening the 
Lodge, said resolutions offering the following inducements, viz : 
That all members under suspension for non-payment of dues, 
— and all liable to suspension for same cause — may be rein- 
stated on payment of $5.00, all arrearages exceeding that 
amount to be remitted. That all persons desiring to become 
members of the Order may do so upon a payment of $5.00 
cash, the remainder of the fee to be remitted, by drawing an 
order therefor, after the applicant has gained membership ; 
Held, That such action is illegal, and in direct conflict with the 
Laws of the Order. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 81, 84. 

SOLICITING VOTES. 

2481. For Positions in Supreme Lodge Pro- 
hibited : Resolved, That any member seeking, directly, or in- 
directly, to secure the votes of others for any official positions, 
within the gift of this Supreme Lodge, shall thereby be dis- 
qualified to fill the position sought. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2438, 2474. 



684 KNIGHT OF PYTHIAS 

SUPPLIES. 

2482. To Grand Lodges: Furnished for Cash 
Only : Resolved, That the Supreme Scribe be, and he is here- 
by, strictly forbidden to deliver any supplies to the Grand 
Scribes or others, unless the cash accompany the order 
asking for such supplies. s. L. Jour., 1871, 410. 

2483. Supplies: To be Furnished by Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal, Exception in Respect 

to : Resolved, That the legislation of this session of the Su- 
preme Lodge as to supplies does not apply to blanks, such as 
applications for membership, etc., which have not heretofore 
been furnished by or through the Supreme Keeper of Eecords 
and Seal. S. L. Jour., 1884, 3064.. 

2484. Supplies: To be Furnished Through 
Grand Lodges only : Resolved, That with the exception 
of official receipts, and Official Digests, all supplies for Subor- 
dinate Lodges shall be furnished hereafter through the Grand 
Lodges, except to those Subordinate Lodges working under the 
immediate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge of the world. 
(See Jewels, Sec. 1491.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 3031. 

2485. Supplies : Jewels are Considered as : (See 

Jewels, Sec. 1498.) S. L. Jour., 1874, 973, 974. 

2486. Supplies: Furnished to Ontario at Re- 
duced Price : Resolved, That a deduction be made on all 
charges for supplies furnished the Grand Jurisdiction of On- 
tario, equivalent to the custom duties imposed on importation 
therein. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1569, 1609. 

2487. Supplies: Right of Grand Lodge to Pre- 
scribe : Terms of Furnishing : Local Legislation : It 

is entirely within the power of the Grand Lodges to prescribe 
the terms upon which they will furnish supplies to their Sub- 
ordinate Lodges. (See Installation Books, Sec. 1444, and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1612, 1620. 

2488. Supplies: Must be Furnished by the Su- 
preme or Grand Lodges : Paraphernalia May be 
Improvised or Manufactured : (See Sub. Lodge, Sec. 
2521.) G. L., Tenn., Jour., 1883, 67, 96, 98. 



COMMON LAW. 685 

SUBOEDINATE LODGE. 

2489. Right of, to Complain to Supreme Lodge 
Recognized : The right of a Subordinate Lodge to enter its 
complaint to the Supreme Lodge of acts of insubordination on 
the part of the Grand Lodge was recognized. — Complaint and 
appeal of Lodges in Venn. s. L., Jour., 1871, 347, 352, 425. 

2490. Subordinate Lodge : May be Directed to 
Reinstate Members, when: (See 0. B. N. Sec. 1762.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 427. 

2491. Subordinate Lodge: Visiting in Body, 
How Admitted : (See Visiting Lodges, Sec. 2710. ) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 913, 935. 

2492. Subordinate Lodge : Not Liable for Ben- 
efits During Suspension : (See Benefits, Sec. 399.) 

S. L. Jour., 1874, 944. 

2493. Subordinate Lodge: Should not Grant 
Withdrawal Card to Past Chancellor, when : (See 

P. C, Sec. 1933.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app, 37. 

2494. Subordinate Lodge: May Make Dona- 
tions, when : (See Donations, Sees. 862, 863.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1112, 1129. 
S. L. Jour., 1876, 1308. 

2495. Subordinate Lodge: Consolidation of 
Authorized : Deeming it for the best interest of the Order 
the Supreme Lodge authorized the consolidation of two Sub- 
ordinate Lodges at St. Johns, N. B.* CSee Consolidation, Sec. 
714.) S. L. Jour., 1877, 1407. 

2496. Subordinate Lodge: Illegal Action of: 
Brother not Responsible for : A brother should not be 
held responsible for the illegal action of a Lodge. (See With- 
drawal-Card, Sec. 2790.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1625, 1626. 

249?. Subordinate Lodge: Brother Admitted 
to Membership Cannot be Expelled, when: A 

brother admitted to membership in good faith, cannot be ex- 

*This refers to Lodges under control of the Supreme Lodge. 



686 KNIGHTS OP PYTHIAS 

pelled or suspended, unless by due process of Law, according 
to the Constitution and By-Laws. (See Withdrawal-Card, 
Sec. 2790.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1625, 1626. 

2498. Subordinate Lodge: Failure to Meet: 
Right of Grand Lodge to Prescribe the Number of 
Failures, which will Incur Penalty : It was held a 
matter for local legislation, the number of times a Subordinate 
Lodge might fail to hold its regular meetings before incurring 
the penalty of forfeiture of charter, provided, That some 
number of times must be stated, as the provision of the Law 
was obligatory.— Dec. of ZX B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2004. 

2499. Subordinate Lodge : Business of Must be 
Transacted by an Officer in the Chair : (See Chan- 
cellor Commander, Sec, 624, also Business, Sec. 505.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 1828, 2003. 

2500. Subordinate Lodge: Lodges Under Con- 
trol of Supreme Lodge Must Meet, when : Lodges 
under control of Supreme Lodge failing to meet for three 
months, incur the penalty as prescribed in Section 570, Offi- 
cial Digest.* — Rep. of com, on Law. s. L. Jour., 1880, 2004. 

2501. Subordinate Lodge: Not Liable for 

Money Advanced to aid a Member of Another 

Lodge, when: (See Benefits, Sec. 471.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2009. 

2502. Subordinate Lodge: May Elect Whom 

it Pleases to Office of Chancellor Commander: 

(See Chancellor Commander, Sec. 651.) 

S. L.Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

2503. Subordinate Lodge: Not Restricted to 
Those who Served in Appointive Office : (See Chan- 
cellor Commander, Sec. 630.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2448, 2477, 2568. 

2504. Subordinate Lodge : May be Placed Tem- 
porarily Under the Jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge, 
when: (See Colorado, Sec. 712, Curative Legislation, Sec. 
734.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1623; Jour., 1876, 1310. 

*Sec. 570, Official Digest, is simply Clause 4, of Sec. 3, Art. Vin, Supreme Lodge 
Constitution, and prescribes forfeiture of charter for failure to meet. See Constitu- 
tion Appendix. 



COMMON LAW. 687 

2505. Subordinate Lodge : Must not be Named 
After Living* Person: (See Naming Lodges, Seer. 1681.) 

S. L. Jour., 1869, 85, 95. 

2506. Subordinate Lodge: On Reinstatement 
After Suspension for Cause, May be Required to 
Exclude Certain Members, when : Where a Lodge is 
suspended for cause, as a condition of its reinstatement, it may 
be required to exclude all those members who were implicated 
in the matter causing the suspension. — J. A. Andrew, Lodgevs. 
the G. L. Mass. (See Suspension, Sec. 2335.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 573. 

2507. Subordinate Lodge May be Required to 
Comply with Conditions, on Reinstatement : (See 

Eeinstatement, Sec. 2148.) S. L., Jour., 1872, 608. 

2508. Subordinate Lodge : May Receive Appli- 
cations and Perform Work, when : (See New Lodge, 
Sec. 1702.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app 37. 

2509. Subordinate Lodge: Committees of, have 
no Authority to Pass upon Conduct of Supreme 
Lodge or its Officers : (See Committees, Sec. 528.) 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1433, 1446, 1447. 

2510. Subordinate Lodge: Cannot Change 
Qualifications for Membership, when: (See Appli- 
cants, Sec. 86.) G. L.. 111., Jour., 1882, 818, 899. 

2511. Subordinate Lodge: Name of Cannot be 
Changed, when: (See Name, Sec, 1683. G. L., Sec. 2512.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

2512. Subordinate Lodge: has no Authority to 
Change its Name : On request of a Subordinate Lodge 
for permission to change its name, the Grand Chancellor Held, 
That, as the Grand Lodge possessed the sole power to grant 
charters, and as the charter had been duly issued to the Lodge 
bearing its name, the Grand Lodge only, could change it. — 
Dec. of J. D. Roper, G. C.—Dec. of E. S. Mallory, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 844, 877. 
G. L., Tenn., Jour., 1881, 449, 483. 



1688 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2513. Subordinate Lodge: Changing Name of: 
Mere Resolution not Sufficient: A mere resolution 
by a representative offered in Grand Lodge, is not sufficient 
reason to warrant a change of name of a chartered Lodge. 
On a subject of so much importance each and every member 
of the Lodge should have an opportunity to express an 
opinion. G. L„ 111., Jour., 1881, 740, 750. 

2514. Subordinate Lodge: Cannot Refuse to 
Obey Orders of Grand Chancellor for want of 
Grand Lodge Seal Attached Thereto: (See Grand 
Chancellor, Sec. 1346.) G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 387, 448. 

2515. Subordinate Lodge : Cannot Sell its Par- 
aphernalia: The term "other property," used in the in- 
stallation service by the retiring Chancellor Commander in 
addressing the installing officer, is understood to mean the par- 
aphernalia of the Lodge which cannot be sold by a Subordinate 
Lodge. — Dec. of Dana Z. Smith, G. C* 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1882, 1248, 1298, 1299. 

2516. Subordinate Lodge: Reinstated: Duty of 
Issuing Cards to Old Members : (See Withdrawal- 
Card, Sec. 2791.) 

G.L., Mass., Jour., Feb., 1877, 833, 834, 866, 868, 869. 

2517. Subordinate Lodge: Has no Right to 
Refuse Members Admission to Ante Room, when : 

A Lodge has no right to refuse to admit members to the inner 
ante-room during the working of the ranks ; it can only refuse 
to admit members to the ante-room during opening cere- 
monies. — Dec. of W. B. Gale, G. C. 

G. L., Mass. Jour., 1875. 694, 729,730. 

2518. Subordinate Lodge : Disposition of Funds 

of: A Subordinate Lodge, under the proper method of pro- 
cedure, has the right to dispose of its funds in any manner 
which it may seem fit, by two-thirds of its members voting 
thereon at a regular meeting — Dec. of E. H. Hibben, G. C; 
on appeal of F. W. Gifford vs. S. S. Toman, D. ZX, G. C. 
Iowa- G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1883, 811, 857. 

*This is given as the Law in Mass., but the question might arise, "of what consists 
the paraphernalia?" There may also be eome doubt as to the soundness of this, 
as a general proposition. It would seem that a Lodge would 'bave the right to sell 
even its paraphernalia, provided it was done in a judicious -manner, and to proper 
parties. It could not be denied that a Lodge would bave the right to sell its properties 
to another Lodge for the purpose of replacing it with a new set. 



COMMON LAW. 689 

2519. Subordinate Lodge: May Use its Funds 
for any Purpose : A Lodge can use its funds for any pur- 
pose for the welfare of the Lodge. — Dec. of Wm. Wilson, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour.. 1877, 834, 865, 868. 

2520. Subordinate Lodge : Cannot Hold an Ad- 
journed Meeting: A Lodge cannot hold an adjourned 
meeting. It can call special meetings for the transaction of 
business specified in the call. — Dec. of W. H. Rudolph, G.C. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1880, 78, 127. 

2521. Subordinate Lodge: May Manufacture 
Paraphernalia but not Supplies : Paraphernalia may 
be improvised or manufactured by a Subordinate Lodge for its 
own use, and need not be bought from the Grand or Supreme 
Lodges. "Supplies" and not "paraphernalia" must be fur- 
nished by the Supreme or Grand Lodges. — Dec, of W. C. Cald- 
well, G. C. G. L., Term., Jour., 1883, 67, 96, 98. 

2522. Subordinate Lodge : Jurisdiction in Re- 
spect to Applicants: On the query: "Can a Lodge know- 
ingly admit an applicant to membership when he resides some 
distance from the Lodge, and in a place where a dispensation 
for a charter for the establishment of a Lodge has been applied 
for, and paid for, but before the Lodge is instituted ?" Held, 
The Lodge nearest the residence of the applicant, must waive 
jurisdiction, but the fact that a number of persons have applied 
for a dispensation for a charter, does not secure to or invest 
the incohate Lodge with any jurisdiction, and until it is in- 
stituted and fully organized it is not in esse, and no jurisdic- 
tion can be obtained by a Lodge which is not in fieri. — Dec. of 
Wm. McLane, G. C. G. L., Miss., Jour., 1880, 58, 89, 

2523. Subordinate Lodge: May Prescribe 
Qualifications for Applicants, when : (See Appli- 
cants, Sec. 87.) G. L. Ga., Jour., 1872, 26. 

2524. Subordinate Lodge: When at Ease in 
Charge of Chancellor Commander : Duty of Inner 
Guard : When the Lodge is at ease it is in the charge of the 
Chancellor Commander. The Inner Guard shall be at his post 
or with the door secure to see that no one passes in or out dur- 
the time the Lodge is at ease. — Dec. of S. D. Young, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1876, 736, 799. 

44 



690 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2525. Subordinate Lodge : May be Declared at 
Ease at Other Times than After Conferring Ranks : 

On the query: "Can a Lodge be declared at ease except after 
conferring ranks?" Held, Yes ; There can be other times when 
the Lodge may be at ease. — Dec. of S. D. Young, G. C. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1876, 736, 799. 

2526. Subordinate Lodge : May Instruct Rep- 
resentative, but Cannot Compel Them to Vote: 

(See Instructions, Sec. 1467.) g. L., Del., Jour., 1874, 155. 

SPEAKING. 

2527. In the Supreme Lodge When Represen- 
tative and Past Grand Chancellor not Allowed the 
Right of: (See ^Representative, Sec. 2062.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 426. 

SEATS. 

2528. In Supreme Lodge : Drawing for : Resolved, 
That the commencement of each and every session of this Su- 
preme Lodge, a committee shall be appointed by the Supreme 
Chancellor who shall draw for the seats to be occupied by the 
representative of the several Jurisdictions.* 

S. L. Jour,, 1871, 428. 

SHIELD. 

2529. Traveling: Adoption of: The shield as 

originally adopted, (S. L. Jour., 1874, 970,) was essentially a 

traveling shield, the possession of which, with the annual 

shield word, entitled a member to be invested with the S. A. 

P. W., and to visit. The form was afterwards so changed as 

to divest it of its character as a visiting credential, reducing it 

to merely a relief shield, and Lodges were authorized to issue 

them for any length of time, from a month to the next session 

of the Supreme Lodge,! — Rep. of special com. on shield. (See 

Traveling Card, Sec. 2574, and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1144, 1145. 

*This seems to be provided for in rule five, of the rules of Order of the Supreme 
Lodge, which provides that a committee on allotment of seats shall be appointed at 
the opening of the session. 

+The impression is prevalent in some quarters thatthe shield, in its present form, 
entitles the holder thereof to visit and to receive the S. A. P. W., this not being the 
fact, is evidence that the peculiar office of the relief shield is not understood as it 
should be. 



COMMON LAW, 091 

2530. Shield: Office of: Not a Visiting Card : 

It is not required of a member to have a traveling shield to 
visit outside of his own Jurisdiction. It is a letter of credit, 
and a Chancellor Commander may demand that the brother 
show an official receipt or traveling shield if he has any doubts 
concerning the admission of the brother. — Dec. of G. W. Lind- 
say, S. C. (See Ante, Sec. 2529.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2275, 2466. 

2531. Shield: Office of: The traveling shield is 
simply a letter of credit or relief shield ; and does not entitle 
the holder to a seat in any Lodge. — Dec. of Oiven Royce. G. C. 

G. L., Miss., Jour., 1882, 18. 

2532. Shield : Not Essential to Gaining Admis- 
sion : A traveling shield is not essential to gaining admis- 
sion into Lodges, but it is generally more satisfactory, both to 
visitors and Lodges, to have documentary evidence of good 
standing. — Dec. of J. S. Cain, G. C. 

G. L. Miss,, Jour., 1876, 28, 55. 

2533. Shield: Member Holding Withdrawal 
Card not Entitled to : A member holding Withdrawal- 
Card in not entitled to traveling shield. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

2534. Shield: Price of: The price of the shield to 
Grand Lodges was fixed at five cents, and to Subordinate 
Lodges at ten cents. S. L. Jour., 1870, 1670. 

2535. Shield: Price of: Conflict in Laws: The 

legislation of the Supreme Lodge fixing price of shields, be- 
comes the Law from the date of passage, and Laws of Grand 
or Subordinate Lodges, (fixing the price at 25 cents) in conflict 
therewith, are void. — Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. (See 
ante, Sec. 2534.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1827, 2003. 

2536. Shield: For Wives of Members in Good 
Standing: The Supreme Lodge refused to authorize the 
issue of traveling shields to the wives of members in good 
standing. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1282, 1288. 

2537. Shield : Member Holding must have Semi- 
Annual Pass-Word to be Entitled to Belief: (See 
Belief, Sec. 2176.) G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1882, 763, 806. 



692 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2538. Shield: Application for and Granting 
of Incurs a Fee which may he Charged up : 

Where certain brothers applied for traveling shields, and were 
notified to settle up their accounts, which they agreed to do, 
but subseqently refused to pay the charge for the shields, and 
their dues, whereupon, on motion it was ordered that the fee 
for shields be charged to their accounts ; Held, Brothers, after 
ordering shields, and having promised to settle up their 
accounts, are in duty bound to pay for the same, or have them 
charged to their account. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1875, 384. 
G. L. Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 53. 

SHIELD WOKD. 

2539. Aholished : Resolved, That so much of the reso- 
lution adopted by the Supreme Lodge, at its session in 1878, 
(Jour., 1670) as refers to the promulgation of an annual shield- 
word is hereby rescinded. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2577. 

SITTING- PAST CHANCELLOK. 

2540. Withdrawal of; Right as to Rank : If a 

sitting Past Chancellor takes a withdrawal-card, and deposits 
the same in some other Lodge, he will rank as Past Chancellor, 
and must receive, with his card, a rank credential as Past 
Chancellor, which will entitle him to the Grand Lodge rank. — 
Dec. ofS. S. Davis. S. G. (See Past Chancellor, Sees. 1947, 
2781.) S. L., Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114, 

2541. Sitting Past Chancellor : Is an Officer of 
the Lodge : On the query: "Is the retiring Chancellor Com- 
mander an officer of the Lodge ?" Held, The retiring Chan- 
cellor Commander is an officer. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L. Md„ Jour 1874, 221, 222. 

3542. Sitting Past Chancellor: Authority of 
Lodge to Remove : A Sitting Past Chancellor can be re- 
moved or suspended from office for inattention, inefficiency, or 
neglect of duty. A Sitting Past Chancellor can resign*— Dec. of 
W. H. Lee, G % C. G. L., Mass., Jour., 1879, 1058, 1090. 

*During the same year Grand Chancellor Lee, after thus arraying himself on the 
sideof the popular rulings, decides that a Sitting Past Chancellor holds over on the 
re-election of a Chancellor Commander. For other decisions respecting the Sitting 
Past Chancellor see title, "Past Chancellor." 



COMMON LAW. 693 

SIDE DEGBEE. 

2543. For Ladies Deemed Inexpedient : The Su- 
preme Lodge has studiously refused to create or organize any 
side or higher degrees. (See Ladies, Degree, Sec. 1534; Col- 
ored Lodges, Sees. 538, 54(U s. L. Jour., 1880, 1993, 2012. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 190, 191. 

S.L. Jour,, 1868, 16. 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2473. 

SECTION. 

2544. Of Endowment Rank: Documents Rela- 
tive to, Requiring Legislation : Forwarded to Su- 
preme Lodge, when : (See Endowment Eank, Sec. 1056.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2091. 

2545. Section : Of Endowment Rank : Manner 
of Reinstatement of: (See Endowment Eank, Sec. 1113.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2293, 2480, 2491. 

SCHOOLS. 

2546. Establishing of: Local Legislation: (See 
Colleges, 735.) S. L. Jour., 1877, 1413, 1418, 

^m : m SIK KNIGHT. 

2547. Title of "Sir" Should not he used:* (See 
Knight, Sec. 1520.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 564, 598. 

SINKING FUND. 

2548. Right of Grand Lodge to Provide for 
Purpose of Building Hall : (See Per Capita Tax, Sec. 
2032/ S. L. Jour., 1875, 1148, 1149. 

SOUTH CAEOLINA. 

2549. Extension of Order into : Refusal of Su- 
preme Lodge to Appropriate Funds for : (See Funds, 
Sec. 1258.) S. L. Jour.. 1880, 1976, 2039. 

*This title is now applied to members of the Uniform Rank. 



694 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

SUICIDE. 

2550. Funeral Benefits in Case of: Grand Lodge, 
may determine whether funeral benefits shall be payable in 
case of suicide.* (See Funeral Benefits, Sees. 1181, 1182.) 

S. L. Jour., 1873, 684,734. 

2551. Suicide: Widow of Entitled to Funeral 
Benefits : The widow of a member who commits suicide 
while in good standing, is entitled to the funeral benefits paid 
by the Lodge. The action of the brother in such case, being 
beyond the control of the wife, she cannot be made to suffer 
thereby.— Dec. of E. W. Scott, G. C, 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug. 1876, 448, 547. 

2552. Suicide: Of Wife of a Member: Fu- 
neral Benefits Payable : A brother whose wife commits 
suicide, while he is in good standing, is likewise entitled to the 
benefits prescribed by Law. — Dec. of E. W. Scott, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876, 448, 547. 

SUNDAY. 

2553. Meetings of Lodge, Held on, Illegal: It 

is illegal to call, or hold a special session of a Lodge on Sun- 
day. G. L., Ills., Jour., 1880, 571. 

2554. Sunday: Meeting on Illegal : The holding 
of Lodge meeting on Sunday, or evening is not approved. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1873, 275. 

2555. Sunday: Demonstration on, Illegal : The 

Law of this Grand Jurisdiction prohibits the holding of dem- 
onstrations of any character on Sunday for pleasure, in the 
name of the Order, also prohibits the holding of Lodge meet- 
ings on Sunday except for funerals. — Dec. of G. W. Herdman, 
G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1881, 673, 726. 

2556. Sunday: Instituting Lodge on, Illegal: 

Upon the question of the District Deputy Grand Chancellor, 

*At the session of 1884, the Supreme Lodge, considering the new code of Laws for 
the Endowment Bank, struck out the provision denying to the beneficiary of a sui- 
cide the Endowment benefits. 



COMMON LAW. 695 

as to whether he could institute a Lodge on Sunday : Held, 
No, the work of the Order should not be done on the Sabbath. 
— Dec. ofF. Hesser, G. C. G. L., Jour., Ky., 1873, 17, 87, 88. 

2557. Sunday: Unlawful to Initiate Members 

on : It is not lawful to initiate members on the Sabbath, 
under a called meeting of Chancellor Commander. — Dec. of A. 
J. Lovely, G. C, G. L., Ky., Jour., 1883, 906, 937. 

2558. Sunday: Meeting on for Instruction in 
the Secret work Improper: Upon the queries as to 
whether a meeting on Sunday, simply for the purpose of in- 
struction in the secret work, was legal, and if not, should the 
officers and members be clothed in their proper regalia ? Held, 
That while no Law exists forbidding such meetings on the Sab- 
bath, yet they are deemed prejudicial to the morals, and best 
interest of the Order. While such meetings may be legal it 
does not necessarily follow that the officers and members 
should be clothed in their regalia, as they are not convened for 
the purpose of transacting any actual business or work affect- 
ing in an manner the interests of the Lodge. — Rep. of com. on 
Law. G. L., W. Ya. s Jour., Jan., 1874, 15, 22. 

2559. Sunday: Dispensation will not Issue to 

hold Meeting on: Believing it to be not in accordance 

with the sacred principles we endeavor to exemplify by practical 

tests, the Grand Chancellor refused to grant dispensation to 

hold special meeting on Sunday, for the purpose of conferring 

the ranks. — Dec. of J. J. Kahler, G. C. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1880, 228. 

SICKNESS. 

2560. Right of Lodge to Demand Proof of: 

(See Benefits, Sec. 454.) G. L., Pa., Jour., 1883, 58, 116. 

2561. Sickness: Meaning of Term in Respect 
to Paying Arrearages During: (See Benefits, Sec. 

446.) G. L., Pa. 5 Jour., Jan., 1871, 183, 261. 

SUMMONS. 

2562. Form and Service of: A legal summons 
should have the seal of the Lodge attached, and be issued over 



696 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the signature of the Keeper of Kecords and Seal. It may be 
mailed to the brother, if his address is known, and he cannot 
be reached otherwise conveniently. The most efficient way 
would be to have such summons delivered by hand, to the 
brother to be summoned, either by the Keeper of Records and 
Seal, or by some other brother of the Lodge. Dec. of J. A. 
Bonitz, G. C. G. L., N. C., Jour., 1882, 10, 52. 

SENIOEITY. 

2563. How Determined: Seniority, in the several 
grades of office in the Knights of Pythias, is regulated as in all 
other organizations, by the date of the commisson or crden- 
tials of the officers of the same grade. This holds good and 
applies to Past Chancellors created in other Jurisdictions, or 
Subordinate Lodges in the same Jurisdiction, who subse- 
quently become members of another Jurisdiction, or Subordi- 
nate Lodge, by deposit of their withdrawal-card, or by ballot. 
—Dec. of E. T. Sykes, G. C. G. L., Miss., Jour., 1881, 8, 68. 

SCBUTINY. 

2564. Past Chancellor Cannot Preside at, 
when : (See Past Chancellor, Sec. 1942, and note.) 

G. L., Md., Jour,, 1883, 249, 333. 

SALAEY. 

2565. Of Supreme Master of Exchequer: 

Amount and Apportionment of: (See Supreme 

Master of Exchequer, Sec. 2330.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 3075 3076. 

2566. Salary : Of officers : Lodge Cannot Increase 
or Reduce During Term : A Lodge cannot increase or 
reduce the salary of officers during the term for which they 
were elected. — Rep of com. on haw. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1870, 37. 

2567. Salary: Of Subordinate Lodge Officers: 
Cannot be Reduced During Term: When a Lodge 
by amendment to its By-Laws reduced the salaries of the 
Master of Finance, and Keeper of Records and Seal, and sought 



COMMON LAW. 697 

to make it apply to the officers then serving. Held, That a 
Lodge cannot reduce the salary of an officer, after he has been 
elected, installed, and accepted to serve until his term expires, 
unless the officer is willing, or there is a vacancy in said office,* 
— Dec. of A. J. Schrack, G. C, on the appeal of P. C. Daily vs. 
Lafayette Lodge. G. L., Del., Jour., 1877, 90, 116, 117, 118. 

SUITS. 

2568, Brought by Subordinate Lodge : Question 
as to Power, How Determined: Questions as to 
powers of unincorporated Lodges through their trustees, to sue, 
are for the courts to determine, and not within the power of the 
Grand Lodge to decide. t g. L., Cal., Jour., 1879, 1361, 1376, 1378. 

TEUSTEES. 

2569. Exceeding Authority : Liablity of Lodge: 

The trustees of five several Lodges, in Wilmington, Delaware, 
met together and organized a "Board of Trustees," and as- 
sumed to do business jointly for all Lodges, among other mat- 
ters, certain expenses were incurred in and about protecting 
the hall furniture, which was apportioned to the Lodges. One 
Lodge refused to pay. On appeal the Grand Lodge required 
it to do so. The Lodge then appealed to the Supreme Lodge 
and presented inter alia, the following points : The trustees 
had no right to associate with the other trustees, and to act 
jointly ; That they exceeded their authority in creating this ex- 
pense ; That the expense was unnecessary ; That the trustees 
of Appellant Lodge were not present at the meeting of the 
"Board," at which the expense was incurred. Held, Sustain- 
ing the appeal, that the trustees had exceeded their authority, 
and the Grand Lodge was reversed. 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 374, 395. 

25 TO. Trustees : Are not Considered Officers of 
a Lodge : A trustee, not being considered by the Constitu- 
tion an officer of a Subordinate Lodge,cannot be charged with, 
or tried for official misconduct. Dec. of Dana Z. Smith, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1882, 1247, 1298, 1299. 

*The Grand Lodge refused to approve this decision, •without commegit or reason, 
so far as the record shows. The rule that, the salary of an officer cannot be reduced 
during his term of office, is "well established in civil Law . It is founded in reason and 
justice, and should find lodgement in our Pythian Jurisprudence. 

tAs a mere question of Law, unincorporated Lodges may sue and be sued as 
partnerships. Their non-incorporation does not effect their rights and liabilities in 
this respect. See Hirschl, Law of Fraternities and Societies. 



698 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2571. Trustees: Not Being Elective Officers, 

can Hold Other Offices : Where a Law prohibits a mem- 
ber from holding two elective offices at the same time, Held, 
That a trustee was not an elective officer, and was therefore 
eligible to the office of Eepresentative. — Dec. ofH. W. Wilson, 
G. C. G. L., Mass., Jour., 1881, 1198, 1232. 

2572. Trustees : Are Not Officers of the Lodge, 
and Subject to Removal Pursuant the Laws for 
Non- Attendance : Trustees are not considered officers 
who come under the provisions of the Constitution relative to 
removal for non-attendance. By-Laws will have to be 
made to meet cases of this character. — Dec. of J. J. Kahler, 
G. C. G. L., Md.. Jour., 1880, 229, 304. 

25*73. Trustees: May not act as Auditing Com- 
mittee, when : While there is an impropriety in the ap- 
pointment of the trustees, as auditing committee, yet as they 
are only called upon to examine and report upon the books 
and accounts of the Keeper of Eecords and Seal, Master of 
Exchequer, and Master of Finance, if appointed by the Chan- 
cellor Commander and sanctioned by the Lodge, they are 

eligible. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., Jan., 1875, 33, 40. 

TBAVELINQ CABDS. 

25*74. Refusal of Supreme Lodge to Recognize : 

On report of committee on Unwritten Work, the Supreme 
Lodge refused to concur in a resolntion authorizing the Su- 
preme Chancellor, and the committee on Unwritten Work, to 
draw up and have printed a "Traveling Card,'" for the use of 
members.* (See Shield, Sec. 2529 and note.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 378, 385. 

TACTICS. 

2575. Adoption of: (See Manual of Drill, Sec. 1647 
and note.) S. L. Jour., 1878, 1636, 1657. 

*The Supreme Lodge since the modification of the Shield has refused to permit 
the use of "Traveling Cards." some members have inadvertently confounded the 
"Relief Shields" and Traveling Card and have regarded it as a traveling credential. 
This error has a wider credence than there is any reason for, in view of the positive 
legislation of the Supreme Lodge in respect to the office of the Relief Shield. 



COMMON LAW. 699 

TAX. 

2576. Duty of Subordinate Lodge to Levy on 
Members to Enable it to Pay Benefits : (See Dues, 
908 and note.) S. L. Jour., 1873, 692, 753. 

2577. Tax: Grand Lodge Cannot Levy on its 
Past Chancellors, when : (See Assessment, Sec. 7.) 

S. L. Jour., 1870,198, 203. 

2578. Tax: Cannot be Levied for Purposes not 
Connected with the Order : On the query as to whether 
a Lodge could levy tax on the members for the benefit of an 
orphan asylum, Held, That a Lodge had no right to tax mem- 
bers for anything not connected with the Order. — Dec. ofG. W. 
Lindsay, G. C. G. L., Md., Jour.. Jan., 1874, 152, 195. 

2579. Tax: Levied to Pay Lodge Physician, 
Cannot be Enforced: Where a Lodge employed a 
physician to attend the members and their families when sick, 
free of charge to the members. That to compensate the 
physician a tax is levied upon each member in addition to his 
dues, and where a member notified the Lodge that he would 
not accept the services of said physician, and would not pay the 
tax levied, and for failing to pay said tax, said member was 
held to be not in good standing ; Held, On appeal, there is no 
Law by which a tax like the one in question can be enforced. 
Such a tax must be voluntary, and if so, binding only upon 
those who contribute to the fund. — Rep. of com. on Appeals. 

G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1880, 44. 

2580. Tax : For Relief of Widow, Illegal, when : 

(See Assessment, Sec. 27.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug, 1874, 102, 115. 

2581. Tax: Right of Subordinate Lodge to 
Levy : A Lodge can levy a tax on its members to meet the 
ordinary expenses of the Lodge, provided it is approved by the 
Grand Lodge, this being a matter belonging to local legisla- 
tion. — Appeal of S. T. Phillips vs. G. L. of Va. (See Assess- 
ment, Sees. 11, 12.) S. L. Jour., 1872, 625. 

2582. Tax: Authority of Supreme Lodge to 
Authorize Grand Lodge to Levy : During its financial 



700 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

embarrassment, the Supreme Lodge, a tax upon each Grand 
Jurisdiction equal to 20 cents per capita was levied, and the 
Grand Lodges were authorized to levy a tax upon their mem- 
bers to pay the same. ' s. L. Jour., 1874, 925. 

2583. Tax : Right of a Grand Lodge to Levy for 
Building Purposes Sustained : (See Per Capita Tax, 
Sec. 2032.) S. l. Jour., 1875, 1148, 1149. 

TEEM. 

2584. Of Subordinate Lodge : What Constitu- 
tes : Construction of Law : On the query, to wit : "Does 
the last convention in a term constitute the ending of the 
term ?" Held, No. The term of a Subordinate Lodge com- 
mences January 1st, and ends June 30th ; commences July 1st 
and ends December 31st.* — Dec, of J, L. Dudley, G. C. 

G. L., N. O., Jour., 1881, 10, 45. 

2585. Term: Definition of: A member is not 
twelve months in arrears for dues, when no time of payment 
is fixed in the By-Laws, until after the end of the fourth quar- 
ter, and the quarters end with the respective months, and not 
with the last meeting in the quarter. — Dec, of J. H. Drummond. 
G. C, G. L., Maine, Jour., 1877, 170, 237. 

2586. Term : Of Officers of Subordinate Lodge : 
Local Legislation: On the proposition; "That, on and 
after the next annual election of officers of Subordinate Lodges, 
to be held in December 1875, that officers so elected shall be 
for the period of one year," the committee on unwritten 
work report, that by the Constitution of the Supreme Lodge it 
was a matter for the Grand Lodge Jurisdiction.! 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1119, 1136.. 

TEIAL. 

2587. Of Grand Lodge Officers : Testimony of 
Outside Persons Admissible, when: The Supreme 
Chancellor called the attention of the Supreme Lodge to the 

*It was held by the Grand Chancellor of Maryland, that the terms always end with 
the Lodge nights and not according^to dates. "This is not supported by authority. 
(See Jour., Md, Feb. 1877, 280, 388. 

+The Terms of Grand Lodge officers, under the restrictions of the Constitution, 
cannot be less than one year. See Sec. 5, Supreme Lodge Const., app. 



COMMON LAW. 701 

fact that many of the Grand Lodges have failed to make pro- 
visions in their Laws for the trials of their officers under 
charges, submitting the following question : "Is it legal or pro- 
per to receive testimony from a person not a member of the 
Order for, or against an officer, or member, on trial under 
charges ?" When it was Resolved; That it is legal and proper to 
receive the testimony of a person, not a member of the Order, 
for or against an officer or member on trial under charges. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1380, 1428c 

2588. Trial: Testimony of Persons not Mem- 
bers Admissible in : In cases of trial a Lodge can take 
the testimony of persons not members of the Order. — Dec. of 
T. W. Deering, G. C. G. L., Kan., Jour., Sept., 1873, 14, 31. 

2589. Trial: Admission of Witnesses in, not 
Members : Where charges are pending against a member, 
the committee can admit witnesses who are not members of 
the Order.*— Dec. of W. H. Gillum, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1882, 122, 161, 163. 

2590. Trial : Cannot be Reopened, when : When 
member against whom charges are preferred has had due and 
ample notice of the trial, and fails to appear and defend ; Held, 
That he had no right to a reopening of his case a year after- 
ward. — Appeal of J. A. Poehlmann vs. G. L. Mo. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1619. 

2591. Trial: Change of Venue of: Law Con- 
strued : (See Change of Venue, Sec. 762.) 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1881, 34, 37. 

2592. Trial: Appointment of Committee on, 
where Chancellor Commander Prefers the Charges: 

(See Charges, Sec. 708.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 2061, 2062. 

2593. Trial: Fair and Impartial Guaranteed 

to all Members, when : — Case of A. C. Davis, of N. 

C. (See Sup. Rep., Sec. 2305.) 

S..L. Jour., 1875, 1122, 1123. 

2594. Trial: Form of Procedure of: For Grand 
Lodge Officers: The following — "Form of procedure for 
trial of officers of Grand Lodges under charges." — was adopted : 

*It is presumed that this refers to the trial, or hearing, before the committee, not 
before the Lodge in session. 



702 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

1. Before any officer, or officer elect of a Grand Lodge, shall 
be called upon to answer, a written charge setting forth in gen- 
eral and comprehensive terms, the Pythian offense of which 
he is alleged to be guilty, shall be presented, signed by some 
member of the Grand Lodge. This charge shall be accom- 
panied with one or more specifications, setting forth in detail, 
with sufficient particularity, to enable the accused to prepare 
his defense, the time, place, and circumstances of the alleged 
offense. 

2. The charge being presented to the Grand Lodge, that 
body may by a two-thirds vote, suspend the officer charged, 
from the exercise of his official functions until the charge is 
investigated, and may by a similar vote postpone the installa- 
tion of any officer elect. 

3. During the interval between sessions of the Grand 
Lodge, charges against an officer thereof may be presented 
to the Grand Chancellor, or if that officer is the one charged, 
to the Grand Vice Chancellor. 

4. The Grand Keeper of Kecords and Seal shall at once 
forward to the officer charged, a certified copy of the charges 
preferred against him. If the G. K. of E. and S., is himself 
charged, this duty shall be performed by an officer to be desig- 
nated by the Grand Chancellor. 

5. As soon as practicable after the presentation of a charge, 
a committee of five members of the Grand Lodge shall be ap- 
pointed to investigate the same, as follows : A majority of 
said committee shall be appointed by the highest officer in 
rank of the Grand Lodge not under charges, and minority of 
the same by the officer next in rank, and not under charges. 

6. The committee shall meet as soon as practicable a£ter 
their appointment, and in case of charges preferred at a ses- 
sion of the Grand Lodge, if possible during that session, and 
proceed to investigate the charge. The evidence in the case 
shall be reduced to writing, and the accused shall have due 
notice of the time and place of meeting, and a full opportunity 
to be present by himself and counsel, and to cross-examine 
witnesses against him, and to introduce evidence in his own 
behalf. 

7. The committee, or a majority thereof, having heard the 
testimony, shall report the same to the Grand Lodge, together 
with their opinion of the guilt or innocence of the accused on 



COMMON LAW. 703 

each specification and each charge, and if they report him 
guilty shall also recommend what, in their judgment, would be 
the proper penalty for the offense charged as hereafter pro- 
vided. 

8. During an interval between sessions of the Grand Lodge, 
and in a case in which, in the judgment of the committee of 
investigation, prompt action is necessary, the committes who 
have found an officer guilty may make report to the officer 
highest in rank, not under charges, and that officer may then, 
with the consent of a majority of all the officers of the Grand 
Lodge, suspend the officer from the exercise of the functions 
of his office until the Grand Lodge takes action in the case. 

9. The Grand Lodge, upon the report of a committee, shall 
at once proceed to consider the same, and may adopt, change, 
modify, reverse, or disapprove of the findings of the committee, 
and also of the penalty recommended, and may, itself, pre- 
scribe a suitable penalty. 

10. The penalties to be imposed by these proceedings shall 
be — suspension or removal from office ; suspension or removal 
from Grand Lodge membership ; disqualification to hold office 
in the Grand Lodge ; disqualification to hold membership in the 
Grand Lodge. Either (any) or all of these penalties may be 
imposed, but no other than those specially mentioned. Dis- 
qualification may be either indefinitely or for a limited time, 

11. If the committee of investigation find an officer charged 
with an offense, and who has been suspended from the exer- 
cise of the functions of his office, not guilty, they shall, if the 
Grand Lodge is not in session, report their action to the acting 
Grand Chancellor, and thereupon the officer charged shall be 
entitled to discharge the duties of his office until the Grand 
Lodge shall reverse the finding of the committee ; provided. 
That no officer of the Grand Lodge shall preside therein, pend- 
ing the consideration of charges against himself. 

12. This form of procedure shall not apply where a Grand 
Lodge has prescribed a different mode for the trial of officers 
under charges. S. L. Jour., 1878, 1573. 

8595. Trial: Notice of: Failure to Appear: 
Contempt : Where a brother had notice of charges against 
him, and time and place of trial, but failed to appear, where- 
upon the committee reported him guilty of contempt, for which, 



704 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

without notice, he was suspended, Held, The brother should 
have had notice that the charge of contempt was to be made 
against him, for lack of which the judgment of the Lodge was 
set aside. G. L., 111., Jour., 1883, 1012. 

2496. Trial : Irregularities in : Ground for Re- 
manding Cause : Informalities and irregularities in con- 
ducting a trial, are sufficient cause for remanding a cause for 
new trial, notwithstanding the charges preferred are fully 
sustained. — Appeal of J. W. Ackerman, vs. Gauntlet Lodge No* 4. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1877, 164, 228. 

2597. Trial : Of a Suspended Member may be 
had, when : A member who has been suspended for non- 
payment of dues, may be arraigned for "conduct unbecoming 
a Knight," and a penalty awarded, as in the case of a member 
not suspended. — Dec. o/D. W.Day, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 

2598. Trial: Member Suspended may foe Cited 
for: A Lodge can cite for, and proceed to the trial of a 
member who has been suspended for non-payment of dues, 
He may be admitted to the Lodge for the purposes of trial, by 
the order of the Chancellor Commander. — Dec. of W. A. 
Schmitt, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 384, 448. 

2599. Trial : Suspended Members May be Cited 
as Witnesses in, when : A Lodge may.cite, as a witness, 
a member who has been suspended for non-payment of dues, 
with the same power and authority as in the case of an un- 
suspended member. — Dec. ofD. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L„ Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 

2600. Trial: A Member Suspended may be 
Cited as a Witness in : It is competent for a Lodge to 
cite as a witness in a trial, a member who has been suspended 
for non-payment of dues. It would be contempt to refuse to 
answer. — Dec. of W. A. Schmitt, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 384, 386, 448. 

2601. Trial: Committee on : Right of Accused 
to Object to : A brother under trial, has the right to object 
to any member appointed on a committee to try him, but his 
objections must be stated to the Lodge. If the Lodge sus- 



COMMON LAW. 705 

tains his objections, the member of the committee objected to 
shall be set aside and a new appointment made to fill the va- 
cancy. — Dec. of J. S. Farrington, G.G. (See Charges, Sec. 698.) 
G. L., Mass., Jour., July, 1872, 178; Jour., 1873, 220. 

2602. Trial: Grand Lodge Officers Cannot be 
Subpoenaed on, when : Grand Lodge officers, as such, can- 
not be summoned before committees of trial, of Subordinate 
Lodges, but as individuals, it is their duty to appear when 
summoned by such committees. A committee of trial, of a 
Subordinate Lodge, cannot legally demand the production of 
books or papers, from the files of the Grand Lodge office, nor 
can the books and papers be removed therefrom except by the 
order of the Grand Lodge.— Dec. of S. M. Weale, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., Aug., 1877, 903, 938. 

2603. Trial: Notice of to Counsel, is Notice to 
Accused : Where an accused member, accepts the brother 
appointed by the Lodge, as his counsel, notice to the counsel 
of the time and place of trial, is sufficient to the accused. — 
Appeal of T. W. Seymour vs. St. Louis Lotfge. 

G. L., Mo., Jour,, 1875, 158. 

2604. Trial: Should take Place where: The 

Grand Chancellor of Massachusetts had decided that a Past 
Chancellor is entitled to be tried by his equals in rank, and 
that a Subordinate Lodge could not try a Grand Lodge mem- 
ber. This decision the Grand Lodge reversed but adopted the 
following : That the trial of a member of the Order, of what- 
ever rank, for any offense, except such as are otherwise speci- 
fied in sections one and five of the code of procedure should 
primarily be conducted by his Subordinate Lodge. — Dec. oj S, 
M. Weale, G. C; Dec. of W. H. Lee, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., Feb., 1878, 954, 1031. 
G. L., Mass., Jour., Aug., 1878, 1060, 1019. 

2605. Trial : Of Grand Officers : by Subordinate 
Lodges : Subordinate Lodges have the power to try Grand 
Officers for offenses committed while acting in their official ca- 
pacity as such Grand Officers. G. L., Neb., Jour., 1872, 113. 

2606. Trial: May Proceed in the Absence of 
Accused, when : If a Lodge has used the utmost diligence 

45 



706 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

to find and notify an accused brother, the trial may proceed in 
his absence, the same as though he was present, but the record 
of the trial must set forth the ineffectual efforts to procure his 
attendance.— Dec. of J. J. Monell, Jr., G. C. 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1875, 317, 350. 

2607. Trial: May Proceed in Absence of Ac- 
cnsed, when : If charges are preferred against a member 
who is absent from the city, he having left without naming his 
destination, but a copy of the charges is left at his last place of 
residence, Held, the Lodge may proceed with the trial in his 
absence.— Rul. of W. S. Quigley, G. C. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1873, 34. 

2608. Trial: May Proceed in Absence of Ac- 
cused : On a query propounded ; Held, The committee 
have a perfect right, and it is lawful for them to proceed with 
the trial, even if the brother against whom charges have been 
preferred, be not present ; Provided, the the accused has been 
notified to appear.— -fiep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1873, 567. 
G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1874, 738. 

2609. Trial: Duty of Member to Attend as 
Witness when Called : Where charges are pending against 
a member for drunkenness, and exposure of person, it is the 
duty of a brother, when called to state what he knows of the 
case, and if he shall refuse to respond to the summons of the 
Lodge he may be tried for contempt, and if found guilty, fined, 
or suspended, as the Lodge may determine, the same as for 
any other ceuse.— Dec. of F. W. McKinley, G. C. 

G. L„ N. H„ Jour., 1882, 13, 27, 28. 

2610. Trial: Counsel for Prosecution may 
Charge fee in : (See Counsel, Sec. 773.) 

G. L., Ga., Jour., 1879, 276, 291. 

2611. Trial: May be Reviewed and Sentence 
Terminated, when : Upon the query, to wit : "Can a Lodge 
terminate a sentence of expulsion or suspension, upon review 
of the original testimony, and finding error in the same?" 
Held, It is entirely a matter of local jurisdiction. A Lodge 
certainly can correct its errors in matters of personal grievan- 
ces.— Dec. of H. G. Allis, G. C. G. L., Ark., Jour., 1883, 119, 136. 



COMMON LAW. 707 

2612. Trial: Judgment in may be Set Aside 
for Irregularities : (See Judgment, Sec. 1512.) 

G. L., CaL, Jour., 1873, 428, 499, 504. 
G. L., CaL, Jour., 1874, 538, 578. 

2613. Trial: Duty of Chancellor Commander 
to Declare Mode of Punishment, when : Where a 
brother was tried under the code, and the charges sustained ; 
and where, upon a vote to determine the mode of punishment, 
the result was as follows : First. Suspension, which was dis- 
agreed to. Second. Fine, disagreed to. Third. Eeprimand, 
disagreed to. Held, That the ballot on the third degree of 
punishment was not necessary. The first and second having 
been disagreed to, it was the duty of the chair to declare the 
punishment to be reprimand — Dec. of R. P. Aunspaugh, G. C. 

G. L., Texas, Jour., 1879, 97, 122. 

26 14. Trial : For Conduct Unbecoming a Knight, 

May be Had for Crime : (See Crimes, Sec. 737.) 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1881, 12, 49, 50. 

2615. Trial: Right of Accused to Remain in 
Lodge Pending Discussion and Vote : On the query: 
"In case of a trial, must the party leave the Lodge during the 
discussion, and when the vote was taken?" Held, No; but 
when the vote was taken he should retire. — Dec. o/S.D. Young, 
G. C G. L., N. J„ Jour., 1876, 735, 799. 

2616. Trial: Member on Card may be Cited 
for, when: (See Charges, Sec. 677.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1875, 596, 689. 

26 IT. Trial : Cannot be Had a Second Time for 
Same Offense : (See Charges, Sec. 711.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1881,18, 19, 63. 

2618. Trial: Right of Member to Argue the 
Question, and Propound Interrogatories: Where, 
on the trial of a member on charges, Held, Any member 
may propound questions to witnesses after the counsel on both 
sides have finished, and may also argue the question after the 
testimony is closed, and before a vote is taken. — Dec. of D. 
Gregg, G. C. G. L., D. C, Jour., Nov., 1879, 225, 243. 



708 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

26 1 9. Trial : In German Lodge : Right of Ac- 
cused to Counsel Who Does Not Speak German : 

Where, in the course of a trial in a German Lodge, a resolution 
was adopted denying the accused the right to be represented 
by counsel who did not speak the German Language. Held, 
The Lodge erred. — Appeal of C. Thielecke vs. Germania Lodge. 

G. L., D. C, Jour*, Jan., 1880, 275, 278. 

2620. Trial : Cannot he Had Second Time on 
Same Charges : Where the accused was tried and found 
guilty, which judgment was set aside by the Grand Lodge. 
Held, He could not be tried again on the same charges. — Ap- 
peal of C. Thielecke vs. Germania Lodge. 

G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1880, 275, 278. 

2621. Trial: Pending Action on Report of 
Committee on, Counsel may Argue Case : It is legal 
to allow an attorney or counsel, a member of the Order, to 
argue a case before the Lodge after the trial committee has 
made its report, and before the Lodge has taken its final vote 
upon the matter, — Dec. of J. H. Harney, G. C. 

G. L., Cal., Jour., 1882, 1671, 1745, 1753. 

2622. Trial : Committee on : Duties and Prov- 
ince of: Where the Law provides for the trial of charges 
by a committee, it is the duty of the committee merely to re- 
duce its opinion to writing, as to the guilt or innocence, after 
having examined the proofs and witnesses. It is not its duty 
to inflict or recommend a penalty. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1873, 125. 

2623. Trial: Form of Procedure in case of a 
Conviction hy a Court or Justice: Where a member 
has been convicted and sentenced in a court of justice, the 
form of procedure — in the Lodge — is as follows : A charge 
must be preferred against him covering the specified offense of 
which he was convicted. The brother will be notified in accord- 
ance with Law. A committee will be appointed and they will 
notify the brother to appear and answer. A certified copy of 
the judgment and sentence of the court, against the brother 
will be produced, and upon that, he may be found guilty and 
reported to the Lodge, after which the Lodge will proceed in ac- 



COMMON LAW. 709 

cordance with Law providing for action on such reports.* — 
Dec. ofE.W. Scott, G.C. G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876, 450, 548. 

2624. Trial : Mode of: Determining Punishment 
after : In the ballot, as to the guilt or innocence of the accused, 
a majority decides. In the ballot to prescribe the punishment 
to be inflicted a two-thirds vote is required. — Dec. of P. Dowry, 
G.C. G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1870, 539, 577. 

2625. Trial: Two-Thirds Vote in: Law Con- 
strued: (See Election. Sec. 1021.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1882, 546, 551, 587. 

TITLE. 

2626. Of Members must be Affixed, when : (See 
Official Title, Sec. 1803.) g. L., 111., Jour., 1876, 61, 76. 

2627. Title: Of Officers, takes Precedence of 
Rank Title, when : The present title of an officer of a 
Lodge takes precedence of a past official title. — Rul. of R. H. 
Nesbitt, G. C. G. L., Ala., Jour., 1877, 230. 

2628. Title: Past Official: Should be used, 
when : The rank title affixed to a brother's name, in an order 
for the S. A. P. W., should be the highest one to which he is 
entitled.— Dec. of G.F. Taylor, G. C. 

G.L., Ala., Jour., 1878, 312, 382. 

UNIFOBM, 

2629. Adoption of: The old "outside regalia" was 
abolished, when the following resolution, from the Grand Lodge 
of Illinois was adopted : Resolved, That the representatives to 
the Supreme Lodge, be and they are hereby instructed to use 
their influence and vote, as far as may be, to secure the 
adoption of the following uniform : (An illuminated descrip 
tive pamphlet accompanied the resolution being theonerecom 
mended.) S. L. Jour., 1871, 362, 409 

Official issuance with drawings, Jour., 1872, 482, 500 

2630. Uniform: Declared to be Permanent 

The uniform as adopted in 1871, (See preceding Section,) ex 

*This form will not accord with the practice in some Jurisdictions, but it is i 
simple, and at the same time, an efficient mode of procedure. 



710 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

cept helmet, orinamme, gorget and cloak, was declared to be 
permanent outside uniform of the Order for ten years. 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 630. 

2631. Uniform: Wearing or Procuring of, not 
Compulsory : Resolved, 1st. That so much of the uniform 
adopted at said session (1871) known as the "Fatigue Dress," 
be re-adopted, and the Knights of the world are assured that this 
portion of the uniform is permanently established as a portion of 
our uniform. 2d. That the subject of uniforming shall not be 
compulsory upon the Knights of our Order, and that every 
member shall have the right to uniform or not, as he may 
deem proper. S. L. Jour., 1872, 577, 578, 600. 

2632. Uniform: Cannot be worn, when: Query, 
The members of a certain Lodge desire to form a musical 
band, composed wholly of members of the Order, and to be 
known as the * 'Knights' Band." Is it allowable for them to 
wear the fatigue cap and belt, or any portion of the Knights' 
uniform, as a band uniform, when on band duty, on occasions 
not connected with the Order?" Held, That the uniform 
adopted by the Supreme Lodge, is only to be used as Knights, 
and for the Order only ; Therefore be it Resolved, That breth- 
ren be only permitted, when performing the duties requiring 
the uniform, to use the same. s. L. Jour., 1875, 1154, 1156. 

2633. Uniform: Grand Chancellor may wear 
-when Instituting Lodges: A Grand Chancellor may 
wear the uniform when instituting or visiting Lodges, but 
must wear also the appropriate regalia. (See G. C. Sec. 1333.) 

S. L. Jour., 1872, 615, 627. 

2634. Uniform : Lodge may Assist Members to 

Purchase: Where a Lodge agreed to assist members to 

procure uniform, the same to be paid for by installments to the 

Lodge, and to remain the property of the Lodge until paid for, 

and instructed its trustees to execute a note, or obligation, in 

behalf of the Lodge for this purpose ; Held, The Lodge had 

an undeniable right to assist its members to procure uniform, 

and the trustees must execute note as instructed by the Lodge. 

—Dec. of Geo. B. Shaw, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1878, 128, 174. 



COMMON LAW. 711 

2635. Uniform : Of Council, Cannot be worn in 
a Public Parade : A Chancellor Commander refused to 
entertain a motion to permit uniform worn by the council to 
be worn in a Knight of Pythias parade, which ruling was sus- 
tained by the Lodge, and the Grand Chancellor, on appeal — 
Dec. ofH. W. Dawless, G. C. g. L., Conn., Jour., 1883, 13, 40. 

2636. Uniform : Cannot be Loaned to Persons 
Not Members, when : Members cannot loan their uni- 
forms to persons not members of the Order, for the purpose of 
being worn at a public entertainment, not under the control of 
the Knights of Pythias — Dec of A. A. Curme, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1880, 220, 249. 

2637. Uniform: Chancellor Commander Can- 
not Compel Officers to wear, when : (See Armour, Sec. 
274.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug. 1877, 17, 106. 

2638. Uniform: Essential Before Instituting 
Division : Before instituting a division of the Uniform Eank, 
the members must be uniformed, as prescribed for the rank. 
Brethren who have not uniformed may sign an application for 
a division, but they must have their uniform when the division 
is instituted, or be debarred from admission into the division. 
A division cannot be instituted with less than twenty- seven 
members properly qualified and properly uniformed — Dec. of 
J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L., Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

2639. Uniform: Of th£ Uniform Rank: Cannot 
toe worn, when : Members of the Uniform Bank will not 
wear the uniform upon any occasion unless they have permis- 
sion to do so by the commanding officer or are under orders. 
This must be observed— Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 

2640. Uniform: Members of the Hank, May 
wear at their Lodges, when : Members of the Uniform 
Bank, with the consent of the Sir Knight Commander, may 
wear the uniform when attending their Lodges, but they must 
wear the prescribed jewel of the Order upon their left breast. — 
Dec. ofD. B.Woodruff, S.C. g. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 



712 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2641. Uniform: Does not Entitle Wearer to 
Admittance or Recognition: Divisions in uniform 
when making visitation to Lodges in session, will be required 
to wear the prescribed jewel of the Order, as the uniform 
alone does not entitle them to admittance or recognition. — 
Dec. of D. B. Woodruff, S. C. s. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032.. 

UNIFORM RANK. 

2642. Ritual of, Submitted: The special commit- 
tee to whom was referred the matter of preparing Eitual and 
Laws, of a Uniform Eank, submitted a report with a EituaL 
therefor, which, pending consideration, was laid over until 
the next session. g. L. Jour., 1878, 1652, 1657. 

2643. Uniform Rank: Discharge From: Ef- 
fect of: (See Discharge, Sec. 885.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 

2644. Uniform Rank: Disposition of Proper- 
ties, on Disorganization: (See Discharge, Sec. 885.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 2032. 

2645. Uniform Kank: Helmet for: Exchange 
of Black for Nickel Plate, Recommended: (See 
Helmet, Sec. 1398, and note.) s. L. Jour., 1882, 2538. 

2646. Uniform Rank : Divisions of May Draft 
By-Laws and Provide Revenue, when : (See Divis- 
ion, Sec. 874.) S. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 

• 

2647. Uniform Rank: To Organize Division 
Does Not Require Consent of Other Division. (See 
Divisions, Sec. 875.) . S. L. Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 

2648. Uniform Rank : Organization of Divis- 
ion Illegal, when : (See Division, Sec. 876.) 

S. L. Jour., 1880, 1842, 2032. 

2649. Uniform Rank : Members of Must not 
Wear Uniform, when : (See Uniform, Sec. 2639.) 

S. L., Jour., 1880, 1841, 2032. 

2650. Uniform Rank : Members of Must Wear 
Insignia of Rank, when :. In the meetings and parades of 



COMMON LAW. 718 

a division of the uniform rank the members wear the uniform 
and insignia of their Rank in the Division as prescribed by the 
regulations, no provision is made for indicating a member's 
rank in the Order. — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

2651. Uniform Rank: Holding Different Offi- 
ces in, at Same Time, Prohibited: The Supreme 
Chancellor decided that, under the old Constitution for the Uni- 
form Eank, there was nothing to prevent a division officer from 
holding an office in the Grand Division at the same time, but 
this is superceded by the General Laws, which prohibit the hold- 
ing of two commissions for different offices at the same time.* 
—Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

2652. Uniform Bank: Membership in: No Re- 
striction as to Location or Residence : The Supreme 
Chancellor decided, there is no Law or regulation, preventing 
a Division in one Grand Jurisdiction from accepting as mem- 
bers, Knights from another Jurisdiction, provided such Knights 
join the division nearest their residences, this was modified 
and approved as follows : There is no Law preventing a Knight 
from joining a division wherever located. Knights are not re- 
quired to join divisions nearest their residences. — Dec. of J. 
P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

2653. Uniform Rank: Reinstatement in: (See 
Keinstatement, Sec. 2168.) s. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

2654. Uniform Rank : Reports and Dues Must 
be Furnished, when : The reports and dues required of 
the Uniform Rank, by the Constitution, must be furnished and. 
paid by a division, though instituted but a short time previous- 
ly.!— Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

2655. Uniform Rank: Arrears in, Deprives 
Member of Privileges, when : (See Arrears, Sec. 202.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2782, 3056. 

2656. Uniform Rank : Withdrawal From Lodge 
Severs Membership in, when ; (See Withdrawal-Card, 
Sec. 2771.) S. L., Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

♦See Proviso to Art. II, General Laws, Uniform Eank. 
f See Art. I, Sec. IV, Constitution Uniform Rank. 



714 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2657. Uniform Rank : Past Official Rank in not 
Recognized : No past official rank is provided in divisions 
of the Uniform Eank, and that Past Sir Knight Commanders 
are not entitled to wear their official uniform after the expira- 
tion of their term of office.* — Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

UNIFOEMING. 

2658. Lodge has no Right to make Compulsory : 

Where a Lodge fixed the price for the ranks at $10.00 each 
with the condition that immediately after the applicant is 
made a Knight, he should be presented with a uniform at the 
expense of the Lodge, Held, That this was in effect making 
uniforming compulsory, and therefore in conflict with the leg- 
islation of the Supreme Lodge.— Appeal of J. T. Moling vs. 
Mount Vernon Lodge. G. L., D. C, Jour., July, 1872, 455, 456. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS. 

2659. Of Supreme Lodge: Committee on: 
Leave to sit in Vacation : Supreme Chancellor Berry 
having called the attention of the Supreme Lodge to the fact 
that much of the important legislation of the Supreme Lodge, 
and decisions of the Supreme Chancellor had been referred to 
committees and never reported upon, (see Jour., 1875, 1845) a 
•committee on unfinished business was appointed to look into 
and report upon these matters ; (Jour., 1875, 1099) not being 
able to report leave was asked for and granted, to sit in vacation 
to report the result of its labors to the committee on Digest, 
and to make final report at the next session. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1161. 

2660* Unfinished Business : Minutes must show 

the Matter to be Unfinished: The election of an 

officer cannot be proceeded with, under the head of "Unfinished 

Business" when the minutes do not show such business to be 

unfinished. — Dec. of J. G. Tompson, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1876, 346, 375. 

*This decision must be considered as modified to some extent by the new Laws 
lor the Uniform Rank, which provide for "Past Official Eank," in respect to the 
higher offices. See Art. X. Gen. Laws U, R, 



COMMON LAW. 715 

UNWRITTEN WORK. 

2661. Designation of: Cannot be Altered, 
when : On resolution instructing the committee on Law and 
Supervision to designate what portions of the work are writ- 
ten, and unwritten, as intended by Article XXXII, not to be 
changed save as therein expressed, it was held : That the writ- 
ten and unwritten work, which cannot be altered save as pro- 
vided in Article XXXII of the Constitution, consists ; 

1st. Of the work and its explanations as contained and il- 
lustrated in the Book of Diagrams in the hands of the Su- 
preme Chancellor. 

2d. Of the lectures, charges, obligations, and all written 
work contained in the Eitual and included in the forms and 
ceremonies for opening and closing the Lodge, passing from 
rank to rank, and conferring the different grades of rank. 

3d. The forms and ceremonies as prescribed for Installa- 
tion and Funeral. 

4th. The forms and ceremonies as prescribed for opening 
and closing a Grand Lodge, and installing the officers thereof, 
as contained in the Grand Lodge Ritual, and also for confer- 
ring Past Chancellors rank as contained in same. 

5th. The forms and ceremonies as laid down in Supreme 
Lodge Ritual.* S. L. Jour., 1876, 1282, 1293. 

2662. Unwritten Work : Duty of Lodge to Ad- 
here to Strictly : (See Secret Work, Sec. 2475.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., July, 1870, 117, 140. 

VICE CHANCELLOE. 

2663. Eligibility to Office of: Any member having 
served in any elective or appointive office, is eligible to the of- 
fice of Vice Chancellor, f — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1033, 1124. 

2664. Vice Chancellor: May Sign Orders on 
Master of Exchequer, when : A Vice Chancellor acting 

*The Article here referred to is now Article XXXIII. See Supreme Lodge Consti- 
tution, Appendix. 

■{•This decision of Supreme Chancellor Davis is cited more at length in the Expo- 
sition, title, Eligibility, where also is noticed the attitude of Pennsylvania in respect 
to it. 



716 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

as Chancellor Commander pro tern, has authority to sign 
orders on the Master of Exchequer. (See C. C, Sec. 629.) 

G. L. Jour., 111., 1874, 118, 180. 

G. L., Jour., 111., 1877, 156, 212. 

2665. Vice Chancellor: Not Eligible to Office 
of Chancellor Commander, when : The Vice Chancel- 
lor is not eligible to election as Chancellor Commander pre- 
vious to the expiration of his term. To be eligible he must 
have served a term or the unexpired portion of a term. — Dec. 
of S. C. Roberts, G. C. G. L., Ga., Jour., 1882, 355, 364. 

2666. Vice Chancellor : Not Eligible to office 
of Chancellor Commander, when : A Vice-Chancellor, 
to be eligible to the office of Chancellor Commander, must 
have served either a full term or the unexpired term. If 
elected during a term, to fill a vacancy, and he serves the resi- 
due of said term, the Law confers upon him the same honors 
as if he had served the full term — Dec. of L. P. Allen, D. D. 
G. C. G. L., Va., Jour., 1874, 28, 29, 76. 

2667. Vice Chancellor: Cannot be Elected to 
Chancellor Commander's and Receive the Hon- 
ors: Question: A. was elected Vice-Chancellor and served 
part of term ; when vacancy occuring in the office of Chancel- 
lor Commander he was elected to that, and served the remain- 
der of the term. Does he then become a Past Chancellor, or 
what honor does he get ? Held, He does not pass to the Past 
Chancellor's chair. He can get but one honor, that of Vice- 
Chancellor, and he is eligible to Chancellor Commander only. 
Dec. of J. W. Mavity, G. C. G. L., Ky., Jour, 1876, 433. 

2668. Vice-Chancellor: Not Eligible to Chan- 
cellor Commander's Chair During his Term : Re- 
solved, That the Vice-Chancellor cannot be elected to the office 
of Chancellor Commander and receive the honors of Vice-Chan- 
cellor, and Chancellor Commander, during the same term. 

G. L., Del., Jour., 1880, 243, 244. 

2669. Vice-Chancellor Not Entitled to Honors 
of Chancellor Commander, when : In case of the death 
of the Chancellor Commander, the Vice-Chancellor cannot be 
elected to fill the vacancy, and receive the honors of the office. 



COMMON LAW. 717 

He can receive the honors of but one office during the term* — 
Dec. of J. F. Tarr, G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour.. 1875, 57, 58, 68. 

2670. Vice Chancellor: Must Preside, when: 

During the absence of the Chancellor Commander the Vice 
Chancellor if present, must preside in the transaction of any 
husiness, but may call a Past Chancellor to the chair for the 
purpose of conferring the ranks. — Dec. of J. F. Tarr, G. C. 
Dec. of C. M. Moses, G. C. G. L., Maine, Jour., 1875, 57, 68. 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1880, 522, 590. 

2671. Vice Chancellor : Duty of to Preside, when : 

In the absence of the Chancellor Commander, and Vice Chan- 
cellor, a Past Chancellor assumes the chair at the opening. 
During the meeting, if the Vice Chancellor enters, it is his duty 
to assume the Chancellor Commander's chair and preside. — 
Rep. of com. on Law. G. L. W. Va., Jour., 1878, 18, 23. 

2672. Vice Chancellor : Cannot Assume Station 
of Chancellor Commander on Account of Absence 
of Chancellor Commander Elect, at Installation : 

(See C. C, Sec. 634.) G. L., Mich., Jour., 1880, 60, 87. 

2673. Vice Chancellor: Entitled to Rank of 
Past Chancellor, when: (See P. C, Sec. 1915.) 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2775, 2988. 

2674. Vice Chancellor : Is the Proper Officer to 
Fill Chair of Chancellor Commander, when : An il- 
legally elected and improperly installed Chancellor Command- 
er, is not the proper person to fill the chair of Chancellor Com- 
mander. The Yice Chancellor should take the chair until a 
Chancellor Commander is legally elected and properly installed. 
—Dec. of J. P. Linton, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

VOTE. 

2675. By Lodges: Term "Full Vote" Denned: 

(See Construction of Constitution, Sec. 555.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1617. 

2676. Vote: Reconsideration of Illegal, when: 

(See Withdrawal-Card, Sec. 2787.) 

G. K, N. Y., Jour., 1883, 33, 67. 

*This accords -with a practice almost universal, but there may be some question 
as to the policy of such a Law. See Exposition title, Eligibility. 



718 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2677. Vote: Right of Members to Change Be- 
fore Announcement: Where a brother was denied the 
right to change his vote before the result was announced ; 
Held, That, if the vote is taken by yeas and nays, there is au- 
thority for changing a vote, when the vote is read over for cor- 
rection, that all may be properly marked. If the vote is taken 
by the usual sign of the Order, the change of the vote might 
properly be made before the negative is put, as it is not a full 
question until then, but not after. — Dec. of J. D. Heritage, G. 
C. G. L., N. J.» Jour., 1874, 478, 566. 

2678. Vote: Members Neglecting to: Legality 

of: Where, upon taking a vote, there were about twenty mem- 
bers in the room, six of whom only participated in the vote, 
five in favor and one against the measure. On the question, as 
to whether the vote was a legal one, the Chancellor Com- 
mander ruled that it was. Held, On appeal, that the vote was 
perfectly legal and the ruling of the Chancellor Commander 
thereon correct.* — Dec. of T. G. Sample, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 28, 176. 

2679. Vote : Rising: Manner of Taking : When a 

division upon a vote is called, the Chancellor Commander may 
require the brothers to rise to their feet, but each one voting 
must give the voting sign, in order to be counted by the Master 
at Arms. — Dec. of P. Dowry, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1871, 182, 260. 

2680. Vote: By Lodges: Construction of Con- 
stitution : The Constitution of West Virginia contained the 
following : "Art. I. It shall be composed of all Past Chancellors 
in good standing in Subordinate Lodges in the state, who shall 
be permitted to vote for Grand Lodge officers, and represent- 
atives, to the Supreme Lodge, and on any subject before 
the Grand Lodge, except when a vote by Lodges may be called 
for by five representatives, when each Lodge represented shall 
be entitled to one vote only, through its representatives.'* 
Under this provision the Grand Lodge held that a vote by 
Lodges, could be called on the election of Grand Lodge officers 
when Past Chancellors would not be allowed to vote. On ap- 

♦Parliamentary Law, as well as express rule, in some Jurisdictions, gives a mem- 
ber the right to call for a "full vote." Had the member in this instance, demanded 
this right and been refused, the result might have been different. 



COMMON LAW. 719 

peal to the Supreme Lodge the Grand Lodge was sustained. — 
Appeal of H.A. Utkman. P. G. C. vs. G. L. W. Va. 

S.L., Jour., 1884, 3038. 

2681. Vote: Blanks Cast are not Votes, and 
are not to be Counted : (See Ante, Sec. 1016.) 

G. L.,N. C, Jour., 1881, 10, 45. 

VOTING. 

26 8 2. Right of Chancellor Commander to Com- 
pel, when : A Chancellor Commander may compel brothers 
to vote, either in case of a ball ballot, or upon any question 
before the Lodge. It is obligatory upon members of a Lodge 
to obey the orders of a Chancellor Commander. If a member 
is aggrieved by any such order, he may seek redress through 
the proper channel. If a Chancellor Commander errs in issu- 
ing the order, he is liable for the error — Dec. of W. H. Lee, 
G. C. G. L. Jour., Mass., 1878, 1000, 1019. 

2683. Voting : Duty of Member in Respect to : 

It is the duty of every member to vote on petitions when pres- 
ent in the Lodge, but may be excused by unanimous consent. 
Dec. of J. S. Cain, G.C. (See Fines, Sec. 1200 and note.) 

G. L., Miss., Jour., 1876, 28, 55. 

2684. Voting: Members Compelled to Exer- 
cise Right of, when : Every member present is compelled 
to vote upon questions before the Lodge, unless excused or 
when personally interested. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1877, 385. 

2685. Voting: On all Questions Compulsory, 
Unless Excused : Where the Chancellor Commander de- 
cided "that all members present should vote upon all questions 
before the Lodge, unless excused ;" Held, In the absence of 
any Supreme or Grand Lodge Law directly upon this subject, 
the Chancellor Commander is sustained under the rules of 
parliamentary law. — Dec. ofL. L. Bass, G. C. 

G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 19. 

2686. Voting : Grand Officer's Right of: Grand 

officers, although not representatives, are entitled to vote 
under the representative system. (See Officers. Sec. 1723.) 

S. L., Jour., 1871, 361, 391. 



720 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2687. Voting : In Supreme Lodge : Represen- 
tatives and Past Grand Chancellors Refused Right 

of, when : (See Eepresentative, Sec. 2062.) 

S. L. Jour., 1871, 426. 

2688. Voting: Two-Third Vote: Meaning of 
Explained: The term "two-third vote" does not always 
mean that the vote is taken by the usual voting sign. It may 
refer to a ballot. — Dec. of W. R. McCormick, G. C. 

G. L. 111., Jour., 1883, 978, 1036. 

2689. Voting: Of Members Present: Con- 
struction of Law : Where the Law requires a vote in a 
particular way by the members present, it refers to those 
members present who are entitled to vote. — Dec. of W. R. 
McCormick, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1883, 978. 

2690. Voting: Members Should not Disclose 
Manner oi, when : No brother has a right to say that he 
voted on an application for rank, or membership, in the af- 
firmative. If one could do so, all could who so voted, and conse- 
quently, it would thus be known who cast the negative ballots. 
—Dee. of J. S. Famngton, G. C. G. L.,Mass., Jour., 1872, 179. 

Eep. of com. on, Jour., 1873, 218. 

2691. Voting: Reasons for Cannot be De- 
manded: A Chancellor Commander or a Lodge, cannot 
compel a member to state why he has voted, for or against, a 
question before the Lodge. — Dec. ofE. T. Daneker, G. C. 

G. L., Md., 1876, 61, 164. 

2692. Voting : Member Cannot be Called Up- 
on to Explain his Reasons for, when : (See Black 
Ball, Sec. 480.) G. L., Mass., Jour., 1879, 1057, 1090. 

2693. Voting : Rights of Chancellor Comman- 
der in Respect to : (See C. C, 614.) 

G. L., Iowa, Jour., 1874, 140. 
G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1870, 243, 260. 

2694. Voting : Rights of the Chancellor Com- 
mander in Respect to : The Chancellor Commander is 
not entitled to vote, except in the election of officers, or in a 
vote taken by ballot, or when the Lodge is equally divided on a 
question, when he may have the casting vote.* — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., July, 1872, 373, 374. 

*This rule must necessarily be invaded, however, in some Jurisdictions, where 
there are just a quorum of votes present, including the Chancellor Commander, and 



COMMON LAW. 721 

2695. Voting : Illegal when Member is in Ar- 
Tears: Where the By-Laws of a Lodge provide that "No 
member shall be entitled to vote on any question before the 
Lodge, who is three dollars or more in arrears," and where the 
dues of such Lodge are $1.00 psr month, a member who is 
three months in arrears is not entitled to vote, and his vote 
cast in an election for officers, is illegal. — Dec. of L. C. Snyder, 
G. C. G. L., Col., Jour., 1879, 9. 

2696. Voting: Member's Right of, Cannot be 
Denied, when : A Lodge cannot make a By-Law to com- 
pel a member to vote, and as a penalty for not voting, de- 
prive the member of the right to vote on any other question 
during that session.* — Dec. of B. W. Morris, G. C. 

G. L., Ky., Jour., 1881, 745, 809. 

269*7. Voting : Rights of Newly Charged Knight 
in Respect to : On a query propounded, it was held, that 
a newly charged Knight has the right to a vote in the Lodge on 
the same evening that he receives the ranks, and becomes a 
member of the Lodge. — Dec. of W. H. Gillum, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1882, 171, 161, 163. 

2698. Voting: Lodge Cannot Change Manner 

of : A Lodge has no right by resolution to change the man- 
ner of voting from the usual sign of a Knight, to vote by bal- 

lot.— Dec. of Wm. Ward, G. G. 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1877, 857, 902. 

VISITOKS. 

2699. Objections Against : Made How : Objections 
cannot be made to a member in good standing, and otherwise 
correct, while visiting another Lodge. If any one is satisfied 
he is unworthy to sit in a Lodge room, he must proceed against 
him under our penal Laws, or keep silent. — Dec. ofS. S. Davis, 
S. C. S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114. 

2700. Visitors May be Required to Exhibit Re- 
ceipt for Dues : A Chancellor Commander may require a 

when i t requires at least a quorum of votes to decide any measiare. In such a case, 
the Chancellor Commander would be compelled to vote on every question.or the Lodge 
could not legally transact business. Jour, of Pa., July, 1872, 374. 

*It seems to be a well settled principle now that a member may be subjected to a 
fine for not voting, (see Fines) and a member may pay this fine if he does not desire to 
vote on any given question. The above decision simply denies the right of a Lodge 
to prevent a brother voting on a question upon which he may desire to vote. 

46 



722 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

visiting member presenting an order for the S. A. P. W. to 
show a receipt for dues, before instructing him in the word. 
A receipt should always accompany an order for the S. A. P. 
W. Only the official receipt can be recognized as legal.* — Dec. 
of S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1227, 1296. 

2701. Visitors: Lodge Cannot Exclude, when: 

(See Secret Session, Sec. 2470.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1871, 58; Jour., 1872, 41. 

2*702. Visitors : May be Admitted, when : Visit- 
ing brother may be admitted on, the S. A. P. W., who may not 
be able to give the Eank Pass Words. — Dec. ofF. B. Allen. G. 
C. G. L., Mo., Jour., 1874, 67. 

2703. Visitors: Examination and Introduction 

of: When a visitor from another Jurisdiction gains admis- 
sion to the outer, and ante-room, he shall send his name to the 
Chancellor Commander, who shall appoint a committee who 
shall repair to the ante-room and examine him in reference to 
his knowledge of the secret work of the Order, and when satis- 
fied with his qualifications to sit in the body of the Lodge, he 
shall enter with him and introduce him to the Chancellor Com- 
mander and the Lodge. G. L., Neb., Jour, 1871, 76, 88. 

2704. Visitors: Should he Examined, when: 

A visting Knight in possession of S. A. P. W., only, should be 
examined in the secret work to prove himself entitled to re- 
main in the Lodge, f — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Md., Jour., 1877, 385. 

2705. Visitors: Improper to Admit, when : It 

is improper to admit a brother of another Lodge who is not in 
possession of the S. A. P. W., or an order therefor, from the 
Chancellor Commander of his Lodge, properly signed and 
sealed, accompanied by an "official receipt for dues covering 
current term.! — Dec. of J. A. Hinsey, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1883, 637, 741. 

♦While this is in consonance with reason, and is undoubtedly with the practice, 
it is nevertheless in conflict with a later decision by the same officer. See Official 
Receipt Sec. 1789, and Note ; also Expo., title "Official Receipt." 

+This implies the right of a visitor to admission without the official receipt. This 
seems to be in accord with the current of the latter decision, that the receipt is what 
it purportB to be, an evidence of good standing, though not essential when the visitor 
shows himself to be otherwise qualified. See Exposition, title "Official Receipt." 

tlnasmuch as it is now very generally conceded that the official receipt is not ab- 
solutely essential, but may be demanded by the Chancellor Commander, the closing 



COMMON LAW. 723 

2706. Visitors : A Lodge has no Right to Pass 
a Resolution Discriminating Against, when : Where 
two Lodges passed similar resolutions to the effect, that two 
certain brothers should not be permitted to visit the Lodges re- 
spectively: Held, That the action was unjust, and that no 
brother Knight could be deprived of any of his rights, except 
in accordance with the Laws of the Order. — Dee. of A.G. Levy, 
G. C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., Jan., 1870, 250, 287. 

2707. Visitor: Entitled to Admission Having 
the Semi- Annual Pass- Word: A traveling brother, 
from another Jurisdiction, who is in possession of the S. A. 
P. W., is entitled to visit any Lodge in this Jurisdiction* — Dec, 
of D, McClure, G. C. G. L., CaL, Jour., 1877, 1016, 1073, 1085. 

2708. Visitors : Rights of in Respect to Speak- 
ing : Visiting brothers have no right to speak in a Lodge 
unless permitted. If they discover anything wrong, they may 
prefer charges, and are competent witnesses.— Dec. of A. T. 
Cavis, G. C. G. L., D. C, Jour., July, 1872, 439, 468. 

2709. Visitors : To the Grand Lodge : Admis- 
sion of without Pass- Word Improper : Where visi- 
tors from another Jurisdiction asked to be admitted to a Grand 
Lodge, but are without the Grand Lodge pass-word, and where 
the Grand Chancellor ruled that, being without the pass-word 
they could not be admitted, which ruling was reversed by the 
Grand Lodge, and the visiting brothers admitted : Held, That 
the ruling of the Grand Chancellor was correct, and that the 
decision of the Grand Lodge be reversed. — Appeal of W. W. 
Admire, vs. G. L. of Kan. s. L. Jour., 1884, 3049, 3050. 

VISITING LODGE. 

2710. Manner of Gaining Admission by : There 
is a method by which a Lodge, as a body, can be admitted to 
the castle hall of a Lodge session, without the pass-word being 
given by each individual member at the inner door. It is 
competent for the Chancellor Commander to appoint the 

words of the above decision import a requirement not exactly commanded by the 
Law. It is a safe rule however, and may be departed from only, where no harm can 
possibly arise. See Official Receipt. 

* This is in accordance with the current of the later decisions, as to the non- 
essentiality of the official receipt. (See Official Receipt, Sees. 1788, 1791, 1792.) 



724 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

Master-at-Arms to take the pass-word from the visitors in the 
the ante-room, when the Lodge may be admitted in a body. 

S. L., Jour., 1874, 913, 935. 

VOUCHING. 

2711. Not Allowed in the Order: No vouching is 
allowed in the Order under any circumstances. 

S. L. Jour., 1870, 229. 

2712. Vouching : Not Permitted : No brother has 
the right to vouch for another, vouching is not allowed in the 
Order. — Dec. of R. B. Lines, G. C. 

G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1871,66, 86. 

2713. Vouching : Not Permitted, to Secure Ad- 
mission : One brother has no right to vouch for another, 
who desires admission, he must work his. way into the Lodge. 
—Dec. of Wm. Ward, G.C. G. L., N. J., Jour., 1877, 858, 902. 

VACANCY. 

2714. Insubordinate Lodge Office: Cannot be 
Declared, when : (See Charges, Sec. 669.) 

G. L., Mass., Jour,, 1875, 694, 729. 

2715. Vacancy: Mere Absence of Chancellor 
Commander From State, does not Create : A Chan- 
cellor Commander, who leaves the state, even permanently does 
not, thereby, forfeit his office ; to create a vacancy there must 
be some infringement of the Law. — Dec. of J, S. Shropshire, G. 
C. G. L., Neb., Jour., 1876, 418, 462. 

27 1 6. Vacancy : In Office of Past Chancellor how 

Filled : (See P. C, Sec. 1886.) 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1876, 419, 462. 

2717. Vacancy: In Office of Chancellor Com- 
mander how Filled : Vacancies in office are filled in the 
manner of original selection, and officers so serving, are entitled 
to the honors of the term. — Dec. of W. 0. Sides, G. C. 

G. L., N. H., Jour., 1878, 16, 36. 

2718. Vacancy : Does not Follow Removal from 
State, when: (See Kemoval Sec. 2119.) 

G. L. N. Y„ Jour., 1882, 13, 40. 



COMMON LAW. 725 

2719. Vacancy: In Office Cannot be Declared 
Without Notice, when : (See Kemoval, Sec. 2122.) 

G. L. 5 Va., Jour., 1882, 46, 47. 

2720. Vacancy: In Office Cannot be Declared, 
when : A provision in the By-Laws of a Subordinate Lodge 
declaring an office vacant, in case the incumbent shall be absent 
for three successive weeks, cannot be enforced until a charge 
has been preferred, and the brother given an opportunity to 
defend himself.* — Dec. of J. A. Siveezy, G. C. 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1880, 60, 87. 

2721. Vacancy: In Office, Right of Chancellor 
Commander to Declare, in Certain Cases: (See 

Bonds, Sec. 284.) G. L.,Ind., Jour., 1880, 258, 259. 

2722. Vacancy: In Office Effected by Suspen- 
sion : (See Sup. Eep., Sec. 2310.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 135. 



WITHDBAWAL-CABD. 

2723. Good until Revoked or Deposited: Re- 
solved, That Withdrawal-Cards be considered good until re- 
voked or deposited, and that all legislation inconsistent there- 
with, be repealed. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

S. L., Jour., 1876, 1309, 1310. 

2724. Withdrawal- Card : Good until Revoked : 
Declaration of Issuance, Severs Connection : The 

declaration of the issuance of a card severs the connection 
of the member with the Order, whether the card is taken or 
not, and such card remains in force until revoked or deposited. 
—Dec. of D. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 

2725. Withdrawal- Card : Good Until Revoked : 
Legislation Construed: The Supreme Chancellor de- 
cided, that the legislation making cards good until revoked, ap- 
plied to all cards heretofore issued. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1371, 1423. 

*It has been held that a resolution declaring an office vacant, is a charge, and it 
■wmild seem that is a sufficient charge, provided the brother has notice. See Notice, 
Sec. 1712. 



726 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2726. Withdrawal- Card : Is not a Visiting 
Card : Withdrawal-Cards cannot, and must not be used for, 
or recognized in any sense as, "Visiting Cards." A member 
without the S. A. P. W., cannot obtain it on a Withdrawal- 
Card alone. — Dec. of H< C. Berry, S. C. (See note to bee. 
1934.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 36. 

2727. Withdrawal-Card: Deposit of : Member- 
ship Dates from Election: Dues Chargeable, 
when : (See Dues, Sec. 936.) 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1875, 26, 183, 184. 

2728. Withdrawal- Card: Deposit of: Rejec- 
tion: New Application, Construction of Law: 

Where a member on leaving his own Jurisdiction, draws his 
card and deposits it in a Lodge in the Jurisdiction to which 
he removed, and was rejected, desiring then to deposit it in 
his old Lodge from which he withdrew, he makes application 
for that purpose, when it is found that the requisite term has 
not elapsed since his rejection in the foreign Jurisdiction, and 
his application was refused. Held, The action of the Chan- 
cellor Commander in refusing the application was correct. 
The intention of the Law is to prevent a balloting for a candi- 
date who has been rejected by any Lodge of the Order. This 
construction of the Law is evidently the correct one, when the 
questions propounded to the candidate in the ante-room are 
considered.* — Rep. of com. on Law. (See Exposition, title, 
Withdrawal-Card.) G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1872, 33. 

2729. Withdrawal-Card: Deposit of Re- 
quires an Application the Same as for Initiation: 

(See Application, Sec, 101.) G. L., Pa., Jour., 1880, 31, 177. 

2730. Withdrawal-Card: Lodge Cannot Re- 
fuse to Grant, when : A Lodge cannot refuse to grant a 
member a Withdrawal-Card if he is in good standing and clear 
on the books.— Dec. of J. T .Caldwell, G. C. 

G. L., D. C, Jour., Jan., 1875, 674, 690. 

2731. Withdrawal- Card: May be Retained 
Until Paid for : Where the Lodge grants a member a card, 
but before the delivery thereof, it is discovered he has not paid 

*It will be borne in mind that Pennsylvania adopted the question book several 
years before the Supreme Lodge made obligatory a similar precaution. (See Jour., 
of Pa., July, 1869, 313, 382-3.) 



COMMON LAW. 727 

the usual fee therefor. Upon demand the brother refused to 
pay the fee. It had been the practice and the custom of the 
Lodge to demand and receive a fee of one dollar for With- 
drawal-Cards. Held, That in the absence of Law, practice and 
custom obtain. There being no Law requiring Lodges to 
furnish cards free of charge, the Lodge may therefore deliver 
the card or retain it until paid for. — Dec. of G. J. L. Foxivell, 
G- C. G. L. s D. C, Jour., July, 1873, 539, 540, 595. 

2732. Withdrawal- Card : Member Holding 
May be Charged and Tried : (See Charges, Sec. 677.) 

G. L., N. J., Jour., 1875, 596, 689. 

2733. Withdrawal-Card: Deposit of: What 
Ballot on, Required : (See Ballot, Sec. 368.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1042, 1114, 

2734. Withdrawal-Card: Granted Without 
Ballot, when : When an application is made for a With- 
drawal-Card by a member entitled to receive it, the Chancellor 
Commander shall aek if there is any valid objection to the 
granting of it, and none appearing, the card shall be granted 
without ballot.— Dec. of D. W. Day, G. C. 

G. L„ Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 

2735. Withdrawal-Card : No Vote Required in 
Granting : It is not proper for a Lodge to vote on a mem- 
ber's application for a Withdrawal-Card. The application must 
be made either personally or in writing in open Lodge, and if 
the applicant be clear on the books, free from charges, and 
there is no valid objections, the application shall be granted 
by the Chancellor Commander as a matter of course. — Dec. of 
R. B. Mitchell, G. C. G. L., Nev., Jour., 1883, 626, 666, 679. 

2736. Withdrawal- Card : No Vote Necessary in 
Granting : When a brother asks for- a Withdrawal-Card, a 
vote is unnecessary to grant it. — Dec. of Wm. S. Wood, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., July, 1875, 139, 188. 

2737. Withdrawal- Card : Must he Signed hy 
the Holder : Otherwise Informal and Should not 
he Received : Where the blank, on the face of a Withdraw- 
al-Card reserved for the "signature of the holder" is filled by 



728 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

the signature of the Keeper of Eecords and Seal of the Lodge 
issuing it, the card is, upon its face, informal, and the Lodge 
receiving it with an application to deposit it, should return it 
to the brother. It is not necessary that the brother sign the 
card in the presence of the officers of the Lodge issuing it. — 
Rep. of com. on Law. G. L., Ind., Jour., 1880, 261. 

2*738. Withdrawal-Card: Defective for Want 
of Signature of Holder : Application Necessary on 
Deposit of: Where a card is presented not bearing the 
signature of the holder, and without a formal written applica- 
tion ; Held, The Lodge has no right to receive and act upon it, 
nor appoint the usual investigating committee. — Rep. of com. 
on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876,. 467, 484. 

2739. Withdrawal- Card: Applicant Cannot be 
Charged Dues, when : An applicant for a Withdrawal- 
Card cannot be charged dues for the remainder of the quarter 
in which he takes his card. The granting of a card severs the 
connection and a Lodge, cannot charge dues to a person not a 
member. — Dec. of Max J. Alwens,G. C. 

G. L., Kan., Jour., 1884, 10, 33. 

2740. Withdrawal- Card : Brother Holding not 
Subject to Dues : (See Dues, Sec. 924.) 

G.L.,Va., Jour., 1875, 19. 

2741. Withdrawal-Card : Is the only Method of 
Severing Connection with Lodge : Under present state 
of the Laws, the only way a member can sever his connection 
with his Lodge, is by Withdrawal-Card. — Rep. of com. on State 
of Order. G. L., Va., Jour., 1875, 52. 

2742. Withdrawal-Card : Admission by Consent 
of Sister Lodge not Necessary : (See Applicant, Sec. 
80.) G. L., Kan., Jour., 1884, 9, 33. 

2743. Withdrawal- Card : Issued to Member of 
Defunct Lodge, when : A member of a defunct Lodge, 
not twelve months in arrears for dues, at the time of the dis- 
solution of his Lodge, is entitled to a Withdrawal-Card from 
the Grand Lodge, but a member in arrears for more than 
twelve months' dues, must pay in addition to the regular fee, 



COMMON LAW. 729 

one year's dues, the amount to be governed by the By-Laws of 
said defunct Lodge. — Dec. of J. R. Bennett, G. C. 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1883, 23, 122. 

2744. Withdrawal-Card : For Members of De- 
funct Lodges : Form of Authorized : Resolved, That 
the S. K. of E. and S. is hereby directed to prepare, as soon 
as practicable, a form of card, to be used by the Supreme 
Lodge and the Grand Lodges, in granting cards to members of 
defunct Lodges in their Jurisdictions, said card to be furnished 
to Grand Lodges at the same price now charged for Withdrawal- 
Card.* S. L. Jour., 1884, 3023. 

2745. Withdrawal-Card: May be Revoked Be- 
fore Deposited : A Lodge can revoke a Withdrawal- Card 
for cause, at any time before it has been deposited. — Dec. of 
M. E. Kukri, G. C. G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1879, 549, 584. 

2746. Withdrawal-Card: May be Withheld until 
Assessments are Paid : (See Assessments, Sec. 18 and 
note.) G. L., Ohio, Jour., 1882, 763, 806. 

2747. Withdrawal- Card: Certificate of Past 
Rank Essential, when: On the query. "Can a Lodge 
receive a member from another Jurisdiction, by card, as Past 
Chancellor, in the absence of a certificate of Past Bank from 
the Lodge granting the card ; Held, That it could not be done 
— Rul. of 0. J. Brown, G. C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1883, 6. 

2748. Withdrawal-Card : Cannot Include, or be 
Issued to more than one Member : A Withdrawal- Card 
cannot be issued to several members jointly. It can only con-* 
tain the name of one member. — Dec. of H. M. Kutchin, G. G n 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1880, 290, 334, 

2749. Withdrawal-Card : Deposit and Rejection 
of: Law as to New Application in Certain Cases ; 

(See Rejection, Sec. 2204.) G. L., Ga., Jour,, 1S75, 164, 166, 171. 

2750. Withdrawal-Card: Proper for ]Lodge to 

Charge for: It is proper and legitimate for Lodges to 

charge a fee for Withdrawal-Cards.— Dec. of D. B. Woodmff, 

S. C. S.L. Jour., 1880, 1826, 2003, 

*As to the exclusive right of the Supreme Lodge to issue cards, form, aud certifi- 
cates of all kinds, see Sec. 1311. 



730 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2751. Withdrawal- Card : Right of Member to : 
Price of: It is not in accordance with the Laws of the 
Order for a Lodge to charge a brother more than the regular 
price for a Withdrawal-Card. His right to a card is one that 
cannot be taken from him if he is in good standing. — Dec. of 
H. L. Howard, G. C. G. L., Bhode Island, Jour., 1874, 8, 42. 

2752- Withdrawal- Card: Price of, Regulated 
by the Lodges : On a query propounded as to the right of 
a Lodge to admit members by card for less than five dollars ; 
Held, That it was a subject for Subordinate Lodges to deter- 
mine. — Dec. of Maner Jenkins, G. C. 

G. L., W. Va., Jour., Nov. 1874, 12, 31. 

2753. Withdrawal-Card: Status of Member 
Holding : A member who has taken a Withdrawal-Card has 
severed his connection with his Lodge, and is debarred from all 
advantages and privileges in that, or any other Lodge of the 
Order. — Dec. of H. L. Howard, G. C. 

G. L., Bhode Island, Jour., 1874, 8, 42. 

2754. Withdrawal-Card: Duplicate May be 
Granted, when: A Lodge can grant a duplicate With- 
drawal-Card in case of loss. — Dec, of G. A. Lee, G. C. 

G. L., Rhode Island, Jour., 1876, 16, 34, 35. 

2*755. Withdrawal- Card: Deposit of in Lodge 
Issuing it: What Action Necessary: A Lodge will 
take the same action in accepting a Withdrawal-Card which had 
been issued by it, as it would accepting one granted by any 
other Lodge.— Dec. of C. D. Little, G. C. 

G. L., Mich., Jour., 1878, 10, 38. 

2756. Withdrawal-Card: Deposit of : In Lodge 
From Which Taken : A member severing his connection 
with his Lodge by Withdrawal-Card, may renew his connection 
therewith by deposit of his card, which may be done on the 
same terms required of any other member. — Dec. of W. E. 
Moore, G. C. G. L., N. H., Jour., 1880, 19, 34. 

2757. Withdrawal-Card: Chancellor Com- 
mander May Grant, when: On the question as to 
whether it was absolutely necessary that an application for a 



COMMON LAW. 731 

Withdrawal-Card be made in open Lodge,or whether the Chan- 
cellor Commander could grant it in the interim : Held, That 
it being a special function of the Chancellor Commander, to 
represent and act for the Lodge, when not in session, and as 
the granting of Withdrawal-Cards is not a matter at all optional 
with the Lodge, (provided the Constitutional requirements are 
complied with) the Chancellor Commander, if he is certain 
that the applicant is entitled to the card, may grant the same, 
reporting his action to the Lodge. The Lodge, having the 
power to annul and recall the same if there shall appear at 
any time, reason for so doing, it cannot suffer by the exercise 
of this authority by the Chancellor Commander* — Dec. of H. 
M. Kutchim, G. D. G. L., Wis., Jour., 1879, 207, 240. 

2758. Withdrawal- Card : Cannot be Granted 
to Member Suspended : (See Eeinstatement, Sec. 2151.) 

G. L., Neb., Jour., 1878, 548, 576. 

2759. Withdrawal-Card: Cannot he Revoked 
After Deposit of: After a Withdrawal-Card has been de- 
posited in a Lodge, the Lodge granting it cannot revoke it. — 
Dec. of F. P. Wiley, G. C. Reversed. 

G. L., Mo., Jour., 1881, 13, 61. 

2760. Withdrawal- Card : May he Recalled and 
Annulled When Granted by Mistake: Where a 
Withdrawal- Card was issued to a brother by mistake, he never 
having applied for it, nor authorized any one to apply for it ; 
Held, That the Lodge could recall and annul the card. — Rep. 
of com. on Law. G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1874, 708. 

2761. Withdrawal - Card : May he Annulled and 
Recalled for Cause : A card can be recalled or annulled 
by the Lodge granting the same, for proper cause, so long as it 
remains in the possession of the person to whom it was 
granted ; but it cannot be recalled or annulled after he has re- 
leased possession of it.- and it has become the property of a 
Subordinate Lodge. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1873, 140. 

2762. Withdrawal- Card: What Action Neces- 
sary to Recall or Annul: To recall or annul a card, 

*The Grand Lodge affirming this decision, did not want it to be taken as a prece- 
dent, and held that in no case should the Chancellor Commander do this without the 
consent of the Grand Chancellor. 



732 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

charges would first have to be preferred, after which, a motion 
passed to recall or annul the same, and notice sent to the 
brother of the action of the Lodge, with time when the matter 
will be considered. — Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Jan., 1873, 140. 

2*763. Withdrawal-Card: Cannot be Revoked 
Except for Canse : A Lodge having granted a card can- 
not revoke the action, except for causes which would be ground 
for a trial upon charges. — Dec. of E. W. Scott, G. C. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Aug., 1876, 450, 547.. 

2764. Withdrawal- Card : Cannot be Recalled, 
or Action Granting Rescinded by Simple Motion : 

Where a Lodge passed a motion recalling a card granted, 
without cause appearing why it should be annulled, and where 
a motion prevailed rescinding the action granting the card ;. 
Held, A vote of the majority granting a card severs the con- 
nection of the applicant with the Lodge, whether it is taken 
out or not. A card may be recalled or annulled by the Lodge for 
proper cause &c. In this case, no cause appearing, the motion 
to recall was illegal, and consequently the motion to rescind. 
The proper course for the brother to pursue, would be to pre- 
sent his card accompanied by an application for membership 
as provided in the Constitution.— Rep. of com. on Law. 

G. L., Pa., Jour., Feb., 1875, 386. 

2765. Withdrawal-Card : May be Revoked and 
the Holder Disciplined : (See Discipline, Sec. 905.) 

G. L„ Neb., Jour., 1881, 690, 705. 

2*766. Withdrawal-Card: Can only be Annulled 
for Purposes of Trial : Under a Law empowering a Lodge 
to annul a Withdrawal-Card, they cannot do so except for the 
purpose of trial, and in case of acquittal, the member is restored 
to all the rights previously possessed under the card. — Dec. of 
W. A. Schmitt, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 384, 448, 

2767. Withdrawal-Card: May he Granted to a* 
Member Suspended, when : When a member is sus- 
pended for a definite period, and whose Lodge thereafter be- 
comes defunct, may, after the expiration of the period of his 
suspension, obtain a Withdrawal-Card from the Grand Lodge. — 
Dec. oj E. C. Race, G. C. Q. L., 111., Jour., 1878, 267, 292. 



COMMON LAW. 733 

2768. Withdrawal-Card: Conditions Essential 
to the Granting of: A brother applying for a Withdraw- 
al-Card must pay for the same, and all dues and assessments 
up to the time of application, and cannot receive the S. A. P. 
W., except for the term in which the card is granted. — Dec, of 
J. J, Acker, G, C. G. L., N. Y., Jour., 1878, 15, 51. 

2*769. Withdrawal-Card : Member Entitled to 
when : Effect of Vote Granting- : Any member who is 
square on the books, and free from charges is entitled to a card, 
and, upon application and payment of fee, it shall be voted. A 
Withdrawal-Card takes effect on the date it is voted, and mem- 
bership is severed at that time, whether the card is taken or not 
or whether it is actuallly issued or not. — Dec, of B, T, Chase, 
G. C, of Maine,— Dec, of E, S. Mallory, G. C. of Tenn. 

G. L., Maine, Jour., 1879, 384, 471. 
G. L., Tenn., Jour., 1881, 449, 483, 

2770. Withdrawal-Card: Granting of, Severs 
Connection with Lodge : The granting of a Withdrawal- 
Card severs a person's connection with the Order whether the 
same be taken or not. — Dec. of G, F, Taylor, G, C, t Ala., Dec, 
ofE. T. Haines, G. C, Ohio, g. L., Ala., Jour., 1878, 312, 382. 

G. L„ Ohio, Jour., 1872, 109, 155. 

2771. Withdrawal- Card: Taking of From Lodge 
Severs Connection with Uniform Rank: A Sir 

Knight cannot legally retain his membership in a division of 
the Uniform Kank when he has obtained a Withdrawal- Card 
from his Lodge, and held said card for over a year without de- 
positing the same. — Dec, of J, P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2783, 3056. 

2772. Withdrawal-Card: Granting of: Its Ef- 
fect on Membership : Duty of Keeper of Records 
and Seal : The K. of K. and S. cannot grant a Withdrawal- 
Card, he can only certify that the Lodge granted it, and it 
binds the Lodge, whether the K. of E. and S. did his duty or 
not, in notifying the applicant when granted by the Lodge. 
The holder is released from membership, and cannot be made 
to suffer for non-performance of duty, by the K. of E. and S. A 
Withdrawal-Card severs membership, and all dues stop from 
the time it is granted by the Lodge. Dues follow membership ; 



734 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

membership ceases when a Lodge grants a Withdrawal-Card. 
Dues and benefits cease with membership. — Dec. of T, Harde- 
man, Jr., G. C. G. L., Ga., Jour., 1875, 141. 

2173. Withdrawal- Card: Granting of Severs 
Connection with the Order : 'A card goes into effect 
as soon as granted, and it severs all connection between the 
Lodge and applicant, whether the same is taken or not.*— 
Dec. of J. W. Root, G.C. G. L., N.Y., Jour., Jan., 1871, 440, 478. 

27*74. Withdrawal-Card : Effect of when taken 
by Grand Lodge Officer: An officer of the Grand Lodge, 
taking a Withdrawal- Card from his Lodge, does not vacate his 
office thereby, if the same is immediately deposited in the office 
of the G. K. of E. and S., accompanying an application for a 
charter for a new Lodge ; or if, on occasion of the surrender of 
the charter of the Lodge, or of a change of Lodge or residence, 
such card being deposited in a Subordinate Lodge of the Juris- 
diction within a month from the granting of the same, pro- 
vided, that until such card be so deposited the officer holding 
it can discharge no official act. — Recom. oj E. C. Race, G.C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1878, 264, 292. 

2775. Withdrawal- Card : Cannot be Granted 
while Charges are Pending : A Lodge has no right to 
grant a Withdrawal-Card while charges are pending. — Dec. of 
W. R. McCormick, G. C. G. L., 111., Jour., 1882, 977. 

2776. Withdrawal- Card : A Grand Lodge or 
Grand Chancellor Cannot Issue, when: A Grand 
Lodge has no power to issue Withdrawal-Cards to members of 
a reorganized Lodge. When a defunct Lodge is reorganized 
all the old members become subject to its Jurisdiction. — Dec. 
of S. J. Willet, G. C. (See Good Standing, Sec. 1374.) 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1877, 157, 159, 218. 

2777. Withdrawal-Card: Necessary when Mem- 
ber Desires to Join Another Lodge : (See New Lodge, 
Sec. 1701 and note.) S. L. Jour., 1870, 225. 

2778. Withdrawal-Card : To be Issued to Mem- 
bers of Defunct Lodges in Louisiana: (See Defunct 
Lodges, Sec. 889.) S. L. Jour., 1882, 2411, 2473. 

*The Grand Chancellor, in this decision, also held that a Lodge had no right to 
grant a card unless it is paid for. That a Lodge may, or niay not, charge for a card, 
seems to be the practice now. A charge is usually made, however. 



COMMON LAW. 735 

2*779. Withdrawal-Card : Certificate of Mem- 
bership Issued in Lieu of, when : In cases of defunct 
Lodges in states and territories, where no Grand Lodge exists, 
the Supreme Chancellor is authorized, upon satisfactory evi- 
dence, to issue to members thereof, certificates of Membership, 
which shall take the place of Withdrawal- Cards, and shall be 
received as such, by the Lodge in which they are deposited. — 
Recom. of G. W. Lindsay, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1882, 2279, 2473. 

2*780. Withdrawal- Card : Clearance Certificate 
Cannot Issue in Lieu of: (See G. L., Sec. 1311.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2274, 2465, 

2781. Withdrawal-Card : Brother Holding Can- 
not Lose Honors Obtained : A brother cannot lose hon- 
ors already obtained by a transfer of membership. His past 
official rank shall be stated in the Withdrawal-Card. — Dec. of 
D. B. Woodruff, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1880, 1828, 2004. 

2782. Withdrawal- Card : Vote Granting Can- 
not be Reconsidered: A vote granting a Withdrawal- 
Card cannot be reconsidered, the moment it is granted it is 
constructively in possession of the applicant and can be taken 
from him only in the manner prescribed by Law. — Dec. of R. 
L. C.White, G. C. G. L., Term., Jour., 1880, 390, 425. 

2783. Withdrawal- Card : A Member Holding, 
is not Entitled to Benefits : (See Benefits, Sec. 410.) 

G. L., Term., Jour., 1880, 391, 425. 

2784. Withdrawal- Card: A Vote Granting 
Cannot be Reconsidered : The Supreme Chancellor de- 
cided that he could see no objections to a Lodge reconsidering 
a vote granting a Withdrawal-Card, but only at the request of 
the holder of the card, which the Supreme Lodge disapproved. 
—Dec. ofS. S. Davis, S. C. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1228, 1296. 

2785. Withdrawal- Card : A Motion Granting 
Cannot be Reconsidered : A motion granting a With- 
drawal-Card cannot be reconsidered or rescinded. A card 
once granted severs the connection of the member with the 
Order. — Dec. of W, A. Schmitt, G. C. t on appeal of F. Kwapil 
vs. Ottakar Lodge, III G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 396, 442. 

2786. Withdrawal- Card : Once Granted, a 
Motion to Rescind is not in Order : Where, on motion, 



736 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

a duplicate card was granted a brother, and at the next meet- 
ing action was taken rescinding the motion granting the card, 
Held, The motion to rescind is not admissible. — Dec. of H. 
Wellenvoss, G. C. G. L., Ky., Jour., 1877, 471. 

2787. Withdrawal- Card: Vote Granting Can- 
not be Reconsidered: The reconsideration of a vote 
granting a Withdrawal- Card is illegal, a Withdrawal-Card can 
only be revoked for purpose of impeachment or trial. — Dec. of 
J. F. Van Nort, G. V. C. g. L., N. Y., Jour., 1883, 33, 67. 

2788. Withdrawal-Card: Order Granting Can- 
not be Rescinded, when : A Withdrawal- Card having 
been granted, the order granting it cannot be rescinded, even 
on request of the brother or on motion and vote of the Lodge. 
If the brother declines to take the card, his connection never- 
theless ceases. — Dec. of J. R. Camahan, G. C. 

G. L., Ind., Jour., 1881, 14, 63, 64. 

2789. Withdrawal- Card : Deposit of: Date of 
Membership : (See Membership, Sec. 1634.) 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1611, 1640. 

2790. Withdrawal-Card: Affiliating on: An- 
nulling Proceedings : A member of the Order applied 
for admission to a Lodge by card, but did hot present his card, 
offering in lieu thereof an official receipt, showing that he had 
paid for a card. Upon this he was balloted for and elected to 
membership. The D. D. G. C. afterward annulled the proceed- 
ing, declaring the brother not a member of the Lodge, which 
action the Grand Lodge sustained : Held, On appeal, that — 
1st. The Grand Lodge of Ontario has not the power to annul 
the action of a Subordinate Lodge without trial. 2nd. A broth- 
er should not be held responsible for the illegal action of a 
Lodge. 3d. A brother admitted to membership in good faith 
cannot be expelled, or suspended, unless by due process of Law, 
according to the Constitution and By-Laws. 4th. The D. D. 
G. C. transcended his power in annulling the action of the 
Ivanhoe Lodge, and the error was not made right by the ac- 
tion of the Grand Lodge.— Appeal of G. H. Mitchell, vs. G. L. 
of Ontario. S. L., Jour., 1878, 1625, 1626. 

2791. Withdrawal-Card: Duty of Reinstated 
Lodge to Issue to Old Members Only : It is the duty 
of a reinstated Lodge to grant cards to those former members 



COMMON LAW. 737 

who were in good standing, with no charges pending against 
them in the old Lodge, who shall make application, — Dec. of 
Wm. Wilson, G.C. G. L.. Mass., Jour., 1877, 833. 834, 866, 868, 869. 

2792. Withdrawal- Card: Member of Defunct 
Lodge's Right to on Reorganization : Where a Lodge 
U. D. becomes defunct, but is afterwards granted a charter by 
special legislation, and is reorganized under the same name 
and number : Held, That the Grand Lodge had no right to issue 
a Withdrawal-Card to a member of the defunct Lodge, for the 
reasons : 

1. "That the present Imperial Lodge was a continuation of 
the body formerly under dispensation. 

2. "That all members in good standing at the time of the 
surrender of said dispensation, regained membership by the 
issuance of the charter to present body. 

3. "That the present No. 37 had jurisdiction and control 
over all persons who appeared on the roll of the body which, 
while under dispensation, became defunct. 

4. "That those who are in arrears, according to the books 
of the old body, U. D., had a right to a card, upon tender 
of the amount appearing against them." — Appeal of Imperial 
Lodge No. 87 vs. G. L. of III. s. L. Jour., 1878, 1618. 

2793. Withdrawal-Card: Deposit of in For- 
eign Jurisdiction : Consent to : On the following query, 
"Can a brother holding a Withdrawal-Card, and residing in 
one state or Jurisdiction, deposit his card in a Lodge of another 
state or Jurisdiction, especially if there are Lodges in the im- 
mediate vicinity of his residence ?" It was Held, "That under 
said clause and subdivision 14 of the same section and article, 
said question should be answered that the deposit of card could 
not be made in the case cited "without the written consent of 
the Lodge nearest his residence." s. L. Jour., 1878, 1508, 1608. 

2794. Withdrawal-Card: How Granted: The 

Supreme Chancellor decided, that an applicant for a With- 
drawal-Card for a member not present might be made by a 
member present, at the request of the brother desiring the 
card ; Held, That the decision was in conflict with the Supreme 
Lodge Constitution.* — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1507, 1607. 

*See Expo, title Withdrawal- Card. 

47 



738. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2795. Withdrawal-Card: Member must pay- 
fee for: A. member who is entitled to a Withdrawal-Card 
cannot demand the same without paying the fee, on the ground 
that the Supreme Lodge Law says that "thereupon a card 
shall be granted." — Dec. ofW.A. Schnitt, G. C. 

G. L., 111., Jour., 1879, 385, 448. 

2796. Withdrawal-Card: Issued by Grand 
Chancellor, to Pages and Esquires, when : In case 
of a Subordinate Lodge being suspended, or surrendering its 
charter, a Grand Chancellor may issue Withdrawal- Cards to 
Pages or Esquires of such extinct Lodges to connect themselves 
with a Lodge in that or any other Jurisdiction, on such terms 
as are provided in the local Laws. — Dec. of S. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1878, 1508, 1607. 

2797. Withdrawal-Card : Officers Holding En- 
titled to Sit in Supreme Lodge, when : (See Officers, 
Sec. 1726.) S. l., Jour., 1878 1481. 

2798. Withdrawal-Card: Holder not Eligible 
to Office in Grand Lodge : Inasmuch as membership in 
a Grand Lodge is based upon membership in good standing 
in a Subordinate Lodge, in the Jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, 
members holding Withdrawal-Cards could not be eligible to 
office in the Grand Lodge. — Dec. ofS. S. Davis, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1877, 1371, 1423. 

2799. Withdrawal-Card: Rights of Grand 
Lodge Officers Holding: Local Legislation: The 

Supreme Lodge having decided that any of its members taking 
Withdrawal-Cards from their Lodges do not, under the re- 
strictions therein provided, forfeit their office or standing in the 
Supreme Lodge, a resolution was offered to the effect that the 
legislation in that respect be so construed as to embrace 
officers of a Grand Lodge, but this was declared to be a matter 
for local legislation. (See ante, Sec. 2774.) 

S. L., Jour., 1878, 1567, 1606. 

2800. Withdrawal-Card: Officers and Repre- 
sentatives of Supreme Lodge Taking Do Not Va- 
cate Office, when : Resolved, That no officer of, or repre- 
sentative to, this Supreme Lodge, taking a Withdrawal-Card 
from his Subordinate Lodge, does vacate his office thereby, 
if the same be immediately deposited in the office of the G. K. 
of E. and S. of his Jurisdiction, accompanying an application 



COMMON LAW. 739 

for a charter for a new Lodge ; or if, on occasion of the sur- 
render of the charter of the Lodge to which such officer or rep- 
resentative may belong, or on occasion of a change of Lodge 
or residence, such card be deposited in a Subordinate Lodge 
in his Jurisdiction, within one month from the granting of the 
same, provided that until such card is so deposited the officer 
or representative holding it can discharge no official act. — Dec. 
o/S. S. Davis, S. C. S. L., Jour., 1877, 1371, 1423. 

2801. Withdrawal- Card : Certificate in Lien of: 
Status of Brother-Holding: Where a Withdrawal- 
Card is granted to a brother, but owing to the inability of the 
Lodge to procure a card, a certificate was issued him in lieu 
thereof, which the Grand Chancellor accepted in place of a 
regular card, and the brother became a charter member of a 
new Lodge, was recognized as such, and had held several, offi- 
ces in the Lodge among them, the Chancellor Commander; 
the question was raised as to the standing of the brother, when 
the Chancellor Commander held that the brother was not a 
member of the Lodge, he not having deposited a legal card. 
This decision was reversed by the Grand Chancellor, but sus- 
tained by the Grand Lodge. On appeal to the Supreme Lodge ; 
Held, That the brother had acted in good faith, his not having 
a card in regular form was no fault of his, and no charges be- 
ing preferred against him, it was resolved that the decision of 
the Grand Lodge be reversed. — Appeal of Wm. Wooten vs. the 
G. L. of N. J. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1305, 1306. 

2802. Withdrawal-Card: Authority of Grand 
Lodge to Compel Renewal of: Can a Grand Lodge 
compel a Subordinate Lodge to renew an expired Withdrawal- 
Card, when its By-Laws provide that such renewal can only 
be obtained upon a ballot, two black balls rejecting the appli- 
cant. Ans. No. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1284, 1300. 

2803. Withdrawal-Card: Holder of Cannot 
Plead it in bar of Proceedings, when : Where a With- 
drawal-Card has been procured by fraud, or through wilful- 
ness on the part of the Lodge, or innocently, in absence of pro- 
per notice, it is void, and it cannot be pleaded in bar of proceed- 
ings on charges against the holder, — Dec. oj H. C. Berry, S. 
C. (See note to Sec. 1934.) s. L. Jour., 1873, app. 37, 38. 



740 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

2804. Withdrawal-Card: Rights of Brother 
Holding, in Respect to Pass Word : My judgment is 
the brother having a Withdrawal-Card is entitled to the Pass 
Word current at the time of withdrawal, and should he fail to 
attach himself to a Lodge during the continuance of that word, 
he is not entitled to receive a subsequent Pass Word until he 
has joined a Lodge. — Opinion of S. Read, S. C. — H. C. Berry, 
S. C.—D. B. Woodruff, S. C. s. L. Jour., 1872, 467. 

S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 36. 
S. L. Jour., 1880, 1826, 2003. 

2805. Withdrawal- Card: Rule Established as 

to S. A. P. W. -.The Supreme Lodge refused to adopt the 

following resolution recommended by the committee on 

U. W. : Resolved, That a brother is entitled to the S. A. 

P. W. during the time covered by the card. 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1160. 

3806, Withdrawal-Card: Should not be 
Granted a Past Chancellor, when : (See P. C. Sec. 

1933.) S. L. Jour., 1873, app. 37. 

2807 . Withdrawal-Card : Rights of Sitting Past 
Chancellor with : (See Sitting P. C, Sec. 2540.) 

S. L. Jour., 1875, 1043, 1114. 

280S. Withddrawal-Car: Rank of Holder 
Placed in : Authority of Grand Lodge to Order : 

Prior to the change in the form of the Withdrawal-Card, a 
Grand Lodge had no authority to order a Lodge to place "Past 
Chancellor" on the card. — Appeal of Phoenix Lodge vs. G. L. 
of Kansas. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1306. 

2809. Withdrawal-Card : Shall Show Rank of 
Holder : Resolved, That the rank of a brother to whom a 
Withdrawal-Card is issued, shall be stated in the card, and 
that the form of the card shall be altered to conform to this 
legislation. S. L. Jour., 1876, 1309. 

2810. Withdrawal- Card : Deposit of by Page or 
Esquire : A fee Required : A Page or Esquire applying 
to a Lodge by a Withdrawal-Card, must pay a fee, the same 
as if he was a Knight, and in addition thereto a fee for the 
rank to be attained. — Dec. of H. W. Wilson, G. C. 

G. L., Mass., Jour., 1881, 1199, 1232. 



COMMON LAW. 741 

2811. Withdrawal-Card: To Pages and Es- 
quires: The Supreme Lodge refused to authorize the issue 
of Withdrawal-Cards to Pages and Esquires. But this was 
afterwards overruled, and cards authorized to be issued to 
them. (See Page, Sec. 1969.) s. L. Jour., 1874, 901, 933. 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1311, 1314. 
S. L. Jour., 1878, 1508. 

2810. Withdrawal-Card: Issued by Grand 
Lodge to Member Suspended After Consolidation 
of Subordinate Lodge : (See Keinstatement, Sec. 2159.) 

G. L., D. C, Jour., 1878, 152, 170. 

2813. Withdrawal- Card : Granted by Supreme 
Officers, when: The Supreme Officers can only grant 
Withdrawal- Cards to members of defunct Lodges who were 
clear on the books when the Lodge became defunct ; or, who 
(not being suspended) will pay a fee sufficient to make them 
"clear on the books." If the books are not in the hands of the 
S. K. of E. and S., satisfactory evidence must be adduced to 
show former membership and standing of applicant before 
card can be granted. Dec, of J. P. Linton, S. C. 

S. L. Jour., 1884, 2776, 2988. 

2814. Withdrawal-Card: Member Holding 
May Preserve Membership in Endowment Rank 
for Six Months. (See Endowment Bank, Sec. 1064.) 

S. L., Jour., 1884, 2790, 305*2. 





WYOMING. 


2815. 


Jurisdiction of: (See Colorado, Sec. 712 and 


note.) 


S. L. Jour., 1876, 1310. 



2816. Wyoming: Subordinate Lodges in; Re- 
stored to Grand Lodge of: Resolved, That the Subordi- 
nate Lodges of Wyoming Territory, which were placed under 
the control of the Grand Lodge of Colorado, be and the same 
are hereby remitted to the Grand Jurisdiction of Wyoming. 

S. L. Jour., 1884,3019. 

WASHINGTON TEKEITOEY. 

28 IT. Subordinate Lodges in; Restored to 
Grand Lodge of: Resolved, That the Lodges of Washing- 



742 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

ton Territory, which were placed under the control of the Grand 
Lodge of Oregon be restored to the Jurisdiction of Washington 
Territory. That the date of restoration be fixed as of Jan. 1, 
1884. S. L. Jour., 1884, 3019. 

WEIT OF EEEOE. 

2818. From Decision of Grand Chancellor to 
Supreme Lodge will not Lie : It is premature to take 
a writ of error from the decision of the Grand Chancellor, 
directly to the Supreme Lodge. Laws governing writs of 
error and appeals, require that the case be acted upon first by 
the Grand Lodge. — Writ of Error of Imperial Lodge of III, vs. 
the G. C. S. L. Jour., 1877, 1421, 1442. 

2819. Writ of Error: May be Considered in 

form without the the Attestation of the Grand 

Chancellor : (See Appeals, Sec. 114.) 

S. L. Jour., 1882, 2567. 

WKITTEN WOEK. 

2820. Designation of: May be Changed, how : 

(See Unwritten Work, Sec. 266.) 

S. L. Jour., 1876, 1282, 1293. 

WIDOW. 

2821 . Of Deceased Member : Ceases to be Such 
Upon Re-Marrying : When a widow of a deceased mem- 
ber marries, she ceases, by her own act, to be a widow in con- 
templation of the Constitution, as well as in all other respects, 
and can no more be the widow of the brother in question. His 
children remain the same as long as they are minors. — Dec. of 
J. E. Rockwell, G. C. G. L., Va., Jour., 1877, 14. 

WIDOW AND OKPHAN FUND. 

2822. No General Law for Creating : There is no 
general Law requiring the setting aside of any portion of the 
funds of a Subordinate Lodge, for the above named purpose. — 
Dec. ofG. J. L. Foxwell, G. C. 

G. L., D. C, Jour., July, 1873, 538, 595. 



COMMON LAW. 743 

WITNESS. 

2823. Duty of Member to Attend Trial as, when: 

(See Trial, Sec. 2609.) G. L., N. H.,Jour„ 1882, 13, 27, 28. 

2824. Witness: Maybe Cited: Although under 
Suspension : (See Trial, Sec. 2599.) 

G. L., Wis., Jour., 1882, 517, 585. 

2825. Witness: Not a Member of the Order, 
May be Admitted, when : (See Trial, Sec. 2589.) 

G. L., Ind., Jour 1882, 122, 161, 163. 

2826. Witness: Failing to Appear, May be 
Punished for Contempt : Where a member of the Lodge 
is duly summoned to appear as a witness, on behalf the Lodge, 
and refuses to do so, he may be punished for contempt. — Rep. 
of com. on Law. G. L., Pa„ Jour., July, 1872, 372, 373. 

YEAS AND NAYS. 

282*7. Grand Lodge May Prescribe How to be 
Taken : Local Legislation : Where the gist of an appeal 
was as to the question, whether three or five Lodges are neces- 
sary to call for the yeas and nays ; Held, That the matter was 
entirely a local one, and under the control of the Grand Lodge. 
(Appeal dismissed.) Appeal of Hesse vs. G. L. of Ky. 

S. L. Jour., 1873. 733. 



APPENDIX. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE SUPKEME LODGE, 

AS AMENDED AT THE SESSION OP 1884. 



AKTICLE I. 

SUPKEME LODGE— POWERS. 

Section 1. The Supreme Lodge is the source of all true and 
legitimate authority in the Order of Knights of Pythias, whereso- 
ever established ; it possesses original and exclusive jurisdiction 
and power— 

1. To establish, regulate and control the Forms, Ceremonies, 
Written and Unwritten Work, and to change, alter and annul the 
same, and to provide for the safe keeping and uniform teaching 
and dissemination of the same. 

2. To provide, print and furnish all Bituals, Forms, Ceremonies, 
Cards and Odes, Charts and Certificates. 

3. To prescribe the form, material and color of allEegalia, Em- 
blems, Jewels and Charts, and to designate the uniform of the 
Order. 

4. To provide for the emanation and distribution of all pass- 
words, and regulate the mode and manner of using the same, and 
generally to prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to 
secure the safe and easy intercourse and identification of the 
brethren. 

5. To establish the Order in States, Districts, Territories, Prov- 
inces or Countries, where the same has not been engrafted. 

G. To provide a revenue for the Supreme Lodge by means of a 
representative tax on each Grand Lodge, and charges for supplies 
furnished by it, and dues from Subordinate Lodges under its im- 
mediate jurisdiction. 

7. To provide for annual returns from each Grand Lodge, and 
for semi-annual returns from each Subordinare Lodge under its 
immediate jurisdiction. 

8. To hear and determine all appeals from Grand and Subordi- 
nate Lodges, when the same are properly brought before it in 
accordance with the regulations of the Order, and to provide by 
legislation for the enforcement of its decisions. 

9. To enact laws and regulations of general application to carry 
into effect the foregoing and all other powers reserved by this 
Constitution to the Supreme Lodge or its officers, and such as 

(745) 



746 APPENDIX. 

may be necessary to enforce its legitimate authority over Grand 
and Subordinate Lodges under its immediate jurisdiction. 

10. To charter Grand Lodges and to define the territorial ex- 
tent of their jurisdiction, and to charter Subordinate Lodges not 
within the territorial jurisdiction of any Grand Lodge, and to pro- 
vide a Constitution for each Subordinate Lodge under its imme- 
diate jurisdiction. 

AKTICLE II. 

HOW CONSTITUTED. 

Section 1, The Supreme Lodge shall consist of; 

1. Founder and Past Supreme Chancellor, J. H. Eathbone. 

2. All Past Supreme Chancellors. 

3. Past Supreme Chancellor. 

4. Supreme Chancellor (presiding officer.) 

5. Supreme Vice Chancellor. 

6. Supreme Prelate. 

7. . Supreme Master of Exchequer. 

8. Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

9. Supreme Master at Arms. 

10. Supreme Inner Guard. 

11. Supreme Outer Guard. 

12. Two Supreme Eepresentatives from each Grand Lodge 
under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, until there are 
20,000 members belonging to one Grand Lodge; and one Supreme 
Representative for each additional 10,000 members. Provided, 
That no Grand Lodge shall be entitled to more than four Supreme 
Representatives. 

Sec. 2. Supreme Representatives must be Past Grand Chan- 
cellors in good standing in their respective Grand and Subor- 
dinate Lodges, and shall be elected as follows : At the election of 
Grand Officers of the respective Grand Lodges, in 1879, and every 
two years thereafter, such Grand Jurisdiction shall elect, in the 
mode provided for electing Grand Officers, one Supreme Repre- 
sentative, to serve for four years from the next succeeding first day 
of January, and bi-ennially thereafter the said Grand Jurisdic- 
tion shall elect, in the same manner, one Supreme Representa- 
tive, to serve for four years from the first day of January succeed- 
ing their election ; Provided, That each Supreme Representative, 
elected in 1878, shall continue in office until December 31, 1881. 
In case of a vacancy in the office of Supreme Representative, 
from death, removal, or any other cause, the Grand Lodge which 
he represented shall determine how such vacancy shall be filled. 
When a jurisdiction is entitled to more than two Supreme Repre- 
sentatives, the additional Representative or Representatives shall 
be elected as above provided, for a term of four years, at the an- 
nual election preceding the commencement of his term. At the 
organization of any new Grand Lodge two Supreme Representa- 



APPENDIX. 747 

tives shall be elected— one to serve until the 31st of December of 
the first odd numbered year thereafter, and one to serve until the 
31st of December of the second odd numbered year thereafter. 
Each Officer and Supreme Eepresentative shall be entitled to one 
vote in determining any question before the Supreme Lodge, and 
each Past Supreme Chancellor shall be entitled to discuss any 
question, but not to vote. 

Sec. 3. All Past Grand Chancellors, duly recognized by the 
Supreme Lodge, shall be admitted to its session and shall be 
entitled to seats therein, but shall not be entitled to speak, unless 
by permission of the Supreme Lodge, and shall not be entitled to 
vote 

Sec 4. No one shall be eligible to any office in the Supreme 
Lodge, unless he has been duly admitted to the Supreme Lodge 
by being either a Eepresentative or a Past Grand Chancellor. 

AETICLE ni. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

Section 1. The Past Supreme Chancellor shall have charge of 
and supervise the arrangement of the Altar or any other neces- 
sary floor work. 

Sec. 2. The Supreme Chancellor shall exercise, as occasion 
may require, all the rights appertaining to his high office, in ac- 
cordance with the usages of the Order. He shall have a watchful 
supervision over all Lodges, Grand and Subordinate, and see that 
all the constitutional enactments, rules and edicts of the Supreme 
Lodge are duly and promptly observed, and that the dress, work 
and dicipline of the Order everywhere are uniform. 

Among his special prerogatives are the following: 

To call special sessions of the Supreme Lodge, or conventions 
of Supreme officers in council. 

To visit any Grand or Subordinate Lodge under the immediate 
jurisdiction of this Supreme Lodge, and to give such instructions 
and directions as the good of the Order may require, always ad- 
hering to the obligatory usages of the Order. To cause to be ex- 
ecuted and securely to preserve and keep the official bonds and 
securities of the Supreme Master of Exchequer and Supreme 
Keeper of Eecords and Seal. 

To grant Warrants of dispensation during the recess of the Su- 
preme Lodge for the institution of new Subordinate Lodges,which 
dispensations to be in force until taken up by Charters granted in 
lieu thereof by a properly instituted Grand Lodge, and to promptly 
notify the Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal of the issuing of 
said Warrants of Dispensation. 

To grant Warrants of Dispensation during the recess of the 
Supreme Lodge for the institution of Grand Lodges in States, 
Countries, Districts or Territories where the same have not been 
established. 



748 APPENDIX. 

To manage the contingent fund of the Supreme Lodge and sus- 
pend or remove any derelict or contumacious officer for cause, he 
having right of appeal to the Supreme Lodge, and to fill any 
vacancy by appointment until filled by regular election. 

To appoint and commission a Deputy Supreme Chancellor for 
special purposes of instituting Grand Lodges and installing their 
officers, or otherwise, as may be required in all States, Districts, 
Territories, or Countries, where Lodges are established, and not 
having any Grand Lodge. He shall, at the next regular session, 
present a full report of his acts during the recess of the Supreme 
Lodge. He may hear and decide such questions of Law as may be 
submitted to him by Grand or Subordinate Lodges, under the im- 
mediate jurisdiction of this Supreme Lodge, and all such decis- 
ions shall be binding upon the bodies submitting the same, and 
until fully passed upon and disaffirmed or reversed by this Su- 
preme Lodge. 

Sec. 3. The Supreme Vice- Chancellor, in the event of the 
death, removal or physical incompetency of his superior, shall act 
as Supreme Chancellor ; at all other times he shall perform such 
duties as may be assigned him by the Supreme Lodge or the Su- 
preme Chancellor. 

Sec. 4. The Supreme Prelate shall open and close the Supreme 
Lodge with prayer, and perform all obligatory ceremonial as pre- 
scribed in the Ritual or Usages of the Order, and such other 
duties as comport with his office. 

Sec 5. The Supreme Master of Exchequer shall render to the 
Supreme Chancellor a quarterly statement of the condition of 
funds in his hands, and make to the Supreme Lodge at its regular 
sessions, a true and perfect account of his doings, together with 
an account of all moneys received and disbursed, giving items in 
detail— all the earnings thereon accrued from interest or other in- 
vestments ; to pay all orders drawn on him by the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, properly attested by the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal. For the faithful performance of his duties he shall give 
bond, to be executed and approved before his installation, in the 
sum of $100,000, with unexceptionable securities, or otherwise the 
office to be declared vacant, and filled by election. He shall re- 
ceive for his services such sum as the Supreme Lodge may from 
time to time determine. 

Sec 6. The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall keep a 
just and true record of all the proceedings of the Supreme Coun- 
cil and Lodge at each session, and transmit to each Grand Lodge 
as many copies thereof as the Lodge has Past Grand Chancellors 
and officers, and one copy for each Subordinate Lodge in their 
several jurisdictions, and one to each Lodge under the immediate 
jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge. He shall collect all the reve- 
nues of the Supreme Lodge, and pay over the amount to the Su- 
preme Master of Exchequer whenever it reaches the sum of $100. 
He shall preserve the archives, have charge of the Seal, Books, 



APPENDIX. 749 

Papers and other properties of the Supreme Lodge, and deliver 
the same to his successor when required so to do by the Supreme 
Lodge. He shall prepare all Charters for Grand Lodges; notify 
officially all Grand Lodges and officers and members of the Su- 
preme Lodge of all sessions of the Supreme Lodge ; carry on the 
necessary correspondence of the Lodge; keep a register which 
shall contain a list of all Dispensations and Charters granted to 
Grand, or Warrants of Dispensations issued by the Supreme 
Chancellor for Subordinate Lodges, and a Eecord of all Past 
Grand Chancellors and Eepresentatives entitled to seats in the 
Supreme Lodge. He shall attest necessary official papers and 
documents,perform such other duties as are required by the Laws 
and regulations of the Order and as the Supreme Chancellor or 
Supreme Lodge may from time to time direct. He shall be furn- 
ished with an office, and shall have regular office hours, and give 
notice to all Grand Lodges of the time at which he will so attend, 
and at each session present a report of the general condition of 
the Order of the Supreme Lodge. He shall have power to pro- 
vide himself at the expense of the Supreme Lodge, with such 
books, papers and stationery as are necessary for the fulfillment 
of his duties, and keep in his office a copy of the seal of each 
Grand and Subordinate Lodge. He shall submit a quarterly trial 
balance to the Supreme Chancellor for examination, and also 
render to each regular session of the Supreme Lodge, full and 
exhaustive copies of his accounts with the Grand and Subordi- 
nate Lodges, etc., of and during the whole term of recess passed. 
He shall receive for his services the sum of two thousand dol- 
lars, per annum payable quarterly, and the additional sum of one 
thousand dollars for an assistant. For the faithful performance 
of his duties he shall give bond, to be executed and approved be- 
fore his installation, in the sum of ten thousand dollars, with un- 
exceptionable securities, or otherwise the office to be declared 
vacant, and filled by election. 

Sec. 7. The duties of the Supreme Master-at-Arms, Inner and 
Outer Guards are such as are traditionally appropriate to their 
respective stations, or such as may be assigned them by the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

, Sec. 8. All Deputy Supreme Chancellors (of Jurisdictions in 
which there are no Grand Lodges), shall install the officers of all 
Subordinate Lodges within their Jurisdictions, or cause the same 
to be done, and perform such other duties as the Supreme Chan- 
cellor may direct. 

ABTICLE IV. 

SESSIONS. 

Sessions of the Supreme Lodge shall be held biennially on the 
fourth Tuesday of April. Provided, that at any session of the Su- 
preme Lodge, a month and day of meeting other than the fourth 



750 APPENDIX. 

Tuesday in April may be selected for the next succeeding session 
by a vote of three -fourths of the Supreme Representatives 
present. The place for the holding of each biennial session shall 
be determined at the preceeding biennial session. Provided, 
that if no place is determined upon by the Supreme Lodge, the 
biennial session shall be held in the City of Baltimore. 

ARTICLE V. 

COMMITTEES. 

Section 1. The following Committees shall be appointed bien- 
nially by the Supreme Chancellor : 

Committee on Law and Supervision. 

Committee on Finance. 

Committee on Appeals and Grievances. 

Committee on Credentials and Returns. 

Committee on Mileage. 

Committee on State of the Order. 

Committee on Written Work. 

Committee on Unwritten Work. 

Committee on Printing. 

Committee on Dispensations and Charters. 

Committee on Endowment Rank. 

Committee on Uniform Rank. 

Sec 2. The Committee on Law and Supervision shall, when 
such subjects are presented to the Supreme Lodge and duly re- 
ferred to them, inquire into all cases of infraction of the estab- 
lished Laws and regulations of the Order, and recommend such 
measures as they may deem expedient for correcting the innova- 
tion, and further consider and have charge of all matters coming 
within the purview of that Committee. 

Sec 3. The Committee on Finance shall examine the accounts 
of the Supreme Master of Exchequer and Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, before each regular session of the Supreme 
Lodge, and the Supreme Chancellor shall convene them for the 
purpose, at such time and place that he may designate. They 
shall also examine and audit such books whenever required by the 
Supreme Lodge. They shall examine and pass upon all bills pre- 
sented to the Supreme Lodge when in session,and if correct,report, 
if approving the same, for economy or creating a remedy by leg- 
islation for all extravagant expenditures. They shall make esti- 
mates for and recommend appropriations of moneys for general 
or specific purpose during recess of the Supreme Lodge, and bring 
down an approximate estimate, based on past results, of the prob- 
able revenue likely to accrue ; and no expenditures of any charac- 
ter shall be made in excess of the appropriation then made until 
the next regular session. It shall be the duty of the Finance Com- 
mittee to audit the books and accounts of the Supreme Master of 
Exchequer and Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, the fourth 



APPENDIX. 751 

week in April of the year in which the Supreme Lodge does not 
hold a regular session, the Committee to meet on such day and 
place as the chairman shall direct. The pay of the Committee 
shall be the same as a Supreme Eepresentative, and their report 
shall be printed and sent to the Grand Jurisdictions, in sufficient 
numbers to supply each Lodge with a copy thereof. 

Sec. 4. The Committee on Appeals and Grievances shall hear 
all appeals and grievances from Grand Lodges or members of 
Lodges, referred to them by the Supreme Lodge or Supreme Chan- 
cellor, and report thereon with the utmost dispatch. 

Sec. 5. The Committee on Credentials and Returns shall ex- 
amine and report on the returns of the Grand Lodges and Subor- 
dinates under the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge, 
and the credentials of all the Past Grand Chancellors and Rep- 
resentatives to the Supreme Lodge. 

Sec. 6. The Commiitee on Mileage shall compute the mileage 
and per diem of all Supreme Officers and Representatives, at each 
regular or special called session, making out a proper, complete 
and accurate roll of the same, and report the amount to which each 
one on the roll is entitled, and no order shall be drawn for the 
same until said report is indorsed by a majority of the Com- 
mittee. 

Sec 7. The Committee on the State of the Order shall examine 
and report upon such portions of reports of the Supreme Officers 
and Deputy Supreme Chancellors, so far as the same relate to the 
state of the Order, and upon such other matters as may be refer- 
red to them, presenting in their reports an exhibit of the condition 
and progress of the Order, and recommending such measures for 
the good and prosperity of the Order as they may think the cir- 
cumstances require. 

Sec 8. The Committee on Written Work shall examine and re- 
port upon such parts of reports of the Supreme Officers or other 
matters referred to. them, pertaining to all Written Work of the 
Order of a public nature, covering Regalias, Jewels, Charts, Cer- 
tificates, Shields, Uniforms, Equipments or Public Ceremonials, 
Forms for and details of matters not properly of a secret nature. 

Sec 9. The Committee on Unwritten Work shall examine and 
report upon such reports of the Supreme Officers or other matters 
referred to them of a nature that may be strictly private, or in con- 
sonance and keeping with the duties of the name of the Commit- 
tee. 

Sec 10. The Committee on Printing shall have a general super- 
visory charge of and examine into all matters referred to or com- 
ing within the purview of their duties as suggested by their name ; 
make all contracts not otherwise provided for, compare materials, 
quality and price, analyze all bills submitted for printing, binding 
and supplies, establish a standard style, quality and grade of same, 
and report their findings and recommendations to the Supreme 
Lodge. 



752 APPENDIX. 

Sec. 11. The Committee on Dispensations and Charters shall 
examine into all proper matters referred to them from the Su- 
preme Officers' reports; they shall examine and report on all peti- 
tions for "Warrants of Dispensation issued by the Supreme Chan- 
cellor for Subordinate or Grand Lodges, or applications for Char- 
ters for the same, approving or disapproving of the issuing of the 
same, and other general Dispensations, or Deputy Supreme Chan- 
cellor's commissions issued during the recess of the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Sec 12. The Committee on Endowment Eank shall examine in- 
to all matters pertaining to that rank, and all such matters as may 
be referred to them by the Supreme Officers, except those pertain- 
ing to finances. 

Sec. 13. The Committee on the Uniform Bank shall examine 
and report upon such matters as may be referred to them, and 
such portions of reports of the Supreme Officers as may relate to 
the rank, and recommend such measures for the good of the rank 
as they may think the circumstances require. 

Sec 14. Each of the above committees shall consist of five 
members, and when serving on general work during a recess, by 
order of the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Chancellor, shall re- 
ceive the same mileage and per diem as Supreme Eepresentatives. 

AETICLE VI. 

MODE OF FORMING A GRAND LODGE. 

Section 1. All Subordinate Lodges in Jurisdictions where no 
Grand Lodge exists, shall be under the immediate control of this 
Supreme Lodge until the formation of a Grand Lodge for that 
Jurisdiction, and shall pay to the Supreme Lodge, while under its 
control, fifty cents per capita tax on each member annually. 

Sec 2. When there are five or more Subordinate Lodges estab- 
lished and in working order in any Jurisdiction, they, through the 
Deputy Supreme Chancellor thereof, may petition the Supreme 
Chancellor, who shall cause the Supreme Keeper of Becords and 
Seal to notifiy each of the Lodges of that Jurisdiction to elect 
two Bepresentatlves for the unexpired balance of the year, up to 
the 31st day of December following, on the first meeting night of 
the Lodge after the receipt of the communication. 

Sec 3. The Past Chancellors of the five or more Lodges, to- 
gether with the Bepresentatives elect, shall meet at such place as 
may be specified by the Supreme Chancellor, and proceed to or- 
ganize a Grand Lodge by electing a Past Grand Chancellor, 
Grand Chancellor, Grand Vice Chancellor, Grand Prelate, Grand 
Master of Exchequer, Grand Keeper of Becords and Seal, Grand 
Master at Arms, Grand Inner Guard, Grand Outer Guard, all of 
whom must be Past Chancellors. 

Sec 4. The Grand Lodge, as soon as organized, shall elect two 
Bepresentatives to the Supreme Lodge, as prescribed in Section 



APPENDIX. 753 

3 Article II,, of the Constitution, and the said Representatives are 
hereby declared Past Grand Chancellors. 

Sec. 5. A notice of their organization, together with a list of 
their officers, shall be forwarded to the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, through the Supreme Chancellor, and the latter 
officer shall install, or cause to be installed by a Deputy Supreme 
Chancellor, the officers elect of said Grand Lodge, after which it 
shall proceed to frame a Constitution and By-Laws for its own 
government, not inconsistent with the Laws promulgated by this 
Body. 

ARTICLE VII. 

OF GRAND LODGE. 

Section 1. Grand Lodges exist by virtue of a Charter or Dis- 
pensation, issued by authority of the Surpeme Lodge, or Supreme 
Chancellor during its recess. They shall conform to the Ritual, 
Forms, Ceremonies, Work, Regalia, Jewels, Uniform, Charts, 
Shields and Certificates, and regulations prescribed by the Su- 
preme Lodge, in accordance with this Constitution, and shall 
(subject to the provisions hereof and right of appeal) have ex- 
clusive original jurisdiction over all Subordinate Lodges within 
their territorial limit, and over the members attached to the 
same. 

Sec 2. All power and authority not herein reserved to the Su- 
preme Lodge, is hereby delegated to the Grand Lodges, the 
Supreme Lodge, however, reserving to itself the right at any time, 
by proper amendments, duly adopted, to this Constitution, to re- 
sume any additional power necessary to promote the well being 
and harmony of the Order. 

Sec. 3. Each Grand Lodge shall adopt a Constitution for its 
own government, and also a Constitution for its Subordinates, 
which Constitution shall be in accordance with the provisions of 
this Constitution and the Laws made in pursuance hereof. The 
Constitutions of Grand Lodges, and all amendments thereof, 
shall not go into effect until submitted to and approved by the 
Supreme Chancellor or Supreme Lodge. 

Sec 4. Grand Lodges shall be composed only of Past Chancel- 
lors, but said Grand Lodges may provide for a representative / 
system, and may limit the rights and privileges of Past Chancel- 
lors on the floor of the Grand Lodge. 

Sec 5. The officers of a Grand Lodge shall be as prescribed in 
Sec. 3, of Art. VI. of this Constitution, who shall be elected or 
appointed as the Constitutions of the respective Grand Lodges 
may prescribe, and who shall hold office for a term of not less than 
one year. 

Sec 6. Charters of Grand Lodges may be revoked, and Grand 
Lodges suspended by the Supreme Lodge for non-conformity to 
the Work, Ceremonies or Ritual adopted by the Supreme Lodge; 
for disobedience to its legal mandates^ and for improper conduct. 

48 



\ 



754 APPENDIX. 



AETICLE Vin. 

OF SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Section 1. Subordinate Lodges exist by virtue of Dispensations 
issued by the Supreme Lodge through the Supreme Chancellor, 
or Charters granted in lieu thereof, or directly, by the appropriate 
Grand Lodge; but to each Grand Lodge, when formed, belongs 
the exclusive right to issue Charters to Lodges instituted within 
its prescribed territorial Jurisdiction. 

Sec. 2. Grand Lodges shall prescribe a Constitution for the 
Subordinate Lodges within their Jurisdiction, but the following 
obligatory general rules or principles shall be incorporated into 
each Subordinate Constitution : 

1. A Lodge shall never consist of less than seven members of 
the Knight Eank, and shall hold stated meetings at least once a 
week, at such an hour as may from time to time be determined 
upon ; Provided, that each Grand Lodge may allow meetings at 
longer intervals by a regular Dispensation. 

2. Not less than seven members of the Knight Eank shall con- 
stitute a quorum for the transaction of business, including one 
qualified to preside, and if seven members only be present, no 
appropriation of money shall be made unless it be by unanimous 
consent. 

3. The Lodge shall transact all its business in the Knight 
Eank, except the actual conferring of the Page or Esquire Eank. 

4. The officers of a Subordinate Lodge shall be as provided in 
the Eituals of the Order. 

5. Nominations for the elective officers may be made on the 
night preceding and on the night of election. 

6. Officers shall be installed at the first regular meeting in the 
new term, if unforeseen circumstances do not prevent; but no 
officer shall be installed unless he has fully paid to his Lodge the 
amount of all dues and claims of whatsoever nature then accrued. 

7. All vacancies by death, removal, suspension, resignation, or 
otherwise, shall be filled in the manner of the original selection to 
serve the residue of the term, and officers so serving shall be en- 
titled to the honors of the term. 

8. No person shall be initiated into a Lodge of this Order, who 
has not reached the legal age of majority in the country where 
the Lodge is located, nor unless he be a white male, of good 
moral character, sound in health and a believer in a Supreme 
Being. Every application for membership must be accompanied 
with the initiation fee, the amount of which shall be fixed by each 
Grand Lodge ; Provided, That in no case shall the three Eanks 
be conferred in North America for a less amount than ten dollars ; 
Provided, further, That the Supreme Chancellor be, and he is 
hereby authorized and empowered, upon the application of a 
Grand Lodge, through its proper officers, to issue his Dispensation, 



APPENDIX. 755 

authorizing and permitting such Jurisdiction to confer the three 
Banks of the Order for a sum not less than six dollars. 

9. Applications for initiation must be signed by the petitioner, 
stating his age, residence and occupation, and indorsed by two 
Knights in good standing, who are members of the Lodge, which 
must be entered on the records, and the petition referred to a com- 
mittee of three for investigation (neither of whom shall have 
recommended him), whose duty it shall be to report on the char- 
acter and qualifications of the petitioner at a regular meeting. 
The applicant shall then be balloted for by secret ball ballot, and, 
if approved, he may be admitted. 

10. Should two black balls appear against a candidate, the bal- 
lot shall be renewed immediately. Should two or more appear on 
the second ballot, he shall be declared rejected, and no other bal- 
lot shall be taken in his case for the space of six months there- 
after. 

11. One week must elapse between the conferring of ranks in 
all cases, except the first four meetings of a new Lodge; but in 
every instance one week must elapse between the application and 
the conferring of the initiatory Kank of Page. 

(The above paragraph shall not apply to cases where Dispensa- 
tions are granted by a proper Grand Officer or through his 
Deputy). 

12. Any brother of the Order, in good standing, desirious of be- 
coming a member of a Lodge, shall make application as in the 
case of an uninitiated person, and accompany the same with his 
withdrawal- card from the Lodge of which he was last a member, 
or the card granted by the Grand Lodge in lieu thereof, which 
shall be referred to a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to 
report as to the standing and qualifications of the applicant at a 
regular meeting. The brother shall then be balloted for by secret 
ball ballot as in the case of an initiate. Any brother who may 
have lost his card can have the same renewed by applying to the 
source from which it emanated. 

13. No proposition for membership shall be withdrawn, unless 
by consent of the Lodge, after it has been referred to a committee, 
and all cases so referred, shall be balloted for upon the report of 
the committee, whether it be favorable or unfavorable. 

14. A candidate for membership, residing in a Jurisdiction oth- 
er than the one in which his proposition is offered shall not be in- 
itiated without the written consent of the Lodge nearest his 
residence. 

15. No Bank shall be conferred on a brother who is anon-resi- 
dent of the Jurisdiction, or who is a member of another Lodge, 
without first obtaining the permission of the Lodge to which 
the brother is attached. 

16. No Bank shall be conferred under any pretense whatever, 
unless the same shall have been previously paid for. 

17. Applications for withdrawal- cards shall be made, either 



756 APPENDIX. 

personally or in writing, to a Lodge, and a card thereupon shall 
be granted; Provided, the brother be clear of the books, free 
from charges made or pending, and there be no other valid ob- 
jection. 

18. Any withdrawal-card may be revoked by a Lodge, granting 
the same, or ordered vacated by the proper Grand Lodge, or 
Grand Chancellor, at any time, for cause appearing, and when so 
revoked for the purpose of impeachment or trial, the person hold- 
ing said card shall again become subject to the Lodge which is- 
sued same, in so far as concerns said impeachment or trial. Ke- 
fusal to comply with proper citation in this connection shall con- 
stitute contempt. 

19. A withdrawal-card can be renewed if lost or destroyed ac- 
cidentally, and satisfactory evidences adduced from the holder 
and applicant, by the Lodge having granted the same, and 
upon such terms as the Lodge may determine. 

20. Each Lodge shall have a seal with appropriate devices, 
which shall be affixed to such cards, as well as to all official docu- 
ments emanating from the Lodge. 

21. A member who is one year in arrears shall be declared sus- 
pended; provided said member is not under charges. 

22. Lodges shall provide for carrying into effect the beneficial 
character of the Order, by providing for the payment of weekly 
benefits in case of disability, and funeral benefits in case of the 
death of a member; and weekly benefits shall not be less than one 
dollar per week, nor funeral benefits less than twenty dollars. 

OF DELINQUENT OK DEFUNCT LODGES. 

Sec. 3. Any Grand or Subordinate Lodge may be suspended 
or dissolved, and its Charter or Dispensation forfeited to the Su- 
preme or proper Grand Lodge. 

1. For improper conduct. 

2. For neglecting or refusing to conform to the Constitution, 
Laws or Enactments of the Supreme or its Grand Lodge, or the 
general Laws and regulations of the Order. 

3. For neglecting or refusing to make its returns, or for non- 
payment of dues or taxes to the Supreme or its proper Grand 
Lodge. But the Charter or Dispensation shall not be forfeited in 
either of the above cases, until the Lodge shall have been duly 
notified of its offense by the Supreme or proper Grand Keeper of 
Becords and Seal, and suitable opportunity given to answer the 
charges made against it. 

4. For neglecting to hold the regular stated meetings as pro- 
vided by Law, without a proper dispensation therefor, or unless 
prevented from so doing by some unforseen circumstances. 

5. By its membership diminishing, so that less than a constitu- 
tional quorum may be left. 



APPENDIX. 757 

ARTICLE IX. 

QUORUM OF VOTES. 

A majority of Grand Lodges shall constitute a quorum to trans- 
act business; and a member of a Grand Lodge whose returns for 
the year and Supreme Representative tax have not been regular- 
ly and annually forwarded to the proper Supreme Officers on or 
before the first day of March prior to any session of the Supreme 
Lodge, shall in no case be entitled to a vote, either by being an 
Officer or Supreme Representative. Provided, That hereafter 
when any Grand Lodge is in arrears to the Supreme Lodge for 
Representative tax, the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal 
shall at once notify the Grand Chancellor of such Grand Lodge of 
the fact. 

ARTICLE X. 

REVENUE. 

Each Grand Lodge shall pay to the Supreme Lodge the sum of 
fifty dollars annually fo*Ieach Representative to which they are 
entitled, and each Grand and Subordinate Lodge shall pay for 
supplies such sums as may be fixed in the By-Laws of the Supreme 
Lodge, and all work or supplies so ordered must be paid for when 
ordering, or on date of delivery. 

ARTICLE XL 

MILEAGE. 

The Supreme Lodge shall pay the mileage and necessary ex- 
penses of Founder and Past Supreme Chancellor J". H. Rathbone, 
its Officers and Representatives to and while in Supreme session, 
unless otherwise provided for. 

The mileage shall be at the rate of four cents per mile, and four 
dollars per day during the actual session of the Body. 

ARTICLE XII. 

REGALIA. 

The regalia of the Supreme, Grand and Subordinate Lodges snail 
be such as is prescribed by the Supreme Lodge, or adopted and 
approved from time to time at the regular sessions, of the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OBLIGATORY. 

All Constitutional provisions contained in all Articles, Sections, 
or Paragraphs of this Constitution and By-Laws are obligatory, in 
every sense, on all Grand and Subordinate Lodges, Knights and 
Pythias, and all Grand or Subordinate Lodge Laws in contraven- 



758 APPENDIX. 

tion or conflict herewith are rendered void of effect and illegal in 
enforcement, or, if enforced, are acts of contumacy, liable and 
subject to proper punishment. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

LAWS, WHEN IN FOECE. 

All Laws, enactments, or legislation of the Supreme Lodge be- 
come of force from date of passage and publication. 

ARTICLE XV. 

SUPREME REPRESENTATIVES' REPORTS. 

Supreme Representatives' written reports to their Grand Lodges 
or Grand Officers are official in so far as rendering a Supreme Law 
operative in its effect prior to the issuance of the Journal of Pro- 
ceedings or a General Order, and may be recognized until said 
Journal of Proceedings or General Order are issued, when said 
general promulgation and issuance of the Journal of Orders if 
differing from their reports in letter, spirit or construction, it 
(Journal or Orders) must be immediately conformed to in every 
respect. 

ARTICLE XVI. 

PASSWORDS. 

The Supreme Chancellor shall have exclusive right of creation 
and promulgation of all passwords proper and fitting for the case 
involved— to rescind, call in, and change the same, if circumstan- 
ces require or the exigencies of the case warrant— prescribe their 
application and use. 

ARTICLE XVII. 

FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 

The Supreme Chancellor may authorize and establish the Order 
in foreign countries, arrange for and assent to the institution of 
Grand Lodges therein, under proper reservation for mutual ad- 
vantage, but, in all instances, exacting and holding intact the 
spirit, letter and intent, of this Constitution and By-Laws. 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

ANNUAL RETURNS. 

Each Grand Lodge, under the control of the Supreme Lodge, as 
also all Subordinate Lodges in any State, Country, Island or Ter- 
ritory, where there is no Grand Lodge legally at work or properly 
instituted, shall make out annual returns of its work and business 
in accordance with the form sent or delivered to them by the Su- 
preme Keeper of Records and Seal, or other proper officer, and 



APPENDIX. 759 

forward the same, with the legal dues or tax from that body to the 
Supreme Lodge, and to said Supreme Keeper of Eecords and Seal, 
on or before the first day of March of each year, or, in default 
thereof, such Grand Lodge shall forfeit its right to representation 
at the next session of the Supreme Lodge. 

AETICLE XIX. 

APPEALS AND WRITS OF ERROR. 

Section 1. All appeals or writs of error, taken from the action 
or decision of a Grand Lodge, or a Subordinate Lodge, under 
the immediate jurisdiction of the Supreme Lodge of the World, to 
said Supreme Lodge, as hereinafter provided, shall be received 
and passed upon, by said Supreme Lodge, in its capacity as a 
court of last resort; but in all cases, the action or decision of a 
Grand Lodge, or a Subordinate Lodge, under the immediate ju- 
risdiction of the Supreme Lodge,shall be final and conclusive until 
reversed by this Supreme Lodge, on appeals or prosecutions of a 
writ of error therefrom, as hereinafter provided. 

Sec. 2. An appeal may be taken from the action or decision of 
any Subordinate Lodge, under the immediate jurisdiction of the 
Supreme Lodge of the World, to said Supreme Lodge, by any 
member of such Subordinate Lodge, or by any other person 
whose rights have been denied by such action or decision, upon 
giving written notice to such Subordinate Lodge, of said appeal, 
within two weeks from and after said action or appeal; Provided, 
That Appeals and Grievances to this Supreme Lodge shall be ac- 
companied by one hundred printed copies in each case. The ex- 
pense of printing shall be borne by the party taking the appeal, 
and the pages to be of the same size as the Journal of the Supreme 
Lodge. 

Sec. 3. With the consent of a Grand Lodge, an appeal may be 
taken by any Subordinate Lodge, or member under its jurisdic- 
tion, from any action or decision of such Grand Lodge, to the Su- 
preme Lodge of the World ; provided, however, that such consent 
shall not be necessary, when a suspended or dissolved Lodge, 
after having surrendered to its Grand Lodge all its effects, books 
and property, appeals from such decisions ; and, provided further, 
that any action or decision of a Grand Lodge, where is drawn in 
question any provision of the Constitution, or any enactment or 
authority of the Supreme Lodge of the World, and the action or 
decision is against the validity of such provision, enactment or 
authority of the Supreme Lodge of the World, may be examined 
and reversed or affirmed by the Supreme Lodge of the World, up- 
on a writ of error, to the same extent as could have been done 
upon an appeal legally taken from such action or decision. 

Sec. 4. Such writ of error, as provided for by the last section, 
may be issued by and upon petition to, either the Grand Chan- 
cellor of the Grand Lodge, the action or decision of which is sought 



760 APPENDIX. 

to be reviewed, the Supreme Chancellor or the Supreme Lodge of 
the World, in the case provided for in the last section, and in the 
order only as above named in this section. 

Sec. 5. Consent of a Grand Lodge to appeal must be obtained 
at the same session at which the action or decision from which 
the appeal is sought to be taken, was had, and the proper record 
upon such appeal must be transmitted, properly attested, to the 
next session of the Supreme Lodge thereafter ; provided, that the 
Supreme Lodge may, in extreme cases, allow the appeal to be 
entertained at not later than its next following session thereafter. 
The same rules shall also apply in the prosecution of a writ of 
error. 

Sec. 6. The Supreme Lodge of the World may also adopt such 
additional rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary and 
proper to fully carry into effect the foregoing provisions of this 
article. 

ARTICLE XX. 

APPLICATON FOR GRAND LODGE CHARTERS. 

Grand Lodges working under dispensation issued by the Su- 
preme Chancellor must apply in regular course, by petition, for 
their Charter, at the first regular session after their institution, 
which petition shall be accompanied by their Reports, Constitu- 
tion and By-Laws, all of which shall be referred to the proper 
committees, when, the Reports being favorable, and the Commit- 
tee on Charters and Dispensations reporting and recommending 
that a Charter be issued, and the Supreme Lodge concurring 
therein, the Charter shall then be issued, but not otherwise. 

ARTICLE XXI. 

DEPUTY SUPREME CHANCELLOR— HONORS. 

Any Knight to whom a commission as Deputy Supreme Chan- 
cellor shall be issued, in any State, County, Territory or Island, 
where the Order is not already established, or if so, no Grand 
Lodge exists, shall be entitled to, and receive the Rank of Past 
Grand Chancellor ; and if in a Territory where the Order exist, and 
a Grand Lodge is instituted while he is in charge thereof, he 
shall be entitled to, and receive at the hands of the Supreme 
Lodge, the Rank and Grade of Past Grand Chancellor therefor. 
Except as above, or as otherwise provided in this Constitution, 
the Grade or Rank of Past Grand Grancellor shall not be conferred 
upon any Past Chancellor who has not served as Grand Chan- 
cellor; provided, that German District Deputy Grand Chancellors 
whose jurisdiction -is co-extensive with their state, who have 
been elected or appointed by the Grand Lodge in the manner 
prescribed for the election of Grand Lodge Officers, who serve for 
three successive years, and who have had during the three years 



APPENDIX. 761 

at least three Lodges working in the German language under his 
charge, shall be entitled to the Bank of Past Grand Chancellor. 

ARTICLE XXII. 

DEPUTY SUPREME CHANCELLORS. 

All the Past Grand or Past Chancellors of full Rank, regularly- 
authorized and commissioned by the Supreme Chancellor to in- 
stitute Grand Lodges, or to travel under his instructions to ex- 
emplify the Work, shall be known, commissioned and styled 
Deputy Supreme Chancellors. 

ARTICLE XXIII. 

EXPENSES OF INSTITUTING. 

The necessary expenses incident to traveling to any point and 
back to original starting point, for the purpose of instituting any 
Subordinate or Grand Lodge, by the Supreme Chancellor or his 
Deputy, shall be paid by the Lodges instituted. 

ARTICLE XXIV. 

RANK CREDENTIALS. 

All Knights having Past Rank removing from one Jurisdiction 
to another, and desiring to affiliate with a Withdrawal- Card, must 
also present a Rank Credential to entitle them to the same. 

ARTICLE XXY. 

BALLOT— BLACK BALLS. 

Grand Lodges may legislate in their local Law to prescribe that 
one black ball may reject, in cases of application for membership, 
but shall not increase the same to more than is prescribed in' the 
Supreme Maximum of two, 

ARTICLE XXVI. 

SEALS. 

All Grand and Subordinate Lodges shall have an appropriate 
Seal, bearing proper devices thereon, name, number and location 
of the Lodge, with the date of its itstitution thereon, a good copy 
or impression of which shall be deposited with the Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal. 

ARTICLE XXVII. 

ELECTIONS— SUPREME LODGE. 

The Supreme Lodge officers shall be elected biennially by bal- 
lot. A majority of all the voters present shall be necessary to 
constitute a choice. In case of a tie, the balloting shall continue 



762 APPENDIX. 

until a choice is made ; the name of the brother receiving the low- 
est number of votes at each balloting shall be withdrawn. Any 
officer who may be absent at the time of installation, unless ex- 
cused by the Supreme Lodge, or sickness, his office shall be de- 
clared vacant, and another and immediate election held to fill the 
vacancy. But if the absent officer elect has been excused, or is 
ill, then the Supreme Chancellor may be empowered to install 
during recess, at his convenience. 

ARTICLE XXVHI. 

TRAVELING SHIELDS. 

Traveling Shields, for the use of brethren, can only be used or 
recognized when procured from the Supreme Lodge, and are of the 
prescribed and legal form, as adopted, and under its restrictions 
as made for general or special use, by Grand Lodges and from 
them issued to the Subordinate Lodges for issuance to members, 
except it be where no Grand Lodge is in existence, or recognized 
by this Supreme Lodge, and in such cases from the Deputy Su- 
preme Chancellor in charge of said State or territory. 

AETICLE XXIX. 

UNIFORM AND REGALIA. 

All Supreme, Grand or Subordinate Lodge officers appearing in 
the presribed uniform of the Order indicative of their rank, and 
wearing the prescribed and officialJewel on their left breast; or, 

All Past Supreme or Subordinate Lodge officers appearing 
appareled in a like manner, wearing the Past Official Jewel 
on tbeir left breast; or, 

Any and all Knights appearing and appareled in a like manner, 
with the Knight's Jewel on his left breast, shall be considered in 
full and complete regalia for all Lodge conventions, meetings or 
session purposes, being entitled to admission to, and seat within 
any Lodge of the Order (if otherwise qualified and entitled to ad- 
mission) wherever existing, and the following shall be the rega- 
lia, when used, of the several Bodies as below, to wit: 

The regalia of the Supreme Lodge shall be as follows: 

The Past Supreme Chancellor— A purple collar, skirted with 
scarlet and white,the scarlet to be inside ; to be trimmed with hel- 
met, globe and tassels, lace and fringe of gilt bullion. Jewel, of 
white and yellow metals, to be worn pendant thereto, with words 
Past Supreme Chancellor, enameled or engraved on the border. 

For Supreme Chancellor and Supreme Vice Chancellor— Collars 
of purple, skirted with scarlet, of the same form, style and trim- 
ming (including helmet and globe) as the Sitting Past Supreme 
Chancellor. Jewels to be of yellow and white metals, as provided 
and adopted, of the same device in emblems, unless otherwise 
specifically stated, as those worn by the corresponding officers of 



APPENDIX. 763 

Grand and Subordinate Lodges, and to be worn suspended from 
the collar, in the same manner as above stated, or used in pre- 
scribed manner for them. 

For remaining Supreme officers— Same as specified for Supreme 
Chancellor. 

For Supreme Prelate— White collar, skirted with scarlet, trim- 
med with lace and bullion fringe and tassels. On the right breast 
of the collar shall be emproidered in gilt bullion, a visored hel- 
met, with axe and lance crossed, illustrative of the name and gen- 
eral character of the Order. On the left breast shall be embroid- 
ered in gilt bullion a globe, emblematical of universal fraternity, 
and the Supreme authority of this Lodge. The Jewel, of white 
and yellow metals, shall be as prescribed and adopted, to be worn 
suspended from the collar where the ends are united, or suspen- 
ded on the left breast in open sight if in uniform and detached 
from regalia. 

For Supreme Eepresentatives— The same as Past Grand Chan- 
cellors, with S. R. upon the right-hand side of collar, in gilt 
•bullion, with jewel pendant, as otherwise prescribed for members 
in uniform. 

No Past Officer, Representative, or member shall be allowed to 
enter the Supreme Lodge when in session, unless properly uni- 
formed and jeweled, or clothed in established regalia of his rank, 
according to these prescriptions, with jewel-appended thereto: 

The working regalia of Grand Lodges shall be as follows, to 
wit: 

Past Grand Chancellors— Black velvet collar, trimmed with gold 
lace and fringe, and P. G. C. embroidered in gold on left side, and 
approved and adopted jewel pendant. 

Past Chancellors— Red velvet collar, trimmed with gold fringe, 
and adopted and approved jewel pendant. 

Representatives— Same as Past Chancellors, rosette, with num- 
ber of Lodge on left side,and approved and adopted jewel pendant. 
Said rosette to be furnished by the Subordinate Lodge repre- 
sented. 

Officers— Same as Past Chancellors, with the prescribed insig- 
nia of office of their rank, adopted and approved jewel pendant. 

The working regalia of Subordinate Lodges shall be as follows: 
to wit : 

For Pages, a blue collar; for Esquires, a yellow collar; for 
Knights a red collar. Officers' regalia— For Chancellor Com- 
mander, a collar of scarlet velvet, with silver fringe, 1| inches long, 
and silver lace border on inner edge half inch wide, with jewel 
pendant ; for Vice-Chancellor, the same as Chancellor Commander, 
with jewel pendant; for Prelate, a black velvet collar, trimmed 
same as Chancellor Commander and Vice-Chancellor, with jewel 
pendant; for Master of Exchequer, same as Vice-Chancellor, 
omitting the fringe, with jewel pendant; for Master of Finance, 
the same as the Master of Exchequer, with jewel pendant; for 



764 APPENDIX. 

Keeper of Records and Seal, the same as the Master of Finance, 
with jewel pendant; for Master-at-Arms, the same as Keeper of 
Records and Seal, with jewel pendant; for Inside Guard, the 
same as the Master-at-Arms, with jewel pendant; for Outside 
Guard, the same as the Inside Guard, with jewel pendant; for 
Past Chancellor, the same as the Chanceller Commander, with 
gold fringe, with jewel pendant, or in other words, plain collars, 
the same as the above in every particular, except the embroidered 
emblems as heretofore used, and in their place the adopted metal 
jewels hanging thereto. Provided, That any and all Lodges of 
this Order, wherever hereafter started, on and after July 1, 1874, 
shall procure and use only the plain regalia and prescribed metal 
jewels (if desiring both), or jewels alone; that any and all 
Lodges now having and using the regalia with the "embroidered 
emblems" on them, may do so until worn out, but when replacing 
them either in part or in whole, shall conform strictly to the pro- 
visions as herein expressed and above set forth; Provided, how- 
ever, any Past Supreme Officer, Supreme Officer, Supreme Repre- 
sentative, Past Supreme Representative, Past Grand Officer, 
Past Chancellor and Subordinate Lodge Officer, and Knight wear- 
ing the jewel of his rank on the left lapel of the coat in a Lodge, 
shall be considered in full regalia. 

ARTICLE XXX. 

SUSPENSION OF LODGES. 

The Supreme and each Grand Lodge may provide for and order 
the revocation of any or all Dispensations or Charters and sus- 
pension of Subordinate Lodges under their Jurisdiction for viola- 
tions of this Constitution, Supreme Lodge orders, enactments, 
legislation or decisions, or their Grand Lodge constitutional pro- 
visions, local Laws, or Grand Chancellor's official mandates dur- 
ing recess. 

ARTICLE XXXI. 

TERMS. 

A term of the Supreme Lodge shall be two years, and the term 
of Subordinate Lodges, working immediately under the control 
of the Supreme Lodge, shall be six months, and the terms of 
Grand Lodges shall not be less than one year, and that the terms 
of Subordinate Lodges, working under the control of Grand 
Lodges shall be remitted to the several Grand Jurisdictions ; Pro- 
vided, That no term of a Subordinate Lodge shall be less than 
six months. 

ARTICLE XXXII. 

AMENDMENTS. 

No alteration or amendment to the Constitution of the Supreme 
Lodge shall be made unless presented at a regular session, and 



APPENDIX. 765 

adopted by a two-thirds vote at the next succeeding regular ses- 
sion ; Provided, that no change shall be made in the written or 
unwritten work, unless the same lay over from one Session to an- 
other, nor then, unless four-fifths of the representatives concur 
therein. 

Provided, also, that "Amendments to the Constitution may be 
considered and disposed of at the session at which they are of- 
fered, provided the unanimous consent of the representatives 
present be given for their consideration." 



INDEX TO EXPOSITION. 



A. 

Seo. 

Application. 

For Membership. Summary of the Law concerning 1 

For the Eanks. Rules respecting ballot for 2 

For Non-Residents. Considered, when ". 3 

Applicants. 

Qualifications of 4 

Admission of, when over age. Law concerning 5 

Status of, upon illegal adminission i 6 

Appeals. 

Legislation concerning. Constitutional provisions 7 

Requisites as to forms. Printing of the record 8 

Requisites as to form. Printing of the record. The hard- 
ships of the rule 9 

Requisites as to form. The Record. Authentication of 10 

Requisites as to form. Certified copy of Record essential. . . 11 
Law in respect to, must be prosecuted by the real party in 

interest 12 

Real party, in interest. The rule in Illinois 13 

Real party in interest. The rule in Missouri 14 

Real party in interest. Application of rule 15 

Will not lie, from a judgment by default 16 

Must be based upon some action of the Grand Lodge 17 

Duty of Grand Lodge to allow 18 

Must be perfected in time 19 

Notice. Requisites of ; must be given in time 20 

Must be taken before penalty is paid 21 

Do not lie from Chancellor Commander to Grand Chancellor 22 

From the action of a Lodge, stays proceedings 23 

From decision of Chancellor Commander, rule as to recog- 
nizing a second 24 

From the decision of the chair are debatable 25 

From decision of Chancellor Commander; right of Chancel- 
lor Commander to vote 26 

Do not lie from the result of ballot for membership 27 

From the decision of Chancellor Commander, question by 

whom put 28 

(767) 



768 INDEX TO EXPOSITION. 

Sec. 

Admission. 

Of applicants, state of the Law concerning 29 

Of members by card 30 

Of members to Lodge room during progress of work 31 

Of members to Lodge room 32 

Advancement. 

Of officers ; the practice in Pennsylvania 33 

Absence. 

Summary of the Law concerning . 34 

Right of Lodge to impose penalties for 35 

Does not disqualify for office, when 36 

Is no excuse for failure to pay assessments, when 37 

AtRollcall. Effect of 38 

From state, does not create vacancy in office, when 39 

Right of Lodge to grant leave to officer 40 

Amendments. 
To Laws and Constitutions, consideration of the Law con- 
cerning 41 

Arrears. 

State of Legislation concerning 42 

Right of Subordinate Lodge to regulate 43 

Right of Lodge to regulate ; Legislation concerning 44 

The rights of members in respect to payment, effect of part 

payment 45 

Reference to other heads of discussion 46 

Assessments. 

Power of Subordinate Lodge to enforce collection 47 

Subordinate Lodges. Right of Grand Lodge to restrict. . 48 

Attendants. 

Are not officers of the Lodge 49 

B. 

Ballot. 

As a method of voting. Uses of in Order 50 

Lodge may designate any member to cast, when 51 

For membership : Manner of taking : Usage 52 

For membership. Inspection and announcement of 53 

For the Ranks : Practice concerning 54 

Can be had at special meeting, when 55 

For membership or advancement: Cannot be reconsidered.. 56 

Cannot be renewed, when 57 

For membership by card 58 

Secrecy of, should be maintained 59 



INDEX TO EXPOSITION. 769 

Benefits. beo. 

Statement of the Law concerning 60 

Kules and Precedents. The Probationary Period 61 

Rules and Precedents. As to the rights of Pages and Es- 
quires 62 

Rules and Precedents. Right of Members to under charges . 63 

Payable for fractional parts of a week. 64 

Right of Member to in arrears 65 

Minimum Amount of. Force of Obligatory Laws in re- 
spect to 66 

Right of Member to, who leaves Jurisdiction 67 

Reducing amount during illness of Member. Effect of 68 

Rule where Member is able to perform other than "usual 

occupation." 69 

Payable notwithstanding arrears. Rule in Massachussets . . 70 

Limit of time within which application must be made 71 

Payable during sickness, regardless of date of report 72 

In how far Lodge may control application of 73 

For funeral purposes. Payable in case of suicide 74 

Graded system of, Legal i 75 

Bonds. 

Official. Validity of after expiration of term 76 

Black Book. 

Its use and object. Unknown to Pythian Law 77 

C. 

Candidate. 

Refusal of to submit to preparation. Course to be pursued. 78 

Chancellor Commander. 

Right to honors of office, though failing to attend meetings . . 79 

Authority of to decide questions of Constitutional Law 80 

Right of to vacate chair and take part in business of Lodge. 81 

Pro tempore. Authority of 82 

Right of Lodge to re-elect 83 

Eligibility of to Grand Representative 84 

Right of Vice Chancellor to assume chair of at installation. . 85 

Charges. 

Rights of members under 86 

Charter Members. 

Ballot for at organization necesssary 87 

Amount of fee, required of 88 

Charter Books. 

Meaning of. Term not known to Pythian Law 89 

49 



770 INDEX TO EXPOSITION. 

Dues. D * SEa 

State of legislation concerning 90 

Duty of Subordinate Lodge to collect and Grand Lodge to 

enforce 91 

Exemption of Members from 92 

Payment of. Eights of members. Liability of Lodge con- 
sidered 93 

Actual Payment. Essential, when 94 

Constructive payments by forwarding money through the 

medium of a brother member. . 95 

Constructive payments in the nature of offsets for benefits.. 96 
Constructive payments in the nature af offsets for claims 

generally 97 

Time of payment. Penalties for non-payment ,. 98 

Payment outside of Lodge Room. Credit to be given, when. 99 
Charging of to Pages and Esquires. Policy of, considered. . 100 

Payment of may be required in advance 101 

Not chargeable to members suspended 102 

May be paid until suspension is declared 103 

May be received from suspended member at any time 104 

Defunct Lodges. 

Status of members of 105 

Reversion of property of 106 

Dismissal Certificate. 
Not recognized in Pythian Law 107 

District Deputy Grand Chancellor. 

General authority of 108 

May delegate authority to install officers 109 

Authority of to make official decisions 110 

Requisites of eligibility Ill 

Should not hold office in Subordinate Lodge 112 

Election. 

Of officers. Some of the questions touching the validity of. 113 

Validity of when tellers are not members of Lodge 114 

Nominations for. Admissibility of motion to close 115 

Of Officers, Nominations for, made when 116 

Eligibility. 

To office. Advancement or Rotation in office 117 

Rules and Precedents 118 

Rules and Precedents. The Past Chancellor 119 

Rules and Precedents. The Chancellor Commander 120 

Rules and Precedents. The Yice Chancellor 121 

Rules and Precedents. The Prelate 122 

Rules and Precedents. The Trustee 123 

Rules and Precedents. The Attendant 124 

Rules and Precedents. The D. D. G. C 125 

Some observations concerning the rule 126 



INDEX TO EXPOSITION. 771 

Entering Lodge Room. sm 

The rule in respect to 127 

Examination. 

Of Candidate for advancement 128 

Expunging Record. 

Eight of Lodges in respect to 129 

Expulsion. * 

Keview of the Law concerning 130 

F. 

Fees. 

For initiation and the ranks. Begulation of local. Different 

rules in respect to 131 

Authority of Lodge to regulate 132 

The graded system according to age 133 

For the ranks. Manner and time of payment 134 

Authority of Lodge to change. Effect thereof upon appli- 
cants 135 

For the ranks. Forfeiture of under certain circumstances. . 136 

Fines. 

The right of Subordinate Lodge to impose 137 

As to the nature of the right to impose 138 

May be charged as dues to work suspension 139 

Authority of Lodge to remit 140 

Cannot be imposed for absence, when no meeting is held. . . 141 
And assessments, distinction between 142 

Funds. 
Of Subordinate Lodge. Powers of Lodge in respect to dis- 
. position of 143 

Funeral Benefits. 

Legal liabilities as to payment of 144 

Not payable to executors, when 145 

G. 

Good Standing. 
Definition of term.. 146 

I. 

Installation. 

Of officers of Grand Lodge should occur in Lodge room 147 

Who authorized to perform — 148 

J. 

Judgments. • 

Right of Lodge to reverse, vacate or modify 149 

Jurisdiction. 

Of Lodges. The inexpediency of the rule considered 150 



772 INDEX TO EXPOSITION. 

M. 

Beo. 

Maimed Persons. 
Eights of as to membership 151 

Members. 
Of defunct Lodges. Status of 152 

Memorizing Work. 
Eules and decisions in respect to 153 

Motion to Close. 
When admissible. . . . 154 

O. 

Official Receipt. 

Its office and authority 155 

Construction of the Law authorizing issue of 156 

Eeview of the decision of the Supreme Chancellor 157 

Not Essential; some of the results of the Supreme Chancel- 
lor's decision 158 

Organization of Lodges. 
The practice in respect to 159 

P. 

Page. 

Eights ; privileges and liabilities of 160 

Eight to advancement 161 

May apply for advancement at any time, when 162 

Ballot for advancement of. Construction of Constitution. . . 163 
Eight to Withdrawal-Card, although rejected for advance- 
ment 164 

Eight of to benefits .' 165 

Liability of for dues 166 

Eight of to attend Lodge, and to visit 167 

Subject to charges, and trial 168 

Subject to suspension .' 169 

Liability of Lodge for per capita tax on 170 

Past Official Rank. 

Incongruities of legislation 171 

Of the Past Chancellor and Past Grand Chancellor 172 

Eligibility of to office of Supreme Eepresentative 173 

# 

Past Grand Chancellor, 

Eights and privileges of in Grand Lodge 174 

Creation of restricted 175 



nvDEX TO EXPOSITION. 773 

Past Chancellor. sec 

The Law in respect to creation of 176 

Creation of: The Law concerning, further considered 177 

Creation of : The error of 1880 considered 178 

Entitled to certificate without service, when 179 

Eligible to office before admission to Grand Lodge 180 

Rights of when not clothed in regalia of rank 181 

Right of to wear regalia before obligation 182 

Rank of conferred only in Grand Lodge 183 

Seniority in Rank. How determined 184 

Per Capita Tax. 

The rules and practice concerning 185 

Property. 

Of defunct Lodges : Reversion of in respect to real estate. ... 186 

Q. 

Questions. 

Practice as to putting in certain cases 187 

R. 

Reinstatement. 
Mode of. Rule concerning 188 

After suspension for non-payment of dues: Amount of pay- 
ment necessary 189 

Renouncing the Order. 

Effect of in respect to benefits and privileges 190 

Resigning Membership. 
Practice of obsolete ........... ■. . 191 

Removal. 

From office. Causes for ........ 192 

Regalia. 

Wearing of in public, prohibited 193 

Rights and privileges of member in respect to wearing 194 

Ritual. 

Custody of, and duty of members to memorize 195 

S. 

Semi-Annual Pass-Word. 
Some considerations concerning 196 

Sitting Past Grand Chancellor. 

The Law in respect to holding over on re-election of Grand 
Chancellor 197 



774 INDEX TO EXPOSITION. 

Sec. 

Sitting Past Chancellor. 

Office and duties of 198 

The Law as to holding over on re-election of Chancellor 

Commander 199 

Holding over. Some contrary opinions , 200 

Eligibility of before obligation 201 

Entitled to honors without service as such, when 202 

Office of may be declared vacant for cause , 203 

As to whether he may be elected to any other office 204 

May resign his office 205 

Summary of the Law in its various phases 206 

Supreme Representative. 

Duties of in respect to obeying instructions of Grand Lodge 207 

Speaking. 

The rule in respect to. Certain rights of officers and mem- 
bers considered 208 

Special Meetings. 

Of Subordinate Lodges. Law concerning 209 

What business may be transacted at 210 

Suspension. 

Statement of Law concerning 211 

For non-payment of dues. Declaration of necessary 212 

Of Pages, and Esquires. Bight of Grand Lodge to provide 

for 213 

Of members, cannot occur while Lodge is indebted to mem- 
ber , 214 

For fines and assessments 215 

Sunday. 

Institution of Lodges, and Lodge work on, illegal 216 

"Work of Lodge on illegal. Decision of the Supreme Chan- 
cellor 217 

Work on illegal. Corroborating decisions 218 

T. 

Taxation. 

As to the right of taxation generally 219 

As to tne limit of the right 220 

The right of the Supreme Lodge to levy a per capita tax 221 

The right of the Grand Lodge to levy a Per Capita Tax 222 

The authority of Subordinate Lodges to tax their members. 223 

The Per Capita Tax so called , 224 

The Per Capita Tax. Upon whom payable 225 

The Per Capita Tax. Manner of payment 226 

The Rank Tax 227 

The Rank Tax. Its expediency or policy 228 



INDEX TO EXPOSITION. 775 

Trials. sec 

Of Grand Lodge officers 229 

Some of the rules of practice in respect to 230 

Right of Lodge to vacate judgment in 231 

Vote necessary to fix punishment in 232 

As to the admissibility of testimony in certain cases 233 

Trustees. 

Are not officers of the Lodge 234 

U. 

Universal Constitution. 

Propositions submitted 235 

Consideration of the proposition 236 

Authority of Supreme Lodge questioned 237 

Eights and powers of Lodges 238 

V. 

Venue. 
Change of. For trial 239 

Voting. 

Construction of Law as to requiring full vote. Effect of re- 
fusal to vote 240 

Practice as to rights of officers in certain cases 241 

Vice Chancellor. 

Duties of in absence of Chancellor Commander at Installa- 
tion 242 

W. 

Withdrawal-Card. 

Nature of decision of Supreme Chancellor Berry considered. 243 

Granted only upon application of member himself 244 

Effect of taking, on standing of members in Grand Lodge. . . 245 

Lodges may charge for 246 

Vote granting, cannot be rescinded 247 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 



A. 

Sec. 

Age. 

Limit of in respect to initiates 1 

Applicants must be of age 2 

Of applicants. Standard of legality 3 

Of applicants, in Endowment Kank 4 

Of candidate. Bar to advancement, when 5 

Misrepresentation in respect to forfeits benefits, when 6 

Assessment. 

By Grand Lodge on its Past Chancellor's, authority denied.. 7 

On Past Chancellors illegal 8 

Grand Lodges cannot levy when 9 

Grand Lodge cannot levy for purpose of creating sick ben- 
efit fund 10 

Bight of Lodge to levy 11 

May be levied by Subordinate Lodge, when 12 

Lodge may levy without consent of membership, when 13 

A Subordinate Lodge has the right to levy, when 14 

Authorityof Subordinate Lodge to levy 15 

To pay expenses of a nurse legal, when 16 

May be added to dues to work suspension 17 

Payment of necessary before card can be granted 18 

Absence no excuse for want of notice and failure to pay 19 

Cannot be levied to pay funeral expenses of brother's wife. . 20 
Cannot be levied for any purpose not connected with the 

Order 21 

By Subordinate Lodges illegal, when 22 

May work forfeiture of benefits, when 23 

In Endowment Bank member not liable for, when 24 

For paying Lodge physician, illegal 25 

Cannot be levied by Subordinate Lodge, when 26 

For relief of widow, illegal when 27 

May work suspension, when 28 

Funeral, non-payment of, works forfeiture of benefits, etc. . 29 

In the nature of compulsory insurance not approved 30 

May be collected of members of Endowment Bank to meet 

current expenses 31 

In Endowment Bank. Due from date of notice 32 

In Endowment Bank. Member liable for during suspension 33 

Notice of by postal card, held good 34 

(776) 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 777 

Assessment— Continued. sec. 

Liability of section for, prior to date of certificate 35 

In Endowment Eank. Member not liable for after with- 
drawal 36 

Paid in advance, returned on withdrawal of member 37 

Special in Endowment Eank, refunded to sections 38 

May be charged as dues to work suspension 39 

In Endowment Eank. Not received from members in ar- 
rears, when 40 

Eeceipt for, is prima facie evidence of payment 41 

Assessment Notice. 

In Endowment Eank. Date of 42 

Assistance. 

Grand Lodges or Officers, not authorized to issue circulars 

for 43 

Eendered to foreign members. Lodges liable for, when 44 

Applicant. 

Must be able to write 45 

Ability to write obligatory. Lodge to judge of extent how- 
ever 46 

To what extent must be able to write 47 

Eejected, may apply to another Lodge, when 48 

Eejected in one Lodge may be received by another in the 

same Jurisdiction, when 49 

Eejected, cannot be accepted by another Lodge, when 50 

Must be of age, when 51 

Eejected, must make application as in first instance 52 

Eejected, must have written consent to make new applica- 

cation 53 

Once rejected, petition cannot be acted on by another 

Lodge, when 54 

Dropping name of does not amount to rejection of 55 

Eestrictions as to nationality 56 

May be denied admission by majority vote, when 57 

May be debarred advancement, when 58 

Objections to advancement may be made 59 

After election may be denied the ranks, when 60 

After election, entitled to ranks unless charges are preferred 61 

May not be permitted to advancement, when 62 

Forfeits fees, when 63 

After election may be refused admission 64 

May be initiated immediately following election 65 

May have ranks conferred on night of election 66 

May be initiated on night of election 67 

For membership, how far religious views disqualify 68 

By card. Over age may be admitted 69 

Agreeing to release Lodge from liability. Effect of 70 



778 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Applicant — Continued. sec. 

For ranks. Must pay increased fee, when 71 

From another state. Initiation of. Who competent to grant 

permission , 72 

Passing limit of age after initation, may receive ranks with- 
out dispensation 73 

Cannot be admitted if blind 74 

Eejection of. Notice to other Lodges 75 

Law requiring petition of to lie over not in conflict with Su- 
preme Law •. . . . 76 

Over age, may be elected, but dispensation necessary to in- 
itiate 77 

Answers of must be unequivocal, when 78 

Must speak the English language 79 

By card. Consent of Lodge nearest residence not necessary . 80 

Over age, in a petition to institute a new Lodge, admitted. 81 

Criminal charge against will bar admission 82 

Election of. A quorum of ballots necessary 83 

Character of cannot be debated in Lodge 84 

Must pay amount of fees as fixed, at time of application 85 

Qualification of, fixed by Supreme Lodge cannot be changed 

by Subordinate Lodge 86 

Bight of Subordinate Lodge to prescribe qualifications for. . 87 

Must be of sound bodily health 88 

Over age, chargeable with additional fee for dispensation . 89 

To organize new Lodge must pay the minimum fee 90 

Cannot be subjected to new ballot for mere delay in taking 

rank 91 

Entitled to new ballot, when 92 

Need not be members of the Order 93 

Cannot be suspended for giving false answer to question. 94 

For admission to Endowment Kank, prohibited if over age. . 95 

In Endowment Kank. Qualified until limit of age is reached. 96 

In Endowment Kank. Physical fitness to be considered 97 

Admitted after former election. Status of 98 

Application. 

For membership, may be received from a person out of dis- 
trict, when 99 

For membership must be in writing 100 

Must accompany Withdrawal- Card. 101 

By card. Notice to Lodge granting not necessary 102 

For membership, with fee inclosed should be presented to 

Master of Finance, when 103 

For the ranks, must lie over before ballot had 104 

Vote not necessary to receive 105 

Of rejected applicant maybe received by another Lodge.. 106 
For new Lodge, must be endorsed by Deputy Supreme Chan- 
cellor 107 

For discharge from division, effect of 108 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 779 

Appeal. Sec. 

To Supreme Lodge, how authenticated 109 

Not in form will be dismissed , 110 

Must be in form Ill 

Dismissed when no accompaying record is filed 112 

Dismissed for want of attestation 113 

May be considered in form without attestation, when 114 

Dismissed when not signed by the proper officer 115 

To be entertained must have consent of Grand Lodge 116 

Must be by consent of Grand Lodge 117 

Duty of Grand Lodge to allow 118 

Must be acted upon by the Grand Lodge 119 

Consent given to, construction of Law 120 

Authority of Grand Lodge to order papers to be sent up 121 

Kecord in shall be printed 122 

Notice. Mailed to accused, good 123 

"Will not be sustained, when 124 

Notice of must be given in time or appeal will be dismissed. 125 

Notice of, must state grounds 126 

Must be perfected in time 127 

Sustained for informality in appointment of trial committee. 128 

Must be taken before penalty is paid 129 

From decision of Grand Chancellor does not lie 130 

From District Deputy taken to Grand Chancellor 131 

From rulings of Chancellor Commander, must first be de- 
cided by the Lodge 132 

From decision of Chancellor Commander. Does not require 

second 133 

From decision of Chancellor Commander to Grand Lodge 

does not lie 134 

From decision of Chancellor Commander or Lodge, in ab- 
sence of Law should be taken, when 135 

From decision of Chancellor Commander, the Chancellor 

Commander cannot vote to sustain his view 136 

From decision of Grand Chancellor question put by G. V. C. 137 
From Grand Chancellor or Chancellor Commander are de- 
batable, when 138 

From decision of Chancellor Commander, is debatable 139 

Stays action of Lodge 140 

From decision of Lodge. Stops proceedings, when 141 

From action of Belief Committee, must be to Lodge 142 

Duty of Lodge when notice of, filed 143 

Duty of Lodge to forward papers in 144 

From D. D. G. C. decision binding until reversed 145 

Will not lie from result of ballot for membership 146 

"When evidence does not show criminal intent will be dis- 
missed • 147 

Sustained for lack of evidence to warrant action of Lodge. . 148 
On matters pertaining to local Jurisdiction will not be sus- 
tained 149, 150, 151 



780 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Appeal — Continued. sec. 
"Will be dismissed when grounds for have been cured by- 
subsequent legislation 152 

Dismissed for defect in form of charges 153 

From Medical Examiner-in-Chief will not lie 154 

Must be bona fide. Will not lie to review decisions of Grand 

Chancellor 155 

Against formation of Grand Lodge. Dismissed when 156 

Sustained where attempt is made to enforce amendment 

which has not been approved 157 

Committee on, decision of final, when 158 

Upon illegal trial, sustained when 159 

Must be prosecuted by real party in interest * . . 160 

In nature of protest, will not be considered, when 161 

Must be forwarded to Supreme Lodge, when 162 

May be referred back to Grand Lodge for hearing 163 

May be taken from a judgment of not guilty 164, 165, 166 

From decision of Chancellor Commander can only be taken 
in Knight's rank * 167 

Ante-Room. 

Shall be cleared, when 168 

Duty of Outer Guard in respect to 169 

Lodge cannot refuse members admission to, when. . .170, 171 

Alternates. 

Not recognized in Supreme Lodge — .... 172 

Appropriation. 

For S. K. of E. and S. How paid.... 173 

Of funds, what vote necessary 174 

Auditors. 

Board of, unconstitutional 175 

Arrears. 

Term, cannot include fines 176 

Term defined 177, 178 

Member cannot be declared in, who has paid to first of 
term 179 

For dues, definition 180 

Precludes right to benefits, when 181 

Meaning of. Construction of Constitution 182 

Will bar right to S. A. P. W., when 183 

Eights of members in, as to good standing 184 

Part payment of, works good standing, when 185 

Payment on account will not bar right to benefits, when 186 

Do not accrue while member is sick 187, 188 

Disqualifies for office, when '. • 189 

Affects good standing, when 190 

Brother in not entitled to vote 191 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 781 

Arrears — Continued. sec. 

Construction of Law. Payment of dues in advance 192 

Do not exclude members from receiving care and attention, 

when 193 

Bar to installation, when 194 

Payment of during indisposition entitles member to benefits, 

when 195 

Payment of to brother is not payment to Lodge 196 

Member is entitled to S. A. P. W., when 197, 

Bight of Grand Lodge to legislate concerning not in conflict 

with Supreme Law 198 

Brother in, can sit in Lodge room, when 199 

Bar to funeral benefits, when 200 

Of Grand Jurisdiction. Amount of to be furnished commit- 

mittee on credentials 201 

In Uniform Kank, deprives member of privilege, when 202 

Adjourn. 
Motion to, not in order, when 203, 204 

Adjourned Meeting. 
Not permitted, when 205 

Admission. 

Of applicant after election. Maybe barred by majority 

vote, when 206 

Of applicant. May be barred by objections 207 

Of applicant for ranks. May be barred by charges, when. . . 208 

Of elected applicant, barred by protest 209 

Into Lodges by Pages and Esquires 210 

Eight of Lodge to refuse, when 211 

Denied to member in arrears, when 212 

Eight of, of members under charges 213 

By card. Signing roster essential 214 

Of member of the Order, must be by card 215 

By card, of applicant over age, dispensation not necessary, 

when 216 

By card on organization of Lodge, fee for determined by 

majority vote 217 

By card, may be without charge, when 218 

By card, in revived Lodge by an old member, must be 

guided by the Law 219 

By card, same ballot necessary as in case of initiation 220 

Of member suspended, must be by card, when 221 

Members should be denied, when 222 

Of members, should not be permitted, when 223 

Of member, prohibited, when , 224 

Of members to ante room, cannot be denied during work in 

ranks 225 

Of visitor, how attained 226 



17 



782 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Admission — Continued. sec. 

Visiting brother entitled to, though without rank pass word, 

when 227 

Of a brother visiting, improper, when 228 

Of new members by Supreme Lodge, rule concerning 229 

Of members under suspension refused although having the 

S. A. P. W 230 

Of visitors to Grand Lodge without Grand Lodge pass, im- 
proper 231 

Of applicant in Endowment Rank over age prohibited, 

when 232 

To Endowment Rank, not barred by objection, when 233 

Of rejected applicant concealing fact of rejection. Status of 234 

Anniversary. 

Date of, fixed and declared 235 

Advancements. 

Of money to foreign members liability of Lodge for 236 

Advancement 

Of Pages and Esquires. Objections to, may prevent, 

when 237, 238 

Of officers, Lodge liable for dispensation fee, when 239 

Of officers by dispensation, election necessary 240 

Attendance. 

On Supreme Lodge session. Members excused, how 241 

Attendants. 

Are not regular officers of the Lodge 242 

Are not fineable as officers 243 

Cannot be included in list of Subordinate Lodge officers. . . 244 
Not eligible to office of Vice Chancellor 245 

Amendments. 

To Constitution, must be approved before becoming opera- 
tive 246 

To By-Laws may be amended 247 

To Constitution. Construction of Law. Parliamentary prac- 
tice 248 

Acroatic Agenda. 

As a key to ritual authorized 249 

Issued as a separate work 250 

Are not Lodge property 251 

Amplified Rank. 
Shall not be used with the book 252 

Annual Statement. 

To be furnished by S. K. of R. and S 253 

Resolution concerning, to be enforced 254 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 783 

Action of Lodge. sec. 

Cannot be annulled by D. D. G. 0., when 255 

Advertising. 

In name of the Order permitted,, and prohibited, when 256 

Absence. 

Does not work forfeiture of office, when 257 

Of executive officer, who qualified to preside 258 

From election, does not render member ineligible 259 

No excuse for failing to pay assessments, when 260 

Penalty for does not attach when no meeting is held 261 

At roll call, effect of 262 

From roll call, is not absence from regular meeting 263 

From roll call, right of Lodge to demand excuse 264: 

From State, does not create vacancy in office, when 265, 26> 

Of Chancellor Commander elect at installation does not in- 
vest Vice Chancellor with additional powers. 266 

Is no bar to election to office, when 268 

Of Officers from station. Eight of to speak 26a 

No bar to election as Grand Officer, when 27ty 

Absentee. 

Not eligible to office, when 271 

Affirm. 

Term cannot be substituted in obligation 272 

Answers. 

Of applicant must be unequivocal 273 

Armor. 

For Lodge work, Chancellor Commander cannot compel of- 
ficer to wear, when. 274 

Appointive Office. 

Service in necessary to confer eligibility to higher office, 

when 275 

Authority of Lodge to regulate by resolution 276 

Auditing Committee. 

Authority of to count money 277 

Trustees may act on, when 278 

Affiliation. 

May, or may not be free of charge, when 279 

Acquittal. 

Judgment of may be appealed from 280 

Annexation. 

Of territory to the Grand Lodge of Washington Territory. . . 281 

Assignment. 

Of Endowment policy cannot be made to Lodge, when 282 



784 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

B. 

Bonds. Sec. 

Of officers. Custody of 283 

Of officers. Failure to give, vacates office 284 

Official. OfS.M.ofE. Construction of the Law concerning. 285 

Ballot. 

For officer. Construction of Constitution 286 

Lodge may authorize its vote to be cast by any member 287 

Lodge may direct member to cast, when 288 

Lodge may direct any member to cast its vote 289 

Cannot be taken anew, when 290 

Cannot be renewed for delay in taking the ranks 291 

Cannot be renewed to allow the outer guard to vote 292 

After declaration of result of, cannot be renewed 293 

Should not be renewed when more than two black balls 

appear 294 

Need not be renewed, when 295 

Cannot be reconsidered, when 296 

May not be reconsidered. But applicant may be denied 

advancement, when . 297 

Reconsideration of against all Law and usage 298 

Cannot be reconsidered but must be renewed, when 299 

Cannot be reconsidered, when 300 

Members should not disclose, when 301 

Cannot be reconsidered 302, 303, 304, 305, 306 

For Third Rank cannot be reconsidered 307 

Rejecting Esquire cannot be reconsidered, when 308 

For membership cannot be reconsidered 309, 310 

May be renewed, when 311 

For initiation need not be renewed, when. Construction of 

Constitution 312 

May be renewed, when 313 

Renewal of in case of mistake in voting 314 

Can be renewed in case of error 315 

Maybe renewed, when 316 

Duty of Lodge to renew, when 317 

For membership shall be secret 318 

For membership must be had on report of committee 319, 320 

For election to the ranks. Must be had while Lodge is open 

in Knight's Rank 321 

For the ranks, when to be had 322 

Cannot be taken while Lodge is open in the Esquire's Rank. 323 
Cannot be had on petition of applicant at special meeting. .. 324 

For membership right of Chancellor Commander to 325 

For membership may be had, when 326 

Must be renewed, when 327 

For membership. Appeal does not lie from result of 328 

For membership void, when 329 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 785 

Ballot — Continued. sec 

For membership ; neither Lodge nor applicant can demand 

explanation of 330 

Cannot be set aside by Grand Chancellor, when 331 

For election of officers may be declared void, when 332 

Balls used must be white and black. Red not legal 333 

Voting by. Eight of Chancellor Commander in respect to . . 334 

Duty of Master at Arms in respect to 335 

Announcement of 336, 340 

Inspection and announcement of 337 

Announcementof by Vice Chancellor wrong 338 

Inspection, and announcement of. Too late to reconsider, 

when 341 

For fraudulent announcement of officer may be charged and 

tried 342 

By balls, how taken 343 

In trials for suspension shall be with balls 344 

For members of reorganized Lodge, when 345 

Is not a vote. Distinction between 346 

Not required on reinstatement after suspension, when 347 

Cannot be interfered with by a motion to postpone the 

matter 348 

Illegal when. Duty of Chancellor Commander to require 

full vote 349 

Illegal when members vote who are disqualified by Law 350 

Legality of where Chancellor Commander leaves his chair 

to vote 351 

Legality of where seven members are present 352 

Cannot be declared illegal, when 353 

May not be declared illegal, when 354 

For the ranks 355 

For every rank required 356 

For the ranks, must be had separately for each. .357, 358, 359, 360 

For each and every rank necessary, when 361 

For the ranks. Cannot be taken, when 362 

Practice of exposing is wrong and improper 363 

Secresy of to be insured. Result of cannot be enquired into 364 

Right to cast black ball cannot be questioned 365 

Cannot be authorized by a dispensation, when 366 

With cubes instead of balls is legal 367 

On depositing card 368 

Duty of members to vote, when . . 369 

A Chancellor Commander may compel member to by order, 

when 370 

Necessary instituting section of Endowment Rank, when. . . 371 
In Endowment Rank essential in taking additional class 372 

Ballot Box. 

Provided with cubes is proper and legal 373, 374 

50 



786 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Board of Trustees. sec. 

Exceeding authority 375 

Benefits. 

Matter for local legislation 376 

Term defined 377 

Member not entitled to when sickness is caused by his own 

misconduct ■ 378 

Cease on granting card 379 

Brother entitled to until notice of default 380 

Payable during sickness at any length of time 381 

Right not barred by charges, when 382 

May be paid to Pages and Esquires 383 

Grand Lodge may prescribe time of payment. 384 

Subordinate Lodges cannot deprive member of for one year 

after taking Third Eank 385 

Probationary period. Minimum amount 386 

Probationary period in respect to not allowed, when 387 

By-Law limiting time of payment illegal , 388 

Probationary period in respect to 389 

Probationary period in respect to unlawful, when 390 

Bight of Lodge to declare probationary period after arrears 

paid... 391 

Probationary period in respect to illegal 392 

Payable after expiration of probationary period 393 

Members entitled after expiration of probationary period. . . 394 
Where no probationary period if fixed members entitled to, 

when 395 

Payable after expiration of probationary period 396 

Bight of members to. Probationary period . . . 397 

Application of the Law as to probationary period 398 

Liabilities of Lodge for during suspension 399 

Bight of brother to after leaving Jurisdiction of Lodge 400 

Bight of brother after reinstatement 401 

Brother not to be deprived of on account of mistake of Mas- 
ter of Finance 402 

Suspending payment of by resolution illegal 403 

A brother convalescent entitled to, when 404 

Brother cannot be deprived for failing to pay dues in ad- 
vance 405 

Members under suspension not entitled to minimum 406 

Lodge may provide for payment of different amounts. . .407, 408 
Member in arrears cannot become entitled to by payment 

of dues ."' 409 

Member holding card not entitled to 410 

Member entitled to without physician's certificate, when — 411 

Cannot be withheld on mere verbal accusations 412 

Payment of may be withheld, when 413 

May be withheld pending appeal 414 

Payment of cannot be refused on mere suspicion 415 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 787 

Benefits — Continued. sec 

May be withheld to offset a previous erroneous payment. 416 
Member's right not barred when less than three months 

in arrears 417 

Member not entitled to when one quarter in arrears 418 

Member not entitled to when over three months in arrears 419 

Member not entitled to while in arrears 420 

Not payable to member in arrears for assessments charged 

during absence 421 

Misappropriation of 422 

Lodge not liable for, when. Actual payment of dues neces- 
sary 423 

Not payable where there is a failure to comply with the 

Law 424 

Payment of arrearages. Construction of By-Laws 425 

Member not entitled to, when. Construction of Law 426 

Amplication of not controlled by Constitution 427 

Brother entitled to on deposit of card 428 

Lodge Liable for notwithstanding needs of brother 429 

Subject of may be regulated by Lodges 430 

Member not entitled to while charges pending 431 

Pages and Esquires not entitled to 432 

Payable to insane brother 433, 434, 435, 436 

Due insane brother, to whom payable 437 

Payable though By-Laws do not provide for it 438 

Lodge may deduct dues before payment 439 

Are offset, by operation of Law in payment of dues 440 

May offset claim for dues and prevent suspension 441 

Payable though dues have not been actually paid during 

sickness 442 

Non-payment of dues does not forfeit, when 443 

Member entitled to from date of sickness 444 

Motion to allow necessary , 445 

Member entitled to, when. Distinction between "indisposi- 
tion" and "sickness." '. 446 

By-Laws must fix a stated amount 447 

Cannot be regulated for a definite time by amendment to 

By-Laws , 448 

Brother entitled from the time he is reported 449 

Not payable where fraud was practiced in gaining admis- 
sion 450 

Brother entitled to, when he has exercised diligence in re- 
porting himself 451 

Payable to a member beyond the jurisdiction of the Belief 

Committee 452 

Paid voluntarily to a member not entitled to cannot be re- 
covered back 453 

Bight of Lodge to demand proof of sickness before paying. .. 454 
Lodge not liable for, when brother renounces the Order 455 



788 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Benefits — Continued. sec. 

Keduction of pursuant to amendment to By-Laws, legal 456 

May be reduced during sickness of member 457 

Amount of may be regulated by the Lodge at any time 458 

To be entitled to under shield, member must have S. A. P. W. 459 

Allowed as matter of right, not of charity 460 

Fraction of days not recognized, when 461 

Payable for fractional parts of weeks 462 

Allowed without reference to Finance Committee 463 

How liability of Lodge for, determined in case of doubt 464 

Payable when member is partially disabled 465 

Member not entitled to if able to follow regular business. 466, 467 
Member entitled to though able to superintend his busineso. 468 

Liability of Lodge for, to member injured, when 469 

Lodge liable for when paid to its members by another Lodge 470 
Ledge not liable for money advanced to aid a brother, when 471 

May be forfeited by non-payment of assessments 472 

Funeral. Compulsory assessments in payment of not ap- 
proved 473 

Blanks. 

To be furnished by Supreme Lodge 474 

Blank Forms. 

Those submitted by the S. K. of K. and S.. declared official. . 475 

Banner. 

Adoption of 476 

May be used on displays 477 

Lodge has no right to design or use, when 478 

Black Ball 

Disclosing name of brother casting. Question concerning. 479 

Members reasons for casting cannot be called for 480, 481, 482 

Dropping name from list of applicants does not have effect 

to 483 

Number necessary to reject without new ballot 484 

Subordinate Lodges may fix number necessary to reject, 

when 485 

Biennial Sessions. 

Grand Lodges have no right to hold 486 

Badge. 

Design for Past Chancellors and Knights 487 

Description of design not found 488 

For founder. Order concerning presentation of 489 

For funerals. Description of 490 

Board of Control. 

For Endowment Kank . . 491 

For Ontario 492 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 789 

Banquets. sec. 

Invitations to declined 493 

By-Laws. 

Amendments to, may be amended, when 494 

Denying benefits valid, when 495 

Cannot have a retroactive effect 496 

Right of committee on Law to change 497 

Construction of Law as to amendments 498 

Amendment will effect change of meeting night without dis- 
pensation 499 

Void if in conflict with General Law 500 

Amendments to go into effect after approval 501 

Cannot be amended for definite time 502 

Subordinate Lodge has no right to charge for 503 

In conflict with Constitution, void although approved by 
Grand Lodge 504 

Business. 

Of Subordinate Lodge must be conducted in Third Hank.. . . 505 

Bills and Accounts. 

Reference of to Finance committee does not include claim 
for Benefits 506 

Blindness. 

Effect of an agreement to indemnify Lodge in case of 507 

Disqualifies applicant for membership 508 

Beneficiary. 

May be a friend. Construction of Law 509 

Cannot be deprived of Endowment Fund by will 510 

Change of for "natural love and affection." Terms defined. 511 
Change of during life of member 512 

Baldric. 
Use of abolished 513 

C. 

Conclave. 

Of the Order of S. P. K. not recognized 514 

Approving action of Supreme Chancellor in respect to 515 

Committee of Conference on 516 

To be under control of Supreme Lodge for one year 517 

Committees. 

Of Supreme Lodge. Shall be notified of appointment and 
duties 518 

Auditing. Authority of to count money 519 

Of Investigation. Chancellor Commander eligible to ap- 
pointment on 520 

Of Investigation, on petition of applicant. Duties of cease 
on making report 521 



790 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Committees— Continued. sec. 

Of Investigation. What members exempt from 522 

On Appeals. Cannot legally act during vacancies 523 

On Appeals. Province of; no authority to re-try case or hear 

new evidence 524 

On Appeals. Decision of final, when 525 

On Credentials and Eeturns. To be furnished with infor- 
mation as to arrears of Grand Lodges 526 

Special, of Supreme Lodge. Payment of expenses of 527 

Of Subordinate Lodges. Have no authority to pass upon 

conduct of Supreme Lodge or its officers 528 

On Endowment Kank. Shall be composed of members of 

that rank .529 

On Distribution of Grand Officers reports. May recommend 

action 530 

On Law. Authority of to change By-Laws .'.. 531 

Of Supreme Lodge. Who eligible on 532 

Should not report on matters not properly before them 533 

Liable to fine for failing to report, but are entitled to hearing. 534 

Subject to fine for failing to report 535 

Beports of may be made by chairman 536 

Appointment of after close of Lodge illegal 537 

Colored Lodges. 

Supreme Chancellor authorized to make public declaration 

concerning 538 

Petition for tabled 539 

Keaffirming former decision concerning 540 

Constitution. 

Of Grand Lodges to be deposited with S. K. of B. and S 541 

Of Grand Lodges amendments to must be approved 542 

Bepeal of Old 543 

Bight of Grand Lodge to supercede by resolution 544 

Obligatory portions 545 

Constitutional Law. 

Motion conflicting therewith is out of order 546 

Bight of Grand Lodge to supercede Constitution by resolu- 
tion 547 

Casting ballot for election of officers 548 

A By-Law in conflict with, void 549 

Bight of Subordinate Lodge to levy assessments 550 

Power of Supreme Lodge to authorize members to travel. . . 551 
Amendments proposed may be amended, when. .............. 552 

Supreme Lodge Constitution paramount 553 

Construction of Constitution. 

On creation of Past Grand Chancellors 554 

Meaning of term "full vote" 555 

Terms of Grand Lodges. Effect of change in time of meeting. 556 
Clause in respect to appropriation of funds construed 557 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 791 

Construction of Laws. sec. 

Ke-election of Grand Chancellor, effect of 558 

Defining force of obligatory Laws 559 

Eight of Grand Lodge to legislate, concerning arrears, etc . 560 

As to payment of officers and representatives 561, 562 

Meaning of term "Clear of the books." 563 

Vacancy in committee, disqualifies committee from acting. 564 
As to decision of Medical-Examiner- in-Chief 565 

Charter. 

For Subordinate Lodges ; by whom signed 566 

Must be present in Lodge room 567 

Work illegal without 568 

Of Subordinate Lodge, surrendered; disposition of 569 

Optional with Lodge to exhibit on demand of visiting 

brother 570 

Of Subordinate Lodge forfeiture of; local legislation 571 

Destruction of; warrant may issue in lieu thereof 572 

Of Subordinate Lodge cannot be surrendered, when 573 

Granted in lieu of old one lost; what names shall appear on 574 

Cannot be altered except by Grand Lodge 575 

Erasing names from, illegal 576 

Charter Members. 

Hank tax chargeable for 577 

Must be balloted for, when 578 

Person cannot be excepted as, when 579 

Designation of 580 

Charter Plates. 

For printing charters, procurred by Supreme Lodge 581 

Charter Books. 

Term of unknown to the Law 582 

Cannot be opened by dispensation 583 

Chancellor Commander. 

Entitled to rank of Past Chancellor, when 584, 585, 586, 587 

On re-election of, chair of Past Chancellor, how filled 588 

Not entitled to honors, upon resignation §89 

Eligible to office of Grand ^Representative, when 590, 591 

Elected to serve unexpired term, entitled to Past Chancel- 
lors' Certificate 592 

Entitled to rank of Past Chancellor without service as such, 

when 593 

Entitled to rank, for service when no vacancy has been de- 
clared 594, 595 

Entitled to rank, when Lodge surrenders charter on last 

night of term 596 

Entitled to rank, without installation, when 597 

On re-election is entitled to honor after installation 598 



792 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Chancellor Commander — Continued. sec. 

Taking card at end of term, entitled to rank 599 

Not entitled to rank, when 600 

Decisions of, final, when 601 

Is guilty of official misconduct, when 602 

May compel members to vote, when 603 

Must open and close Lodge in form 604 

Is the only one authorized to communicate S. A. P. W 605 

May communicate S. A. P. W. outside Lodge room, when. . . . 606 

Cannot authorize member o communicate S. A. P . W 607 

May not instruct visitor in Pass Word, when 608 

Can communicate S. A. P. W. on order 609 

Cannot appoint committee on charges, when 610 

Eight of in respect to ballot 611 

Eight of ballot on petition of candidate 612 

Eights of in respect to voting 613, 614, 615 

May leave chair to vote 616 

Cannot hold office of M. of E 617 

Eetiring. No form of installation 618 

To engage in debate, must vacate chair 619 

Authority of, to close Lodge. When closed cannot be re- 
opened 620 

Holds over until successor is installed 621 

Has no authority to change any of the ritual work 622 

During absence of, Vice Chancellor must preside 623 

Chair of, must be filled by an officer of the Lodge 624 

Is not obliged to call Vice Chancellor to the chair, on a tem- 
porary vacation of it 625 

May be elected while under charges 626 

Lodge cannot elect Vice Chancellor to office of, when 627 

Member acting pro tern., authority of 628 

Pro tempore, has authority to sign orders 629 

Knight eligible to office of, when 630, 631 

May be elected to fill vacancy, without notice to members, 

when 632 

Has no right to vote on an appeal from his decision 633 

Elect, absence of at installation, effect of 634 

Elect, refusal of to be installed; duty of D. D. G. C 635 

Eight of Lodge to re-elect 636 

Has no power to install an officer 637 

May prevent members leaving Lodge room, when 638 

Duty of in respect to members entering and retiring 639 

Constitutionally eligible to re-election 640 

Is entitled to courtesy of members, when 641 

Should refuse admission to brother under suspension, 

when 642 

fias no authority to declare conditional suspension, when. 643 
Has no authority to appoint Grand Eepresentatives 644 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 793 

Chancellor Commander — Continued. sec. 
Has no authority to give instruction to members in the En- 
dowment Kank 645 

Should alone, announce the ballot, when 646 

May refuse admission to any one unless in possession of 

the S. A. P. W 647 

May resign during term 648, 649 

Duty of concerning Eituals 650 

Who eligible to office of 651 

Any Knight eligible to, when 652 

Illegally elected not the proper to fill chair of 653 

Cap. 

Shall not be worn, when 654 

Certificate. 

Of Past Chancellor and Knight, adopted 655 

Of Knight. Design adopted 656 

Of Past Grand Chancellor. Bight of Grand Lodge to annul. 657 

Of Medical Examiner. Form of 658 

Of good standing. Held to be unofficial 659 

Of Past Bank. Essential, when 660 

Of Past Bank. Essential on deposit of card 661 

Of physician. Not essential to entitle member to benefits. . . 662 

Of membership. Issued in lieu of withdrawal-card, when 663 

Of endowment. May issue before O. B. N. is taken, when. . . 664 

For Supreme Bepresentative. Adoption of 665 

Of endowment. May be made to a friend 666 

Certificate of Membership. 

Ad option of 667 

Description of 668 

Charges. 

Must be preferred to effect vacancy in office, when 669 

Against applicant for Banks, preferred when 670 

Cannot be preferred, when 671 

Against Chancellor Commander, must vacate chair 672 

May be preferred against Page and Esquire 673 

Against Grand Lodge officer, where made 674 

Against an officer, effect of 675 

When preferred against Chancellor Commander and Vice 

Chancellor, who shall preside 676 

May be preferred against member holding card 677 

Against an officer elect, will defer installation 678 

Against a member to whom card is issued, brought where ... 679 

May be preferred for fraudulent announcement of ballot 680 

Against ajuember of foreign Jurisdiction, how tried 681 

Against Supreme Lodge officer by committee of Subordinate 

Lodge will not be entertained, when 682 



794 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Charges — Continued. sec 

When preferred against Grand Chancellor, how investigated 683 

Against Grand Officers, form for trial of 684 

May be dismissed without punishment after finding of guilty 685 

May be preferred by member charged, when 686 

No bar to admission of a member otherwise qualified, when. 687 
Must be preferred in order to subject a member to penalty 

for contempt 688 

Specifications must state facts , . 689 

Eight of brother to sit in Lodge during pendency of 690 

Against a brother, must be in his own Lodge 691, 692 

Trial of in absence of accused may be had, when 693 

May be withdrawn with consent of Lodge 694 

Subordinate Lodge may be instructed to prefer, when 695 

Against an officer, effects suspension from office, when 696 

Pending against an officer, precludes official acts, when 697 

Eights of brothers, pending 698, 699 

Against member holding card, preferred where 700 

Preferred against a visitor, when 701 

Preferred against a member. Grand Lodge may be required 

to give them a hearing 702 

May be preferred at a semi-annual session 703 

Must state an offense, or they will not be sustained 704 

Of a criminal nature will not lie, when 705 

Cannot be preferred against a member suspended, when 706 

Committee on, cannot be appointed by the Chancellor Com- 
mander or Vice Chancellor, when 707, 708 

Against Pages 709 

Member under cannot be suspended, when 710 

Cannot be preferred second time for same offense 711 

Colorado. 
Jurisdiction of extended 712 

Consolidation. 

Of Subordinate Lodges, subject for local legislation 713 

Of Lodges under control of Supreme Lodge authorized 714 

Of Subordinate Lodges, no authority for, when 715 

Of offices, of K. of E. and S., and M. of F., permitted, when. 716 

Of offices, Grand Chancellor has no authority to permit 717 

Of Lodges. Eight of suspended members, after 718 

Of sections of Endowment Eank. No Law for 719 

Circulars. 

Grand Lodges and Grand officers may not issue, when 720 

Province of Supreme Chancellor to issue when 721 

Illegal for Lodge to issue or act upon for purposes not con- 
nected with the Order ." 722 

Soliciting relief, prohibited 723 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 795 

Clearance Card. sec. 

Used in Endowment Bank 724= 

Member holding will be suspended after six months 725 

Member must present when j oining new section 726 

In Endowment Bank,issued only to members changing their 

residence 727 

After expiration of, member holding, not entitled to rein- 
statement. 728 

Member not entitled to, when 729 

Sections may charge for 730 

Clearance Certificate. 
Grand Lodge has no authority to issue 731 

Contestant. 

Not entitled to mileage and per diem, when 732 

Curative Legislation. 

Legalizing the conferring of the ranks on minor 733 

Act of Grand Lodge assuming extra territorial Jurisdiction 
legalized 734 

Colleges. 
For the gratuitous education of Knights' sons. Local legis- 
lation 735 

Chart. 
Of membership, adoption of 736 

Crime. 

Member guilty of may be disciplined 737 

Criminal Offense. 
Will bar admission of applicant, when 738 

Criminal Intent. 
When evidence does not show, case will be reversed 739 

Credential. 
Of Past Bank. Shall accompany Withdrawal- Card when af- 
filiating 740 

Of P. G. C, contents of 741 

Complaint. 

To Supreme Lodge, right of Subordinate Lodge to enter 742 

Celebrations. 

Supreme Lodge peremptorily declines invitations to 743 

Commission. 

Of Deputy Supreme Chancellor, form of 744 



796 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Candidate. sec. 

Not required to submit to an examination 745 

Eef using to comply with Kitual, proceedings stayed 746 

Not to be held accountable for offense against other secret 

Orders, when 747 

May be initiated on night of election 748 

May be refused admission after election, when 749 

Advancement of, may be prohibited by D. D. G. C, when. . . 750 
May be denied the ranks after election, when 751 

Costume. 

For Lodge work. Chancellor Commander cannot require 
members to wear,when 752 

Contempt. 

Member guilty of, when 753 

Brother may be suspended for, when 754 

Members may be found guilty of, for failing to appear for 

sentence 755 

Brother, guilty of, cannot be suspended on motion 756 

Member, failing to answer summons, guilty of 757 

Closing Lodge. 

Motion to proceed to close not in order, when 758 

Lodge cannot fix time for 759 

Power of the Chancellor Commander in respect to 760, 761 

Change of Venue. 
Application for. Law construed 762 

Clear on the Books. 
Construction of term 763 

Courtesy. 

Should be observed on entering or retiring from Lodge 764 

To presiding officer, members should observe, when 765 

To charge for conferring rank for sister Lodge would be 
violation of 766 

Claim. 

Of member against his Lodge should not be sued 767 

Will stand in lieu of dues, fines and assessments 768 

Against Lodge, will offset dues and prevent suspension 769 

Communications. 

To the District Deputy Grand Chancellor, when official 770 

Citizen. 

Meaning of, in respect to qualification for membership 771 

Council. 

Uniform of, cannot be worn in public 772 

Counsel. 

May charge fee for prosecuting case 773 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 797 

D. 

Deputy Grand Chancellor. sec 

Authority of 774 

For German Lodges, entitled to rank of Past Grand Chan- 
cellor, when 775 

Cannot accept rejected, material, when 776 

If accepted innocently censurable 777 

Duty of to enquire 778 

Cannot initiate charter members, when protest filed 779 

District Deputy Grand Chancellor. 

Has no inherent power." 780 

Not an officer of the Grand Lodge 781 

Suspension of vacates office 782 

Duty of in respect to installation 783 

Authority of to annul dispensation 784 

Should not appear to prosecute or defend in a trial before 

the Lodge 785 

Should not be permitted to serve, when 786 

Authority of to prevent the advancement of candidates 787 

Has no authority to command the chair of the Chancellor 

Commander, when 788 

Has no authority to communicate the Semi-Annual Pass 

"Word, when — 789 

Orders of to be obeyed 790 

Eligibility to office in Subordinate Lodge 791 

Has no authority to suspeud a Lodge , . 792 

Has no authority to annul the action of the Lodge 793 

Has no authority to suspend an officer of Subordinate Lodge . 794 

Must be a Past Chancellor 795 

May be a Past Chancellor who has not taken the Grand 

Lodge rank 796 

Eligible before taking Grand Lodge rank 797 

May delegate his authority, when 798 

May authorize Knight to install officers, when 799 

May deputize a Past Chancellor to install officers, when 800 

Extent of power to delegate authority 801 

Cannot delegate authority, when 802 

Commission of expires, when 803 

Expiration of term of 804 

Must see, that the work is properly done 805 

Cannot grant dispensation, when 806 

Authority of in certain cases to issue dispensation 807 

Extent of authority of to grant dispensation 808 

Cannot grant dispensation to confer the three ranks in one 

night, when 809 

Decision of binding, pending an appeal 810 

Official decision of overrules Chancellor Commander, when. 811 

Cannot render decision affecting action of Lodge 812 

May refuse to install officers, when 813 

May order new election, when 814 



798 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Deputy Supreme Chagcellor. sec. 

Form of commission of 815 

May delegate his authority, when „ . . . . 816 

Degrees. 

May be conferred at sight 817 

Conferred at sight by our present Supreme Chancellor. ..'.., 818 

Degree of Euth 819 

Conferred on minors legalized 820 

Dedication. 

Public ceremonial for adopted .- 821 

Ceremonies to be reprinted 822 

Delegating Authority. 
Power of Supreme Lodge to 823 

Dispensation. 

Authority of Supreme Lodge to grant 824 

Supreme Lodge has no authority to issue, when 825 

A Deputy Grand Chancellor has no authority to issue, when 826 
A Grand Chancellor may authorize a District Deputy to 

issue, when 827 

Grand Chancellor cannot issue, when 828 

Cannot be granted, when 829 

Grand Chancellor cannot issue to authorize a new ballot 830 

May not be granted by D. D. G. C, to confer the rank, when 831 

To initiate a minor cannot be granted 832 

Necessary to confer the ranks, when 833 

Cannot issue to confer the three ranks 834 

To institute new Lodge, will include applicant over age 835 

Necessary to reinstate member who becomes maimed dur- 
ing suspension 836 

To prevent discussion in Lodge no authority for 837 

Not necessary to change night of meeting, when 838 

Fee for must accompany application. To be returned, 

when 839 

Authority of D. D. G. C. to annul 840 

Necessary to have excursion in name of the Order 841 

Cannot issue to create a Past Chancellor, when 842 

Necessary for applicant over age 843 

To admit applicant over 844 

Necessary before ballot on candidate over age 845 

Applicant over age chargeable with fee for 846 

Not necessary to confer the second and third rank on appli- 
cant over age when 847 

To confer ranks cannot be granted by the Lodge 848 

Cannot be granted to change time of election 849 

To advance officers does not annul election Laws 850 

Cannot issue to reinstate member free of charge 851 

Cannot be granted to wear regalia, when 852 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 799 

Dispensation — Continued. sec. 

To confer ranks for the minimum fee. Effect of on graded 

system of fees 853 

To authorize parade of division not required, when 854 

Cannot be granted to institute division 855 

Digest. 

Of Supreme Lodge. Authority to prepare. 856 

Submission of. Authority to print 857 

Eecognized as official 858 

Official to be furnished standing committee 859 

Bevision authorized 860 

Repealing of sections of 861 

Donations. 

Authority of Lodges to make recognized 862 

Lodges may relieve destitute Lodges in their own Jurisdic- 
tion by 863 

Of fees illegal : . . . . 864 

Of initiation fee to applicant, not permitted 865 

Of fees by way of soliciting members illegal, when 866 

Of funds of Subordinate Lodges illegal, when 867 

Of Lodge funds for securing applicant prohibited 868 

Of dues. May be made, when 869 

Duties of Officers. 
Grand Lodge may legislate concerning, when 870 

Decision. 

Of committee on appeals. Final, when 871 

Of a Grand Chancellor^on his deputies. Must be in writing, 
when 872 

Division. 

Of Uniform Rank. Visiting must wear jewel 873 

May draft By-Laws and provide revenue, when 874 

Application to organize does not require consent of other 

divisions, when 875 

Organization of illegal without the uniform 876 

Disposition of properties in case of disorganization 877 

Cannot be instituted without uniforms 878 

May impose, and collect fines as dues, when 879 

Objections to illegal meeting of must be made when 880 

Withdrawal- Card from Lodge severs membership, when 881 

May parade without dispensation from Grand Chancellor. . . 882 

Officer in must be a member thereof 883 

Institution of cannot be authorized with less than required 

number 884 



800 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Discharge. sec. 

From Uniform Rank. How procured, effect of 885 

Documents. 

Relative to Endowment rank. Requiring legislation for- 
warded, when 886 

Reading of may be demanded, when 887 

Defunct Lodges. 

Members of. Entitled to certificate in lieu of card, when. . . 888 
Of Louisania. Archives of surrendered, members entitled to 

Withdrawal- Card, when 889 

Revival of status of old members 890 

Members of under control of Grand Lodge 891 

Reorganized. Shall issue card to old members, when. ...... 892 

Rights of members of after reorganization 893 

Members of retain membership on reinstatement 894 

Property of cannot be sold by members 895 

Reversion of property to the Grand Lodge 896 

Declaration of Principles. 
Draft and adoption of , 897 

Display of Emblems. 

Unlawful, when 898 

Drill. 

Manual of adopted 899 

Discussion. 

Dispensation to permit, no authority for 900 

Declination. 

Effect of on ballot for election of officers 901 

Debate. 

Chancellor Commander to engage in not obliged to call Vice 

Chancellor to the chair 902 

C. C. to engage in must leave the chair 903, 904 

Discipline. 

Members holding card subject to -905 

Delinquent. 

Chargeable with per capita tax, when 906 

Delinquency. 

For dues does not occur until closing of Lodge on last night 
of term 907 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 801 

DlieS. Sec. 

Duty of Subordinate Lodge to collect, and Grand Lodge to 

enforce '. 908 

Paid on reinstatement. To be returned, when 909 

Amount a Lodge may demand on reinstatement 910 

Paid in advance are not returned in case of supension for 

cause 911 

Lodge cannot remit 912 

Over payment of to be returned, when 913 

Exemption from not permitted, when 914 

Regulations of a local matter 915 

Right of Lodge to regulate 916 

Lodge may regulate amount and payment of 917 

Lodge may regulate concerning payment of 918 

Non-payment will not work suspension while member is 

under charges 919 

May be collected of members of Endowment Rank to meet 

current expenses 920 

When a member is said to be in arrears for non-payment of. 921 

A member delinquent for, when 922 

Cease on granting Withdrawal-Card 923 

Not charged to members holding cards 924 

Paid on application for reinstatement returned in case of re- 
jection or death 925 

Amount of payment' necessary on reinstatement 926 

Chargeable to members sick 927 

May be paid out of benefits to keep members in good stand- 
ing 928 

May be off-set by benefits and prevent suspension 929 

May be deducted from benefits, when 930 

May be paid until suspension is declared 931 

Brother not delinquent for until closing of Lodge on last 

night of term 932 

Donation of illegal, when 933 

Lodge may donate, when 934 

Chargeable to reinstated members, when 935 

Chargeable to members by card from date of election 936 

Cannot be charged to applicant for card, when 937 

May be collected in advance 938 

Non-payment of in advance cannot work forfeiture of 

rights 939 

Lodges may collect dues in advance 940 

Payable in advance, but non-payment does not bar right of 

S. A. P. W., when ; ... 941 

Payment in advance not required to entitle member to S. A. 

P. W , 942 

Forfeiture of when paid in advance 943 

Not chargeable to members suspended, when 944, 945 

Not chargeable during suspension, when 946 

51 



802 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Dues — Continued. sec. 

Not chargeable to members suspended for non-payment 

of dues 947 

Not chargeable to member suspended for cause 948, 949 

Payable from date of suspension when proceeedings are set 

aside by Supreme Lodge 950 

Chargeable to Pages and Esquires 951 

Pages and Esquires should not be liable for 952 

Chargeable to Knights only 955 

Chargeable to Pages and Esquires, when 954 

Not chargeable to Pages and Esquires 955 

Payment of to a member is not a payment to the Lodge 956 

Master of Finance the only member authorized to receive. . 957 
Duty of Master of Finance to credit member with when 

received 958 

Of division of Uniform Eank with reports must be furnished, 

when 95$ 

E. 

Expulsion. 

From the Order. Not allowed 960 

Not sanctioned by Law : 961 

Esquires. 

Should not be charged dues 962 

May be admitted to Lodge, when 963 

Cannot be deprived of the right to remain in the Lodge 

room 964 

Entitled to Withdrawal- Card, when , 965 

Payment of per capita tax on. Local legislation. . . 966, 967 

Eejection of. May renew application, when 968 

Charges against will not lie for refusing to take Knight's 

rank : : : . . 969 

Subject to charges 970 

Eight of, when failing to apply for ranks. Forfeiture of 

fees 971 

Does not forfeit fee for Third Eank, when 972 

Deposit of Withdrawal- Card by. Fee required 973 

Name may be dropped from rolls, when 974 

May be suspended, when 975 

Advancement of barred by objection, when 976 

Advancement of may be prevented 977 

Election. 

Of officers, nomination for, Construction of Law 978 

Of officers, of Subordinate Lodge, any member may cast 

the ballot, when 979 

Of P. G. C, power of Grand Lodge denied, when 980 

D. D. G. C. may order, when objection is made at installa- 
tion 981 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 803 

Election — Continued. sec. 
Of Grand Bepresentatives. Void when candidate not a mem- 
ber 982 

Of Grand Lodge officers. Previous nomination not neces- 
sary, when 983 

Of Grand officers. Absentee not eligble 984 

To office, absence no bar to 985, 986, 987 

A brother is eligible to though absent 988 

Of officers ; members eligible though absent. . 989 

Of officers ; not restricted to those present 990 

Of officer ; Lodge may direct any member to cast ballot in, 

when 991 

Of officers, Yoid when not held according to Law 992 

Of officers, May be declared void, when 993, 994 

Of officers, Illegal ballots may be thrown out 995 

Of officers, eligibility of members to more than one office. . . 996 

Of officers, To fill vacancy valid, when 997 

Of officers, A nomination is not essential, when 998 

Of officers, Nomination not restricted 999 

Of officers, The term " Excluding Blanks" construed 1000 

Of officers, Not vitiated by illegal votes, when 1001 

Of officers, Majority of votes cast necessary to 1002 

Of officers, Illegal, when 1003 

Of officers, Action of a Chancellor Commander declaring 

election illegal reversed 1004 

Of officers, Effect of declination 1005 

Of Chancellor Commander: May be held without notice, 

when 1006 

Of officers, Lodges not restricted, when: Officers not rota- 
tive 1007 

Of officers, Time cannot be changed by dispensation 1008 

Of officers, May be held after regular night, when 1009 

Of officers, Cannot be had at special meeting 1010, 1011 

Of officers, Must be by ballot 1012 

Of officers, Shall be by ballot : Lodge may instruct, when . 1013 

Of officers, By acclamation not authorized 1014 

Of officers, When illegal should be so declared 1015 

Of officers, Casting blanks, legality of vote 1016 

Of officers ; in the Endowment Bank : Time of 1017 

Of officers in Division shall be held annually: No restric- 
tion as to re-election 1018 

To receive the ranks may be annulled, when 1019 

Of applicant, a quorum of ballots necessary 1020 

To membership, Two-third vote legality of 1021 

To membership, Initiation of may follow immediately 1022 

Expenses. 

Of Supreme Chancellor : Organizing Lodges 1023 

Of S. K. of E. and S. How paid 1024 

Of special committees. Payment of 1025 

*' officers and representatives 1026 



804 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Expense Fund. sec 

Of Endowment Bank : Division of pro rata shall be made, 
when . . 1027 

Emeritus Rank. 

Of Past Chancellor and P. G. C. Authority of Supreme and 
Grand Lodges to confer, declared 1028 

Emblems. 

Displays of, reprehended 1029 

Opinion as to national significance of 1030 

For officer. A Lodge has no right to adopt 1031 

Examination. 

Of candidates in open Lodge 1032 

Electioneering. 

For office in Supreme Lodge prohibited 1033 

Expenditures. 

Of funds of Supreme Lodge to establish new Lodges denied. 1034 
Of funds of Supreme Lodge, Laws must be complied with. . .1035 

Extension of Order. 

Into South Carolina at expense of Supreme Lodge refused. .1036 
Into foreign countries. Instruction to Supreme Chancellor. 1037 

Endowment 

Bank of. Committee to report plan 1038 

Endowment act of New York illegal 1039 

Fund cannot be devised by will 1040 

Endowment Rank. 

Adopted 1041 

Qualifications for membership in 1042 

Not a higher rank 1043 

Applicant qualified until limit of age is actually reached 1044 

Admission of applicant over age prohibited 1045 

Age of applicant, date to reckon from 1046 

Certificate may issue where applicant dies before taking O. 

B.N 1047 

Policy in cannot be devised by will 1048 

Member cannot transfer his endowment, when 1049 

Assessments in should not be received from member in ar- 
rears, when 1050 

Date of assessment notice 1051 

Assessments when due 1052 

Notice of assessments by postal card. Member cannot plead 

non-reception 1053 

Member cannot take additional class, when 1054 

Consolidation of section 1055 

Documents requiring legislation from, forwarded how and 
when 1056 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 805 

Endowment Rank— Continued. sec 

Effect of decision of the Supreme Chancellor 1057 

Monthly returns discontinued 1058 

Certificate of Medical Examiner; form of adopted 1059 

Honorary membership prohibited when 1060 

Third class ; restriction in respect to qualification 1061 

What members eligible to the third class 1062 

Keinstatement of suspended member before joining another 

class 1063 

Membership is preserved by member on card, when 1064 

Physical fitness of applioant in, to be considered 1065 

Admission to, cannot be barred by mere objection, when 1066 

Certificate to be issued to applicants of third class hereto- 
fore refused under decision of Supreme Chancellor 1067 

Board of control for Ontario 1068 

Section cannot be organized with less members than twelve. 1069 

Authority of Grand Lodge to punish members of 1070 

Sick members, good standing in. Lodge not bound to pro- 
vide for 1071 

Decision of Medical Examinef-in Chief final 1072 

Bules for Medical Examiner 1073 

Medical Examiner-in-Chief. Must be member of Endow- 
ment Bank 1074 

Medical Examiner 1075 

Eligibility of Examiner to office in 1076 

Meeting of section not essential, when 1077 

Eejected applicant 1078 

Duty of Master of Finance in respect to 1079 

Committee on. How composed 1080 

Expenses of committee on. How paid 1081 

Death of member before delivery of certificate, entitled to 

benefits 1082 

Third class. Laws do not effect Laws of any Grand Juris- 
diction .1083 

Membership in two sections prohibited 1084 

Cards used in 1085 

Clearance Card issued, when 1086 

Members joining new sections must have clearance cards. . .1087 

Instructing candidate in 1088 

Authority of President to instruct members of another sec- 
tion 1089 

President cannot communicate Semi- Annual Pass- Word 1090 

Installation of officers of 1091 

Certain special assessment refunded to the section 1092 

Advance assessment is refunded to members withdrawing, 

when 1093 

Secretary has no right to refuse payment of assessment, 

when 1094 

Members liable for dues and assessments when 1095, 1097 



806 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Endowment Rank — Continued. sec. 

Members not liable for assessments after withdrawal 1096 

Suspended member not liable for assessments, when 1098 

Members liable for assessments during suspension 1099 

Liabillity of Section for assessment after death 1100 

Liability of Section for assessment made prior to date of 

certificate 1101 

Validity of extra assessments for expenses of Section estab- 
lished 1102 

Expense fund : Pro rata division of 1103 

Indemnity fund: Amount of * 1104 

Proof of death 1105 

Good standing in . , 1106 

Admission fee : Amount of 1107 

Suspension from Lodge : Legal notice to Section 1108 

Members of, suspended, when 1109 

Suspension of Lodge, effect of ".'.*•' 1110 

Suspension no declaration of necessary 1111 

Suspended member not admitted to Section 1112 

Suspension ; Clearance Card ; reinstatement 1113 

Suspended member of second class may enter first class, 

when 1114 

Death of suspended member pending his appeal: Status of. .1115 

Member of suspended Section: Eeinstatement of 1116 

Members holding clearance card suspended, when 1117 

Eeinstatement in, mode of 1118, 1119 

Suspended Section may be reinstated, how . . '. 1120 

English Language. 

Documents to be written or printed in 1121 

Eight of member to use in any Lodge 1122 

Notice of appeal in, Lodges bound to answer or suffer default. 1123 

Must be used in communications requiring action 1124 

Attorney speaking, may defend accused in trial before a Ger- 
man Lodge 1125 

Eligibility. 

To office in Subordinate Lodge , 1126 

To office of Vice Chancellor 1127 

Law in respect to, local 1128 

Of Vice Chancellor to office of Chancellor Commander 1129 

Of Chancellor Commander to re-election . 1130 

Of applicant to membership must be in sound bodily health. 1131 

To office, not restricted to those present. 1132 

Of Vice Chancellor to office of Chancellor Commander 1133 

To office, construction of Law: Service in office: Member- 
ship 1134 

To office of Vice Chancellor and Chancellor Commander: 

Promotion with honors of former office retained 1135 

Of Attendants to promotion . . : 1136 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 807 

Entering Lodge. sec. 

Courtesy should be observed, when 1137 

Members prohibited, when 1138 

Usual ceremony not required, when 1139 

Must give name and number of Lodge, when 1140 

Prohibited, when 1141 

Evidence. 

Member may demand the reading of, when 1142 

Exemption. 
From Dues: Not permitted, when ° 1143, 1144 

Excursion. 

In the name of the Order : Dispensation necessary 1145 

Ex Post Facto Law. 

Lodges cannot enact 1146 

Expunging Minutes. 
May be ratified by Grand Lodges, when 1147 

F. 

Founder. 

Office of created 1148 

P. S. C, J. H. Eathbone recognized as 1149 

Badge for 1150 

Medal for 1151 

Presentation of medal to 1152 

Flag. 

For the Order. Authorized 1153 

Kecommendation concerning 1154 

Designs for, presented 1155 

Specific description, for outside use 1156 

Funeral. 

Lodge excused from attending, when 1157 

Duty of members to attend without summons 1158 

Wearing regalia at not allowed . . . . 1159 

Funeral Badge. 
Definitely defined and adopted 1160 

Funeral Procession. 
Line of how formed 1161 

Funeral Benefits. 

Liability of Lodge for, when. Construction of By-Law. 1162, 1163 

Sister Lodge not liable for, when 1164 

Eight of Lodge to fix probationary period 1165 

Not payable where fraud was practiced in gaining ad- 
mission 1166 



808 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Funeral Benefits— Continued. sec. 

Lodge not liable for on death of suspended member 1167 

Not payable on death of members wife 1168 

Not payable to executors , when . 1169 

Payable if member is in good standing at time of death 1170 

Lodge not liable for where member pays arrearages during 

sickness 1171 

Payable for members in arrears, when 1172 

Liability of Lodge for, when not consumed by funeral ex- 
penses. 1173 

Full amount of must be paid 1174 

Must be applied to funeral expenses 1175 

Widow of deceased member entitled to, when 1176 

Payable on paying of arrears 1177 

Denied where brother is in arrears for funeral tax 1178 

Not payable for when member is in arrears 1779 

Payable in case of suicide M80, 1181, 1182 

Not payable for Pages and Esquires 1183 

Paid voluntarily to member not entitled to, cannot be re- 
covered back 1184 

Assessments for, in the nature of compulsory insurance, not 
approved 1185 

Funeral. 

Not payable for member under suspension. 1186 

Funeral Assessments. 

May be added to dues, to forfeit benefits . 1187 

May be added to dues, when 1188 

Classed with dues. Right of M. of F. to percentage on col- 
lection of 1189 

Payable by member of Endowment Rank 1190 

Funeral Tax. 

May be added to dues, to work suspension 1191 

Fines. 

May be charged up as dues to work suspension 1192 

May be charged up, and collected as dues by Divisions 1193 

May be imposed by sections of Endowment Rank 1194 

May be imposed by Subordinate Lodge 1195 

When chargeable : Right of member under to S. A. P. W 1196 

Non-payment of, may work forfeiture of benefits 1197 

Sitting Past Chancellor liable to as other officers 1198 

May be imposed by committee for failing to report 119£ 

May be imposed by Chancellor Commander, when 1200 

Authority of C. C, to impose without notice 1201 

For absence, member not subject to if present after roll call. 1202 

May be imposed for non-attendance 1203, 1204 

May be imposed for failure to obey summons 1205 

May be imposed for failure to attend funeral 1206- 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 809 

Fines — Continued. sec. 

May be imposed for failure to sit up with sick 1207 

Cannot be imposed for non-attendance, when, no meeting is 

held 1208, 1200 

Cannnot be imposed without notice and hearing, when 1210 

Cannot be imposed by resolution 1211, 1212 

Cannot be imposed for failing to watch remains of deceased 

brother, when 1213 

For absence, cannot be imposed without notice, may be re- 
mitted 1214, 1218 

Muse be determined by ballot: Amount of may be fixed by 

vote 1215 

Can only be imposed by two-thirds vote, when 1216 

May be reduced, when 1217 

Fees. 

For the ranks ; right of Lodge to adopt graded system 1219 

Eight of Lodge to regulate 1220 

For the ranks ; cannot be refunded, when 1221 

Maybe refunded, when 1222, 1234 

For the ranks ; should not be refunded, when 1223 

For the ranks ; not returnable, when 1224 

For the ranks ; need not be refunded, when 1225 

For the ranks ; minimum amount must be paid by applicants. 1226 
Amount of fixed at time of application must be 

paid 1227, 1228, 1229, 1230, 1231 

For the ranks ; forfeited, when 1232 

For the ranks ; must be paid before rank is conferred 1233 

For the ranks ; payment of in advance may be required>when.l235 
For the ranks; Grand Lodge allowed to regulate by resolu 

tion notwithstanding the Constitution 1236 

For the ranks; amount of above minimum, to be left to G.L.1237 

For the ranks ; donation of illegal 1238, 1239, 1240 

For the ranks and affiliation ; amount regulated by Subor- 
dinate Lodges , 1241 

For affiliation ; cannot be remitted 1242 

For initiation ; forfeited, when 1243 

For initiation ; must accompany the petition 1244 

For initiation ; to be reported as receipts of the evening, whenl245 
For initiation; jurisdiction of Grand Lodge in respect to... .1246 
Are forfeited hi case of applicant failing to apply for ranks 

when 1247 

Accompanying application paid to Master of Finance 1248 

For admission by card ; effect of a dispensation; construc- 
tion of By-Law 1249 

For dispensation to be returned, when 1250 

Brother may charge for prosecuting case, when 1251 

Of Medical Examiner, for examination 1252 

For admission into Endowment Rank 1253 



810 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Foreign Countries. sec. 

Supreme Chancellor authorized to extend Order 
into 1254, 1255, 1256 

Funds. 

Of Subordinate Lodges. Appropriating ; Law must be com- 
plied with f 1257 

Of Supreme Lodge, appropriation of for traveling in inter- 
est of Order, no precedentfor 1258 

Of Supreme Lodge ; duty of S. K. of E. and S. in transmis- 
sion of : 1259 

Of Subordinate Lodge, manner of disposition of. Local 

legislation 1260 

May be used for any purpose, when 1261 

May be appropriated, for the purchase of brass band. .1262, 1267 

May be used to assist members in purchasing uniform 1263 

May be paid out for entertainments, etc 1264 

Appropriation of for benefit of Lodge or Order, legal 

when 1265 

Bight of Lodge to dispose of, unlimited 1266 

Appropriation of, for gound for burial purposes 1268 

May be used to pay expenses of picnic, when 1269 

Appropriation of, for entertainment of visitors, legal 1270 

Appropriation to enable members to attend parade, legal, 

when 1271 

Cannot be appropriated to charitable purposes, when 1272 

Subordinate Lodge may change appropriation, from widows 

and orphans, to General Fund 1273 

Appropriation of, when illegal 1274 

Of Subordinate Lodge, cannot be donated to members as 

premiums, when 1275 

Of Subordinate Lodge, donation of illegal 1276 

Constitutional vote necessary to appropriate 1277 

Appropriation of, construction of Law 1278 

Majority vote appropriating insufficient, when 1279 

Appropriation of does not require two-thirds vote, when 1280 

Of Lodge, including initiation f ee,are received by the M.of F . 1281 

Of Subordinate Lodge, who authorized to receive 1282 

Appropriated for special purpose cannot be diverted when.. 1283 

Full Vote. 

Construction of term 1284 

Duty of Chancellor Commander to require 1285 

Fraud. 

Will forfeit rights to benefits, when 1286 

Fairs. 

Not prohibited by resolutions of S. L. concerning raffles 1287 

Forfeiture of Office. 

Absence will not work, when 1288 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 811 

Grand Lodge. sec. 

Authorized to make Constitutions for Subordinate Lodges. .1289 
At formation, may elect any Past Chancellor to any office. ..1290 

May confer rank of Past Chancellor, ad. libitum, when 1291 

Has no right to refuse to receive protest, when 1292 

Eight of to mutilate Grand Chancellor's report 1293 

Eight of to supercede Constitution by resolution 1294 

Nomination of officers at annual session 1295 

Constitution to be approved, and copy deposited with S. K. 

of E. and S 1296 

May be directed to carry into effect resolution of S. L 1297 

Is the proper channel of communication. 1298 

Eight of to elect P. G. Cs., denied, when 1299 

Shall supply S. K. of E. and S. with Journals 1300 

Number of Lodges, requisite to form 1301 

Forfeit their right to representation, when 1302 

Authority of, over Subordinate Lodges 1303 

Eight of, to fix term of Subordinate Lodge officers 1304 

Orders of to Subordinate Lodge, take precedence over all 

other business , 1305 

Are not authorized to permit Knights to sit in sessions 1306 

Cannot issue circulars for aid, when 1307 

Cannot annul action of Subordinate Lodge, when 1308 

Authority of, to levy assessments on P. Cs 1309 

Has no authority to elect alternates to Supreme Lodge,when.l310 

Has no authority to issue clearance certificates 1311 

Has no right to assume extra territorial jurisdiction 1312 

Officers of entitled to vote, when 1313 

Tax charged to, cannot be carried to profit and loss, when . .1314 

Eight of to regulate time of session 1315 

Request concerning biennial session, tabled 1516 

Cannot hold biennial sessions 1317 

Changing time of annual session, does not affect term, or 

honors of officers 1318 

Eight of, to annul Past Grand Chancellor's certificate 1319 

Eight of, to create sinking fund, for building purposes 1320 

May be required to entertain charges, when 1321 

Refusal of to obey Laws of S. L. may be censured 1322 

Has no right to refuse to execute the Laws, as interpreted by 

the Supreme Chancellor 1323 

Incorporation of, does not affect standing in the Order 1324 

Right of, to legislate on duties of its officers 1325 

Right of, to fix term of Subordinate Lodge officers and define 

their eligibility 1326 

Printed journals of, should not contain speeches 1327 

Grand Officers. 

Entitled to vote though not representatives 1328 

May be tried by Subordinate Lodges, when 1329 

Charges against, where preferred 1330 

Must be members of a Lodge, in good standing 1331 



812 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Grand Chancellor. sec, 

Restrictions in eligibility for, removed , 1332 

May wear uniform, when 1333 

Authority of, to give instruction outside of Lodge room 1334 

Cannot grant dispensation, when 1335 

Not eligible to office of Supreme Representative, when 1336 

Serving unexpired term, entitled to honors of 1337 

Retiring ; no form of ceremony prescribed 1338 

Authority of, to issue circulars in certain cases 1339 

In case of death of, Grand Vice Chancellor must preside, 

and is not entitled to honors of office, when 1340 

Charges against ; how investigated 1341 

Re-election, P. G. C, holds over 1342 

Report of should not be mutilated 1343 

Authority of Grand Lodge to meet semi-monthly 1344 

May order Lodges to set aside illegal acts, when 1345 

Orders of: Do not require authentication of G. L. seal 1346 

Decision of shall be in writing 1347 

Cannot grant dispensation to admit minors 1348 

Has no authority to suspend a Subordinate Lodge officer. . .1349 
Cannot issue a dispensation to create a Past Chancellor 1350 

Grand Vice Chancellor. 

Elected to office of Grand Chancellor and serves unexpired 

term is entitled to honors, when 1351 

. Is the proper officer to succeed Grand Chancellor 1352 

Must act as Grand Chancellor during vacancy, but is not 
entitled to honors of office of 1353 

Grand Keeper of Records and Sea!. 

Duty of in respect to forwarding credentials of representa- 
tives and P. G. C 1354 

Report of: to Supreme Lodge: Form prescribed 1355 

Grand Representative. 

Re-elected Chancellor Commander, eligibility of 1356 

P. C. is eligible to office of, before rank conferred 1357 

Must be a Past Chancellor. .'.. 1358 

Duty of, to attend G. L. : Lodge liable for expenses 1259 

May be instructed how, but not compelled to vote 1360 

Must be elected at the time prescribed by Law , . . ..1361 

Payment of: Actual and necessary ''expense" defined. . ... .1362 

Cannot be appointed 1363 

A Chancellor Commander is eligible to office of, when 1364 

Past Chancellor entitled to office of, when 1365 

Gift Enterprises. 
In the name of the Order, prohibited 1366 

Good of the Order. 

Motion under head of, may be entertained, when 1367 

Motions may' be entertained, under 1368 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 813 

Good Standing. sec. 
Legislation concerning sufficient, correction of official di- 
gest 1369 

In Endowment Eank 1370 

In Endowment Eank: Certificate of, must accompany proof 

of death 1371 

In Endowment Eank: Members of committee, to try- 
charges must be in ..1372 

Certificate of: Issued by aG. V. C. ; held to be unofficial. . . .1373 

Members of defunct Lodge considered in, when 1374 

Lodge shall keep member in, while sick 1375 

In Subordinate Lodge, essential to standing in Grand 

Lodge 1376 

To what extent affected by arrears 1377 

Definition of term 1378 

Payment of dues in advance not essential to 1379 

Of Members in the Endowment Eank; duty of Lodge in re- 
spect to ..1380 

German Lodge. 

Minutes of, how kept 1381 

Lodges cannot refuse to hear counsel, who does not speak 
German, when .' 1382 

H. 

Higher Degree. 
Authorized. Order of S. P. K...., 1383 

Higher Rank. 

Organization of authorized 1384 

Endowment Eank is not 1385 

Honors. 

Of office given to whom 1386 

Eetained on promotion 1387 

Official. Grand Chancellor entitled to on serving unexpired 

term 1388 

Official. Grand Vice Chancellor not entitled to, when 1389 

Official. Earned by service, when 1390 

Eight of a Past Chancellor to 1391 

Official. Chancellor Commander entitled to, when 1392 

Official. Chancellor Commander entitled to on re-election. 1393 

Official. Given for services, when 1394 

Past official. When officer entitled to 1395 

Officer entitled to, when 1396 

Helmet 

Adoption of. Description 1397 

For Uniform Eank. Exchange of black for nickel plate. . .1398 

History. 

Of the Order. Brief sketch. Eecognized as official 1399 



814 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Hypothetical Questions. sec. 

Will not be answered, when 1400 

Honorary Membership. 

Prohibited in Endowment Rank, when 1401 

Hali. 

Does not revert to Grand Lodge on surrendering charter. . .1402 

I. 

Incorporation. 

Of Supreme Lodge 1403 

Of Supreme Lodge as finally amended 1404 

Of Grand or Subordinate Lodges. Effect of 1405 

Of Subordinate Lodges. Nothing in the Law to prevent 1406 

Installation. 

Public. Ceremony authorized 1407 

Form of for Supreme Lodge officers 1408 

Of Supreme Lodge officers during recess. Precedent 1409 

Service of adopted 1410 

Of Grand Lodge officers. Legal, when 1411 

Of G. L. officers to be performed by the retiring P. G. C 1412 

Of P. G. C. No form prescribed 1413 

Public. No opening cermonies for 1414 

Of Grand Lodge officers by proxy disapproved 1415 

By proxy illegal , 1416 

By proxy not allowed 1417 

Arrears a bar to, when — 1418 

The question of arrearages affecting officers' right to 1419 

When objections made, District Deputy Grand Chancel- 
lor may order new elections 1420 

D. D. G. C, may refuse to perform, when 1421 

Must be conducted by Grand Lodge officers 1422 

Who authorized to conduct 1423, 1424 

A Past Chancellor cannot be authorized the install 1425 

Chancellor Commander has no authority to perform 1426 

Cannot be performed by Chancellor Commander, when 1427 

A D. D. G. C, may cause service to be performed 1428 

May be conducted by Knight, when 1429 

Ceremonies of. Takes precedence, when 1430 

Essential to confer honors, when 1431 

Necessary to convey honors of office 1432, 1433 

Of officers re-elected, necessary 1434, 1435 

Effect of absence of Chancellor Commander elect 1436 

Absence of retiring CO., course to be pursued 1437 

Duty of installing officers in case objection is raised 1438 

Public. Closing Lodge. Grand honors 1439 

Substitution of words in service of 1440 

Of Officers of section of Endowment Rank 1441 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 815 

Installation Book. sec. 

Adoption of. Eepeal of old 1442 

Translation of into German 1443 

Supplied to Subordinate Lodges 1444 

Initiation. 

Requisite of in respect to age 1445 

Of persons beyond the Jurisdiction. Illegal, when 1446 

Of non-resident. Illegal, when 1447 

Residence required 1448 

Of applicant from another state. Who competent to give 

permission 1449 

May be arrested, when 1450 

Must be arrested, when answers of applicant are not un- 
equivocal 1451 

C. 0. not obliged to ask if there are any objection to 1452 

Of candidate on night of election , permitted 1453 

May immediately follow election 1454 

Ballot on, need not be renewed when three black balis ap- 
pear on first ballot 1455 

Dispensation necessary for, when 1456 

On Sunday, illegal 1457 

Of candidate who had already received the ranks, unlawful.1458 
Of applicant over age, improper, when 1459 

Insurance. 

Compulsory assessments for funeral benefits not approved, 

when 1460 

On personal property of Supreme Lodge 1461 

Invitations. 
To public celebrations, declined 1462 

Indemnity Fund. 
In Endowment Rank; amount limited 1463 

Impostors. 

Duty of Grand officers to publish . 1464 

Instruction. 

In secret work may be given by any qualified member of 

the Order, when 1465 

In secret work, may be given outside of Lodge room, when. 1466 
To Grand Representatives 1467 

Instituting Officers. 

General instructions to, in organizing Lodges 1468 

May confer ranks without assistance 1469 

Investigation. 

Appointment of committee on 1470 



816 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Investigating Committee. seo. 

Is discharged without action on making report 1471 

Immoral Conduct. 

Mere suspicion of, not sufficient to warrant suspension of 
benefits 1472 

Insanity. 

Member afflicted with entitled to benefits 1473 

Inner Guard. 

Appointive. Cannot be elected 1474 

Indebtedness. 
Of Lodge to member, will prevent suspension 1475 

Insignia. 

Term may be used in installation work, when 1476 

J. 

Journal. 

Daily, of Supreme Lodge session, shall contain subject mat- 
ter of all resolutions 1477 

Of Supreme Lodge; revision and reprinting of 1478 

Of Supreme Lodge; to be furnished standing committees. . .1479 

Of S. L. ; printed during session for use of members 1480 

Of Supreme Kodge ; reading of 1481 

Of Supreme Lodge of 1882 to be known as Vol. IV 1482 

Of Supreme Lodge to be bound; price of 1483 

Of Supreme Lodge of 1880, to be Vol. in. Price of 1484 

Bound volumes of, furnished to officers and member of Su- 
preme Lodge, when 1485 

Of Supreme Lodge, procurement of obligatory 1486 

Of Grand Lodge, filed with S. K. of K. and S 1487 

Of Grand Lodge, should not contain remarks &c 1488 

Jewels. 

For Grand and Sub. Lodge officers, description and adop- 
tion of 1489 

Knight's, adoption of 1490 

Classification and price of 1491 

May be worn, when 1492 

Certain legislation concerning repealed 1493 

Cannot be worn without regalia ; Construction of Constitu- 
tion 1494 

Importance of Lodges procuring, instructions to S. K. of 

K. and S 1495 

For Past Supreme Representatives and Representatives to 

Grand Lodges 1496 

For Past Supreme Representative, adoption of 1497 

Are supplies to be furnished by the S. K. of R. and S 1498 

Sale to remain under contol of Supreme Lodge 1499 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 817 

Jewels — Continued. sec. 

For Supreme Eepresentative 1500 

Necessary portion of supplies 1501 

National significance of, denied ,1502 

Members permitted to wear of smaller size of, when '1503 

For Founder of the Order , 1504 

Wearing of, illegal, when 1505 

Jurisdiction. 

Grand Lodges cannot assume extra territorial 1506 

Of Subordinate Lodges over residents 1507 

Of Subordinat Lodges, in respect to applicants 1508, 1509 

Of Subordinate Lodges : The Law as to residence 1510 

Of Lodge over member on card, deposit of card 1511 

Judgment. 

May be set aside by Grand Lodge for irregularities 1512 

K. 

Knight. 

Badge for adopted 1513 

Not permitted on the floor of the Grand Lodge 1514 

Eligible to office of Chancellor Commander or Vice Chan- 
cellor, when 1515 

Qualified to preside over Lodge, when 1516 

Knight may preside when charges are preferred against 

Chancellor Commander 1517 

Rights of in respect to voting 1518 

Certificate of, adopted 1519 

Title of "Sir" should not be used 1520 

Amplified Eank of, shall not be used with the books 1521 

Keeper of Records and Seal. 

Entitled to ranks of Past Chancellor 1522 

Combining office of M. of F 1523 

Pro tern : Powers of 1524 

Cannot grant card ". 1525 

Installation of, necessary upon re-election 1526 

Key. 

To the Eitual authorized and issued 1527 

L. 

Laws. 

For Subordinate Lodges 1528 

Of Supreme Lodge, go into effect, when 1529 

Of Supreme Lodge, binding force of 1530 

Obligatory ; defining force of &c 1531 

Approval of, by Supreme Chancellor 1532 

Of Grand Lodges ; matter for local legislation 1533 

52 



818 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Ladies Degree. sec. 

Petition for, tabled 1534 

Local Legislation. 

Creation of Past Chancellor 1535 

Kules and regulations concerning relief committee, matter 

for 1536 

Creating Past Chancellors , 1537 

Grand Lodges may authorize Lodge to create P. Cs 1538 

Power of Grand Lodge to confer Emeritus Rank of P. C 1539 

Establishment of colleges for education of Knight's sons 1540 

Eight of Grand Lodge to prescribe term upon which sup- 
plies shall be furnished 1541 

Right of Grand Lodge to legislate on duties of its officers. . .1542 
Grand Lodge officers holding "Withdrawal- Card: Status of. .1543 

Lodges failing to meet, penalty 1544 

Pages and Esquires, chargeable with per capita tax 1545 

Right of Grand Lodge to supercede its Constitution by 

resolution 1546 

Right to levy per capita tax on suspended members 1547 

Right of G. L. to regulate terms of Sub. Lodge officers 1548 

Right of Grand Lodge to fix time of its sessions 1549 

Right of Grand Lodge to provide when yeas and nays shall 

be taken 1550 

Right of Lodges to refuse admission to elected applicants.. .1551 

Depositing card, date of membership 1552 

Placing brother's name on obituary list when not in good 

standing. 1553 

Lodges excused from attending funerals 1554 

Disposition of Lodge funds 1555 

Consolidation of Lodges 1556 

Status of officiating Past Chancellors 1557 

Disclosing name of brother voting black ball 1558 

As to prescribing manner of reinstatement 1559 

Effect of suspension : Manner of reinstatement 1560 

Right to benefits after reinstatement 1561 

Authority of Grand Lodge or Grand Chancellor to authorize 

semi-monthly meetings 1562 

Forfeiture of charter for failure to meet 1563 

Charging dues to members suspended 1564 

Grand Lodges have the right to regulate the matter of dues 

and right of members to S. A. P. W 1565 

Concerning fees for the ranks 1566 

General bureau of relief for states 1567 

Payments of benefits in case of suicide 1568 

Supreme Lecturer 1569 

Grand Lodges may determine who shall sign charters 1570 

Suspension of member; status, of, etc 1571 

Subordinate Lodge charter, surrendered, disposition of 1572 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 819 

Local Legislation — Continued. sec. 

Laws of Grand Lodge, matter for 1573 

Reinstatement, matter for 1574 

Eight of Subordinate Lodges to levy tax 1575 

Arrears ; Bight to S. A. P. W 1576 

Eligibility for Grand Representatives 1577 

Fixing term of Subordinate Lodge officers 1578 

Instituting new Lodges: Qualifications of applicants in 

certain cases 1579 

Objection to petitioners for new Lodge 1580 

As to whether Lodges may accept rejected material from 
other Lodges 1581 

Library. 

Of Supreme Lodge : Instruction to S. K. of R. and S 1582 

Lotteries. 

In the name of Order prohibited 1583 

Resolutions of Supreme Lodge concerning 1584 

Subordinate Lodge forbidden to raise funds by 1585 

Lecturer. 
Established for the Order. 1586 

Louisiana. 

Request of : In respect to defunct Lodges in 1587 

Leave of Absence. 
May be granted to officer when 1588 

Language. 

Of the Order on this continent is English 1589 

Charges shall be made in English, when 1590 

M. 

Mileage. 
Computation of. Instruction to S. K. of R. and S 1591 

Mileage and Per Diem. 

Not payable, when . . * 1592 

Not paid to contestants, when 1593, 1594 

Constitutional provision in respect not enforcible, when 1595 

As included in the actual and necessary expenses. Con- 
struction of Laws 1596 

Of Representatives engaged in E. R., work, how paid 1597 

Motions. 

At sessions of Supreme Lodge, shall be written, when 1598 

In conflict with Constitution, not in order 1599 

To authorize member to cast ballot of the Lodge, in order, 

when 1600 

To adjourn, not in order, when 1601 

To close, in order, when .1602 

May be made under the head "Good of the Order." 1603 



820 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Mortuary Laws, sec 

Illegality of. 1604, 1605 

Mistake of Officers. 

Members not precluded by, when 1606 

Of M. of F. Lodge bound by, when 1607 

Lodge responsible for, when 1608 

Meetings. 

Of Subordinate Lodges, controlled by the Grand Lodge 1609 

Of Subordinate Lodge ^penalty for failure in 1610 

Of Grand Lodge; change of time in, does not effect right of 

officers 1611 

Of Sub. Ls., may not be resolved into secret session, when . .1612 

Of Subordinate Lodge, held on Sunday, illegal 1613 

Of Sub. Lodge, should be held at least once a week, when . .1614 
Of Division ; objections to illegality of must be taken, when. 1615 

Maimed Persons. 

Authority of Supreme Chancellor concerning initiation of. . .1616 

Law construed 1617 

Dispensations to initiate, may be issued by G. C .1618 

Eligible to office, after election. 1619 

How admitted by certain Lodges 1620 

Eule in respect to 1621 

May be admitted without dispensation, when 1622 

May be admitted, when, construction of term 1623, 1624, 1625 

Eligible to membership, when 1626 

Cannot be admitted, when 1627 

May be received where the maiming is slight 1628 

Indemnifying Lodge against liability : Effect of 1629 

Membership. 

Qualifications for 1630 

Qualifications for : [Question as to religious views 1631 

Transfer of, by Pages and Esquires 1632 

Chart of adopted 1633 

Date of, in certain cases 1634 

Brother admitted, in good faith cannot be expelled, when. . .1635 

Cannot be maintained in two Lodges at same time 1636 

Cannot be resigned 1637, 1638 

Dates from date of reinstatement 1639 

Date of on joining by card 1640,1641 

Dates from initiation 1642 

Severed by card, may be renewed in same Lodge, how 1643 

Mutes, disqualified for 1644 

Qualification for does not include naturalization 1645 

Transfer of, by suspended member: Prerequisites 1646 

Mannual of Drill. 
Adoption of : Former legislation repealed 1647 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 821 

Master of Finance. sec. 

Duty of in respect to Endowment Eank 1648 

Combining office of, with K. of R. and S 1649 

Mistake of, Lodge responsible for 1650 

Right of to percentage on collection of funeral assessments. 1651 
Entitled to rank of Past Chancellor, when 1652 

Master of Exchequer. 

Duty of to pay drafts, when legally drawn 1653, 1654 

Master-at-Arms. 

Duty of, in respect to ballot box 1655 

Duty of, at opening of Lodge 1656, 1657 

Has no authority to communicate S. A. P. W 1658 

Shall take up Pass Word from Outer Guard 1659 

Not required to take up P. W.,from member in ante-room. ..1660 

Memorial Service. 

Ritual of adopted 1661 

To be used by Lodges only 1662 

Memorial Tribute. 

To be bound in separate book for distribution and sale. . 1663 

Memorizing Ritual. 

Obligatory, when 1664 

Matter for Lodge to determine.... 1665 

Medical Examiner. 

In Endowment Rank. Rules for 1666 

Form of certificate of 1667 

In chief. Office of, created 1668 

In chief. Decision of final 1669 

In chief: Decision of cannot be interfered with by S. C 1670 

In chief: Must be a member of the Endowment Rank 1671 

Minor. 

Ranks conferred on, legalized 1672 

Grand Chancellors cannot grant dispensation to admit 1673 

Minutes. 

Of Subordinate Lodges. Title of officers to appear in 1674 

Cannot be approved unless written in record book 1675 

Must be read from the book 1676 

Should be written in the book before adoption . . .- 1677 

Cannot be expunged 1678 

Expunging portion of, may be ratified by Grand Lod & e 1679 

May be corrected but nothing expunged. . . 1680 



822 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

N. 

Naming Lodges. sec. 

After living persons, prohibited 1681 

Name. 

Of Subordinate Lodge, can be changed only by G. L 1682 

Of Subordinate Lodge cannot be changed, when 1683 

Name of Order. 

Public use of prohibited, when 1684 

Term "Pythian Dramatic Corps," unlawful use of 1685 

Cannot be used in getting up excursions without dispensa- 
tion 1686 

Nominations. 

Can be made, when 1687 

Of G. L. officers, can be made at annual sessions, when 1688 

Necessary to an election to office 1689 

Not necessary in the election of G. L. officers, when 1690 

A second not necessary 1691 

For office may be made of member absent, when 1692 

Of a member not restricted to one office, when 1693 

Of S. L. officers, may be made on the night of election 1694 

Of Subordinate Lodge officers can be made, when . . 1695 

Non-Resident. 

Initiation of illegal, when 1 .1696 

Initiation of, who competent to grant permission 1697 

Non-Attendance. 

Officers cannot be fined for, when 1698 

Fines may be imposed for 1699 

Excuses for, matter for Lodge to determine 1700 

New Lodge. 

Member of the Order joining must present card 1701 

May confer ranks, when 1702 

General instructions as to organizing. -. . .1703 

Application form must be endorsed by D. S. C 1704 

Supreme Lodge cannot authorize member to travel and 

organize, when 1705 

Cannot be instituted by a Past Chancellor, when 1706 

Cannot admit suspended members, when 1707 

Term of officers of 1708 

New Trial. 
Will be granted for irregularities, when 1709 

New Ballot. 
Chancellor Commander has the right to order, when 1710 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 823 

Notice. Sec. 

In appeal cases ; when mailed to accused in time ; no ground 

for appeal 1711 

Of charges pending, member entitled to 1712 

From Lodge to Section, of suspension of member. Legal 

form of 1713 

"What is legal: How time is computed 1714 

Of trial, to counsel is sufficient, when 1715 

Of trial : Held sufficient, if 1 eft at last place of residence ... 1716 
To sister Lodges of the petition of an applicant cannot be 

ignored by dispensation, when 1717 

Of rejection of applicant sent to other Lodges, when 1718 

Brother delinquent, entitled to, when 1719 

Nurse. 
Vote authorizing committee to employ illegal, when 1720 

Not Guilty. 
Judgment of: May be appealed from 1721 

O. 

Officers. 

Not entitled to mileage, when 1722 

Of Grand Lodge entitled to vote, when 1723 

Should be governed by instructions 1724 

Promotion of, honors retained 1725 

Of Supreme Lodge, entitled to seat though not members oi 

any Lodge, when 1726 

Of Supreme Lodge, not entitled to seat, when 1727 

Of Subordinate Lodge : Attendants are not regular 1728 

Acting pro tern., authority of 1729 

Cannot be fined for non-attendance, when 1730 

Appointive: Cannot be elected, when 1731 

Terms of in new Lodge 1732 

Elect, not officer in fact until installed 1733 

Of Sub Lodge, cannot be suspended by G. L. officers, when.1734 

On entering Lodge, when open must assume stations 1735 

Entering Lodge after roll call must assume their stations. . .1736 

Elect, cannot be installed, when 1737 

Eight of to speak when out of station by permission 1738 

Duty of on entering after roll call 1739 

Rights and duties of in respect to Lodge privileges 1740 

Advancement of by dispensation does not annul election 

Laws -. 1741 

Regular, may act pro tern, for prelate, when .1742 

May be excused by vote of Lodge on request for leave of 

absence 1743 

Of Grand Lodge : Charges against where preferred 1744 



82£ INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Office. Sec. 

Service in, is the base of honor in the Order 1745 

Of Subordinate Lodge consolidation of: G. C. has no power 

to permit 1746 

Cannot be created by a Subordinate Lodge 1747 

More than one cannot be held by same officer, when 1748 

In division must be filled by member thereof 1749 

Order. 

Using name of prohibited, when 1750 

For S. A. P. W. to be retained by Lodge, when 1751 

For Grand Lodge Pass Word requisites of 1752 

C. C. may communicate S. A. P. "W. on, when 1753 

From Supreme or Grand Lodges shall be obeyed at once 1754 

On the M. of E. may be signed by the C. C. pro tempore 1755 

On the M. of E. may be recalled, when 1756 

May be drawn by the presiding officer, when 1757 

On the M. of E., duty of, to pay 1758 

Order of Business. • 

Each Lodge must provide for itself 1759 

0. B. N. 

Adoption and purpose of; The Maryland case 1760 

Extraordinary powers conferred on S. C, concerning 1761 

Lodge suspending member for subscribing to, ordered 1762 

Members suspended for refusing to subscribe to may be re- • 

instated, how 1763 

Of Endowment Eank, not dispensed with in Ontario 1764 

Obligatory Laws. 

Construction and meaning of 1765 

Must be constitutional to be binding 1766 

Are applicable to all Subordinate Lodges 1767 

Obligation. 

The word affirm cannot be substituted for any other word in. 1768 

Organization. 

Of Supreme Lodge 1769 

Of Lodges, general instructions for 1770 

Of Lodges, requisites to entitle members to do work 1771 

Of Lodges, expenses, how paid 1772 

Of Lodges, application for must be endorsed by D. S. C 1773 

Of Lodges, instructions to officers, construction of clause V.1774 
Of Lodges, Supreme Lodge has no authority to authorize 

member to travel for 1775 

Of Lodges, construction of Law concerning 1776 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 825 

Outer Guard. sec. 

Duty of, in respect to clearing ante-room 1777 

Should inform members of the rank in which Lodge is work- 
ing 1778 

Duty of, in respect to notifying members 1779 

Appointive ; cannot be elected 1780 

Not compelled to remain in ante-room 1781 

May remain in hall, when 1782 

Official Memorial Charts. 

To be furnished as other supplies 1783 

Adoption, for sale to the members. . : ' 1784 

Official Organ. 

None recognized by Supreme Lodge 1785 

Official Report. 

Of proceedings of S. L. to be printed for use of members. . . .1786 
Official Receipt. 

Adoption of, issue authorized 1787 

It may be demanded, when 1788 

Must accompany an order for the Pass Word 1789 

No other legal 1790 

Not essential, but may be required, when t . 1791 

Possession of not essential 1792 

May be demanded, when 1793 

Lodge cannot charge for 1794, 1795 

Is not sufficient as a visiting credential 1796 

Price of 1797 

How far binding upon Lodge issuing same 1798 

No penalty for not issuing: Duty of Grand Lodge to comply 

with legislation of Supreme Lodge concerning 1799 

Deposit of in lieu of card 1800 

Recommendation of S. K. of R. and S. not adopted 1801 

Official Orders. 

Prom Supreme or Grand Lodges must be obeyed at once... .1802 

Official Titles. 
Must be affixed to names of members, when 1803 

Official Honors. 

Installation into office necessary to convey 1804 

Brother serving unexpired term entitled to 1805 

Officer entitled to for service, when 1806 

Obituary List. 

Placing member's name on, local legislation 1807 

Opening Ceremonies. 

Motion to dispense 1808 

No form of, for public installation 1809 

Are obligatory '. 1810 

Must be observed in due form 1811 



826 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Opening Lodge. sec 

In absence of C. C, who qualified to preside 1812 

Legality of proceeding when chairs are not filled 1813 

Illegal after the C. C, has declared it closed 1814 

Duty of M. at A 1815 

Illegal if Prelate's station is unfilled 1816 

Ontario. 

Board of control for; to manage affairs of E. R 1817 

O. B. N., of Endowment Bank not dispensed with in 1818 

Offenses. 

A member who sues his Lodge for a claim guilty of offense 

when 1819 

Criticizing Grand Chancellor 1820 

Offenses against other societies, candidate not accountable 
for, when 1821 

Orphans. 

Liability of Lodge for school bills of children after marriage 
of widow 1822 

Objections. 

To illegal meetings of Division, must be taken, when 1823 



P. 

Petition. 

Of ladies for side degree, tabled 1824 

Of colored citizens, action deferred 1825 

For membership ; vote not necessary to receive 1826 

For membership ; Law requiring to lie over two weeks, not 
in conflict 1827 

Petitioners. 

Restrictions as to nationality 1828 

Opposition to by existing Lodges. Duty of D f G. C 1829 

Pass-Word. 

Origin of 1830 

Instructions of S. C. to Pennsylvania in respect to 1831 

Reference thereto in Laws stricken out 1832 

Brother holding card, entitled to, when 1833 

Of the ranks, C. C. not authorized to communicate, when... .1834 

Of the ranks ; C. C. authorized to communicate, when 1835 

Of the ranks; brother entitled to without order, when 1836 

Duty of M. at A. in respect to 1837 

Past Supreme Chancellor. 

Seniority of ; inquiry into ordered 1838 

Rank and seniority of 1839 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 827 

Past Supreme Representative. sec. 

Eecommendation as to rank, and badge for 1840 

Jewel for adopted 1841 

Past Grand Chancellor. 

Bank of, will not be conferred, when 1842 

Not entitled to rank, when 1843 

Grand Lodge has no authority to elect, when 1844 

Further creation of inexpedient 1845 

Creation of. Implied prohibition against 1846 

Emeritus Bank of no longer conferred 1847 

Right of Grand Lodge to create, claimed, when 1848 

Creation of new Jurisdictions no longer necessary 1849 

D. D. G. C. for German Lodges, entitled to rank of, when. . .1850 

Rule in preceding section adhered to 1851 

Brother entitled to rank : Precedent 1852 

When entitled to rank 1853 

Officer at institution of Grand Lodge entitled to rank, when. 1854 
Power of Supreme Lodge to confer Emeritus Bank declared.1855 

Entitled to rank though not present at installation 1856 

Bank not conferred for unexpired term of G. C, when 1857 

Certain Grand Lodges authorized to create 1858 

Names of, stricken from the roll 1859 

Irregularities in creation of ; subject of inquiry 1860 

Further time granted to committee on irregularities in crea- 
tion of 1861 

Irregularities in creation of. Boster prepared 1 862 

Authority given to committee, to call for records 1863 

Beport of committee on irregularities in creation of 1864 

Credentials of, to show date of service 1865 

Bank of conferred on G.Y.C.,serving unexpired term of G.C.1866 

G. V. C, not entitled to rank of, when 1867 

Not entitled to sit in Supreme Lodge, when 1868 

Bight of Grand Lodge to annul election of 1869 

Construction of Law concerning creation of 1870 

Creation of. Construction of Constitution 1871 

Petition to create, decided out of order „ 1872 

Bank of cannot be conferred, when 1873 

May have credentials annulled, when 1874 

Sitting, holds over, when 1875 

G. V. C, entitled to rank.lwhen 1876 

Past Chancellor. 

Badge for adopted 1877 

Certificate of adopted — 1878 

Office of, may be declared vacant. How filled in such cases.1879 

Sitting: Is an office of the Lodge 1880 

Sitting : Knight not eligible to office of, when 1881 

Filling chair of on re-election of C. C. Duty of installing 
officer 1882 



828 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Past Chancellor — Continued. sec. 

Chair of filled by election, on re-election of C. 1883, 1884 

Chair of, how filled 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889 

Elected, may fill chair, when 1890 

Rank of, may be conferred for meritorious services 1891 

Chair of, may be filled pro tempore by a Knight 1892 

Office of, in Subordinate Lodge : Qualification for 1893 

Status of officiating : Local legislation 1894 

Officiating: Chair of may be filled, how 1895 

Officiating: Right of, to inspect ballot 1896 

Rights of when clothed in regalia of Knight 1897 

Sitting, is an officer, and subject to fine 1898 

Does not hold over, on re-election of C. C 1899 

Eligible to office of D. D. G. C 1900 

Lodge cannot elect, when 1901 

Office of may be declared vacant as a penalty, when 1902 

Creation of in certain cases 1903 

Creation of, local legislation 1904, 1905 

Creation of, Grand Lodge may authorize 1906 

Right of Lodge to create 1907, 1908 

Elected ; entitled to honors, when 1909 

Creation of, by Subordinate Lodge 1910 

Cannot be created, by dispensation 1911 

Conferring rank of, on certain officers for service, local leg- 
islation 1912 

Chancellor Commander entitled to ranks of, when Lodge 

surrenders charter on last night of term 1913 

Any Knight eligible to rank of at organization of Lodge 1814 

• First officer serving out the term entitled to rank of, when. .1915 
Rank of, earned by service not interfered with by re-elec- 
tion, when 1916 

Rank of may be conferred on certificate of S. C, when 1917 

Grand Lodge has no authority to confer, when 1918 

Rank of, conferred on request of Supreme Chancellor 1919 

Power of Grand Lodge to confer emeritus rank of 1920 

A member entitled to rank for service, when 1921 

Conferring rank of on foreign members; requisites of certifi- 
cate 1922 

Eligible to any office in Grand Lodge, when ": 1923 

Rank of. Right of grand Lodge to confer not restricted 1924 

Rank of, where and how conferred 1925 

Rank of conferred in another Jurisdiction, when 1926 

C. C, entitled to rank when records fail to show installation.1927 

Entitled to rank and eligible to office of G. R., when. 1928 

On re-election of C. C, Lodge cannot create, when 1929 

Elected from the floor, when 1930 

May wear regalia though not a P. C, in full 1931 

C. C, not entitled to rank of, when 1932 

Not entitled to Withdrawal- Card, when 1933 



•INDEX TO DIGEST. 829 

Past Chancellor— Continued. sec. 

Must present certificate when affiliating 1934, 1943 

Rank of. First officers entitled to 1035 

Does not hold over on re-election of 0. C 1936 

May be recognized when clothed as Knight 1937 

Hot compelled to wear regalia of rank, when . .1938 

Ey election. Entitled to equal rights and privileges 1939 

No difference in as to standing 1940 

Has no right to correct an officer in working ranks 1941 

Has no right to occupy C. C's. chair, at scrutiny 1942 

Entitled to certificate, without having served majority of 

nights, when 1944 

Entitled to certificate for serving unexpired term 1945 

Not entitted to certificate before installation 1946 

Suspended for any cause, is not thereby deprived of rank. ..1947 
Improper to preside during pendency of charges, when 1948 

Protest. 

Eight of Grand Lodge to reject, denied, when, 1949 

Against order of G. C, will not be considered, when 1950 

Against action of Grand Lodge, considered. Protest of 

Hugh Latham 1951 

Against forming new Lodge. Duty of D. G. C 1952 

Against initiating charter members. Duty of D. G. C 1953 

Against election of an officer, too late after installation 1954 

May be entered against a candidate, to bar his receiving - 

ranks 1955 

Proceedings. 
Of Supreme Lodge; reading of 1956 

Printing. 

Of S. L. journals ; recommendations concerning 1957 

Committee on; duties of 1958 

Duty of S. K. of E. and S., in respect to . >.1959 

Pythian Period. 

Date and use of term, defined 1960 

Declared to be the anniversary 1961 

Prove and Charge, 

Terms substituted for "Passed" and "Eaised" 1962 

Phraseology. 
Change in. Prove and Charge substituted 1963 



Should not be charged dues 1964 

Not subject to dues 1965 

Cannot be suspended for non-payment of dues 1966 

If able to write his name may advance 1967 

May receive rank in another Lodge, how 1968 



830 INDEX TO DIGEST. • 

Page — Continued. sec. 

Entitled to Withdrawal-Card, when 1969 

Applying to another Lodge, must have card 1970 

Chargeable with per capita tax to Supreme Lodge, when 1971 

Per Capita tax chargeable for ; local legislation 1972 

Transfer of membership of . 1973 

Rejection of; may renew application, when 1974 

Deposit of card by ; fee required 1975 

Does not forfeit fee for rank, when 1976 

Name may be dropped from roll by majority vote, when 1977 

Subject to charges 1978 

Advancement of barred by objection, when 1979 

May be admitted into Lodge, when 1980 

Rights of, in Lodge meeting 1981 

Must pay the increased fee for ranks, when 1982 

Not entitled to benefits 1983 

May be suspended, when 1984 

Rights of, when failing to make application for ranks 1985 

Is entitled to advancement, even after lapse of years 1986 

Applying to another Lodge for ranks, must have card 1987 

May be permitted to advance notwithstanding disqualifica- 
tion, when 1988 

Membership not affected by rejection as Esquire. Right to 
visit, etc 1989 

Promotion. 
Of officers. Honors retained 1990 

Picnic. 

Wearing regalia at .. . . 1991 

In the name of the Order, Lodge may pay expenses of 1992 

Postal Routes. 

Book of to be procured 1993 

Parade. 

Authority of Supreme Lodge to order, denied ,1994 

Invitations to declined 1995 

Of division of U. R., dispensation unnecessary 1996 

Past Rank. 

Evidence of, when affiliating, necessary 1997 

Principles of the Order. 

Draft for public use authorized 1998 

Adoption of 1999 

Probationary Period. 

Right of Lodge to establish, in respect to benefits 2000 

Member not subject to, on reinstatement, when, 2001 

In respect to reinstated members 2002 

In respect to benefits * 2003 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 831 

Probationary Period— Continued. sec 

Lodges have no right to fix, in respect to funeral benefits, 

when 2004 

Begins only when arrearages are paid in full 2005 

Cannot operate to deprive members of minimum benefits. . .2006 

Member entitled to membership at expiration of 2007 

In respect to benefits ; Lodge cannot declare, when 2008 

In respect to benefits ; Lodge may provide for, when 2009 

Application of the Law, to new members 2010 

Pythian Journals. 
Encouragement of, recommended 2011 

Past Officer. 
Duty of to fill chair 2012 

Presiding Officer. 

Must be an officer of the Lodge, when 2013 

May draw orders in absence of C. O.... 2014 

Public Celebrations. 
Invitations to declined 2015 

Public Display. 

In uniform, improper, when 2016 

In uniform. Dispensation to attend theatre refused 2017 

On horseback, permitted 2018 

Per Capita Tax. 

Pages and Esquires chargeable for, when 2019, 2020 

Not chargeable for Pages and Esquires, when 2021 

Chargeable only, for Knights 2022, 2023 

Right of G. L. to levy on suspended members 2024 

Payable on members in arrears 2025 

Payable on all not suspended 2026, 2027, 2030 

Payable on whom 2028 

Chargeable on delinquent members, when 2029 

Cannot be remitted by a Grand Chancellor 20.31 

Authority of Grand Lodge to levy for building purposes 2032 

Proxy. 

Installation by, disapproved 2033, 2035 

Not allowed 2034 

Public Installation. 

Opening ceremonies of Lodge not to be used at 2036 

Penalties. 

Cannot be inflicted by mere resolution, when 2037 

Point of Order. 

Not debatable, until appeal from ruling on 2038 



832 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Papers. sec. 

Belonging to Lodge; reading of may be demanded, when. . .2039 

Physician. 

Unlawful for Lodge to elect 2040 

For the Lodge ; need not be a member, when 2041 

Paraphernalia. 

May be improvised or manufactured by Lodge, when 2042 

Property. 

Of Subordinate Lodge ; what cannot be sold 2043 

What does not revert to Grand Lodge 2044 

Of Subordinate Lodge; not unlawful to sell, when .2045 

Of defunct Lodge ; members have no right to sell 2046 

Of Subordinate Lodge ; reverts to Grand Lodge 2047 

Prelate. 

Entitled to rank of Past Chancellor, when 2048 

Station of must be filled , 2049 

Stations of must be filled ; duties of cannot be dispensed with.2050 

Parliamentary Law. 

Minority report of committee is no report 2051 

Pecuniary Benefits. 

Term construed; right of member to care during probation. 2052 

Prizes. 
Prizes offered to stimulate increase of membership, disap- 
proved 2053 

Q. 

Questions. 

For decision of Supreme Lodge submitted, how 2054 

Hypothetical ; not answered. , 2055 

Quorum. 

liodge left without by members retiring; effect of 2056 

Presence of, necessary to elect applicant 2057 

Persons constituting, must be members of the Lodge 2058 

R. 

Representatives. 

Not entitled to mileage and expenses, when 2059 

Elected to office, not entitled to mileage for both 2060 

To Supreme Lodge ; certificate of, forwarded, when 2061 

"When not entitled to vote or speak 2062 

Accorded right to speak and vote although Grand Lodge is 

in arrears 2063 

To Grand Lodge, cannot be appointed, when 2064 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 833 

Representation. sec. 

Supreme Lodge may determine when Grand is entitled to. .2065 
Batio of : Construction of Constitution .2066 

Regalia. 

Of Supreme Lodge; in charge of S. K. of R. and S 2067 

Wearing of in public prohibited 2068 

Must be worn by Grand Lodge officers, when 2069 

Must be worn by Subordinate Lodge officers, when 2070 

Of Knight, rights of P. C. when clothed in 2071 , 2072 

Must be worn, when. 2073 

Must be furnished by the Lodge for its P. Cs 2074 

Not necessary in Lodge room, when uniformed 2075 

Of Grand Lodge, cannot be worn in public 2976 

Cannot be worn at funerals 2077 

Ritual. 

Translation of, in all languages, authorized 2078 

Memorizing of; action of Supreme Lodge in respect to 2079 

Lodges may require memorizing 2080 

Memorizing of, requested 2i ) 81 

Price of 2082 

Number of a Lodge is entitled to 2083 

Furnished how 2084 

Exchange of old for new 2085 

Language and instruction of, must be strictly followed 2086 

Duty of Chancellor Commander concerning 2087 

Copying of prohibited 2088 

German revision of 2089 

Revision of; action of Supreme Chancellor approved 2090 

Of Amplified third rank ; adoption of 2091 

Of Amplified third rank ; shall be memorized 2092 

Amplified ; right of Lodge to use 2093 

Ceremonies of must be observed 2094 

Improper to omit any portion of, when 2095 

Of old and new third rank ; optional with Lodge which it will 

use 2096 

C. C, has no authority to change, alter or omit 2097 

Grand Lodge cannot prohibit use of, but Sub. Lodge may. . .2098 
Grand Chancellor not authorized to deprive Lodges of, in 

order to induce memorizing 2099 

Duty of Lodges to adhere to strictly 2100 

Reports. 

Of S. C, and S. K. of R. and S., to be printed 2101 

Of G. C, right of Grand Lodge to mutilate, denied 2102 

Of G. K. of R. and S., Form prescribed 2103 

Of Grand officers; committee on distribution of, may recom- 
mend action 2104 

Of minority of committee. Lodge not bound to act on 2105 

Of division of U. R., must be furnished, when .2106 

53 



834 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Resolutions, sec. 

Presented in Supreme Lodge must be in writing 2107 

Subject matter of to appear in daily journal 2108 

Rules. 
Of Supreme Lodge, as to resolutions 2109 

Rules of Order. 

The rule in respect to papers and documents sent to com- 
mittees to be enforced 2110 

Subordinate Lodges have power to adopt .2111 

Re-election. 

Of Grand Chancellor, effect of 2112, 2113 

Of Chancellor Commander, eligibility of 2114 

Removal. 

Of officers for cause : Eight of S. C. in respect to 2115 

Bight of Grand Lodge to remove officers upheld 2116 

Of Supreme Representative : Right of to a fair trial 2117 

From one Jurisdiction to another does not forfeit rank 2118 

From state does not vacate office 2119 

For absence not permitted, when 2120 

From office : Right of Lodge to provide for 2121 

Of C. C, for absence ; notice necessary, when 2122 

Reinstatement. 

Sub. Lodges may be directed to reinstate members, when... 212$ 

Manner of, after indefinite suspension 2124 

Manner of, local legislation 2125 

Manner of in Lodges under control of Supreme Lodge 2126 

Action of Lodge necessary, when 2127 

"What action necessary to effect 2128 

Application and ballot for, not necessary, when 2129 

Amount of payment necessary 2130 

May occur without ballot, when 2131 

No ballot required for, when 2132 

After definite suspension, no action necessary 2133, 2134, 2135 

No formal application necessary 2136 

Occurs without action, when 2137 

Two-thirds vote necessary to effect, when 2138 

By-Law in force at time of application, fixes amount of pay- 
ment necessary 2139, 2140 

Amountof payment necessary to effect 2141 

Under old Law, amount of payment necessary 2142 

Amount of payment necessary when Lodge fails to suspend 

at end of year 2143, 2144 

What payments requisite 2145 

Amount Lodge may demand on 2146 

Right of Lodge to provide for in By-Laws 2147 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 835 

Reinstatement— Continued. sec. 

Of Subordinate Lodge; may be required to comply with 

terms and conditions 2148 

Dues paid on, returned, when 2149, 2150 

Must occur before card can be granted 2151 

Ballot on cannot be reconsidered; membership begins on 

announcement of ballot 2152, 2169 

Of member over age 2153, 2156 

Legal requirements of, cannot be waived by resolution 2154 

Ballot on : Duty of C. C. in announcement of: Too late to 

reconsider, when 2155 

Of suspended member, must be effected in his own Lodge. . .2157 
After suspension, for refusing to take O. B. N., may be ef- 
fected, how 2158 

Eight of brother to, after consolidation of his Lodge with 

another 2159 

Presence of member not necessary: Dues become charge- 
able, when 2160 

Of member who becomes maimed during suspension 2161 

Of member in Endowment Bank 2162 

Of member in Endowment Bank, over 50 years of age 2163 

Of section of Endowment Bank. . 2164 

In Endowment Bank, cannot be had after expiration of 

card 2165 

Necessary before joining another class in EndowmentBank.2166 

In Division, manner and conditions of 2167 

In Uniform Bank; rule concerning 2168 

Membership dates from, when 2152,2169 

Relief. 

General bureau of, for states 2170 

For Lodges suffering from misfortune 2171 

Furnished to members of the Order, Lodges liable for,when.2172 
Liability of Lodge for, when furnished to its mem- 
bers 2173, 2174, 2175 

Member asking under his shield, must be in possession of 

theS.A. P. W 2176 

May be furnished to a member of a suspended Jurisdiction, 

when 2177 

Lodges may grant to a suspended member, when 2178 

Issue of circulars for, prohibited 2179 

Relief Committee. 

Rules and regulations concerning; matter for local legisla 

tion 2180 

Requests to Grand Lodge concerning 2181 

Subordinate lodge must define duties of 2182 

Duty of in reporting member entitled to benefits 2183 

Report to of sick brother is same as report to Lodge 2184 



836 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Relief Fund. sec. 

Compulsory assessments for, not approved 2185 

Creation of, by Supreme Lodge, refused 2186 

Relief Measures. 

Recommendation of Supreme Chancellor, concerning 2187 

Resignation. 

From the Order; not permitted 2188, 2189 

Of Chancellor Commander during term permitted 2190 

Of Sub. Lodge officers, Lodge has no right to request 2191 

Should be accepted by Lodge, C. C. has no authority to 2192 

May be tendered orally 2193 

Retiring from Lodge. 

Officer or member need not give sign, when 2194 

Right of Chancellor Commander to prevent 2195 

Not permitted, when 2196, 2197 

Rejection. 

What amounts to ; construction of term. 2198 

Of Page or Esquires ; renewal of application 2199 

Of a person, prevents his becoming a charter member, when.2200 

Of applicant : May apply to another Lodge, when 2201 

Of candidate, after election 2202 

For advancement: Notification to sister Lodges unneces- 
sary 2203 

On deposit of card: Law as to making new application 2304 

Of applicant over age : Dispensation: fee to be returned. 2205 

Raffles. 

In the name of the Order, prohibited 2206 

Resolution of Supreme Lodge, concerning intention of .2207 

Rank. 

Term adopted in lieu of "Degrees," 2208 

Rights of members not clothed in regalia of 2209 

In order, not forfeited, when 2210 

Members to be designated by the highest attained 2211 

Ranks. 

Conferred in another Jurisdiction, when 2212 

Conferring of after the lapse of three years 2213 

Conferring on Page after lapse of years 2214 

Conferring of legal, when 2215 

Lodge may refuse to confer, when 2216 

Fees for. Right of Grand Lodge to regulate by resolution, 

notwithstanding Constitution 2217 

Ballot for necessary; what balls will reject 2218 

Special authority to the Grand Lodge of Indiana to author- 
ize the conferring of 2219 

Cannot be conferred without payment of the fee 2220 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 837 

Ranks — Continued. sec. 

Conferring of; no portion of work to be omitted 2221 

Lodges cannot limit time in which Pages and Esquires must 

apply for 2222 

Petition for shall be balloted on 2223 

Applicant may be debarred right to, when .2224 

Conferring of on applicant who had received them before, 

unlawful .2225 

Dispensation necessary to confer, when ... 2226 

Conferred on applicant of sister Lodge without charge,when. 2227 
May be conferred without dispensation on applicant beyond 

limit of age, when 2228 

Must be applied for separately 2229 

Conferred on request by another Lodge. Transfer of mem- 
bership is by card 2230 

Authority of a Lodge to confer restricted, when 2231 

Conferring same on minor legalized 2232 

Authority of Supreme Chancellor to confer at sight ..2233 

Fees for. Applicant shall pay increased amount, when 2234 

Time to elapse between the conferring of. Constitutional 
Law 2235 

Rank Credential. 

Must be presented, when, contents of , 2236 

Rank Tax. 

Lodges chargeable for on charter members 2237 

Chargeable to Lodges under dispensation 2238 

Reconsideration. 

Of ballot; rejecting Esquire cannot be had 2239 

Of ballot may be had 2240 

Of vote granting card cannot be had 2241, 2244 

Of vote electing applicant cannot be had, when 2242 

Of ballot on reinstatement, no Law to authorize '2243 

Renunciation. 

Of the Order. Forfeits benefits, when 2245 

Of the Order. Lodge not liable for benefit in case of 2246 

Residence. 

Eequired of initiates 2247 

Receipts. 

Initiation fee to be reported as, when 2248 

For assessment in Endowment Eank is prima facie evidence 
of payment .2249 

Religion. 

How far may disqualify for membership 2250 

A change of faith in cannot effect a brother's rights, when. .2251 



838 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Roster. sec. 

Signing of, essential, when 2252 

Recess. 

Lodge cannot take, when.... . 2253 

Rising Vote. 

Manner of taking 2254 

Rotation. 
In office. Law concerning 2255 

S. 

Seal. 

Of Supreme Lodge. Adoption of 2256 

Of Supreme Lodge. Copyrighting of 2257 

Of Supreme Chancellor. Adoption of 2258 

Of Grand Lodge, not necessary to authenticate orders of 

Grand Chancellor 2259 

Of Grand and Subordinate Lodges. Purposes of 2260 

Of Subordinate Lodge. Illegal uses of 2261 

Of Lodge. Unlawful use of 2262 

Of Subordinate Lodge. Custodian of; use illegal, when 2263 

Supreme Lodge. 

Plan upon which organized 2264 

Incorporation of , 2265 

Power of, to delegate authority, etc 2266 

Authority of to grant special dispensation 2267 

Has not authority to order parade 2268 

Authority of to legalize legislation in the Jurisdictions 2269 

Admission of new members to, when 2270 

Eight of to be judge of its own membership 2271 

Funds of; duty of S. K. of K. and S. in respect to 2272 

May place its Subordinates temporarily under the jurisdic- 
tion of a Grand Lodge 2273 

Orders of to Subordinate Lodges take precedence over all 
other business 2274 

Supreme Officers. 

Meeting of approved 2275 

Supreme Chancellor. 

Has no authority to issue dispensation to initiate minor 2276 

Expense' of in organizing Grand or Subordinate Lodges. 

How paid 2277 

Duties of in respect to obtaining duplicate, invoice, etc 2278 

Has no authority to issue dispensation, when 2279 

Authority of to permit initiation of maimed persons 2280 

Report of to be printed 2281 

Eight of to remove for cause 2282 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 839 

Supreme Chancellor— Continued. sec. 

Authority of to suspend a Grand Lodge for cause. 2283 

Authority of to extend the Order in foreign lands .2284 

Extending Order into foreign countries ; duty in respect to. .2285 
Authorized to visit England and Germany in the interest of 

the Order : 2286 

Exclusive right of to issue circulars, when 2287 

Has no authority to authorize the conferring of the ranks for 

less than the minimum amount, when 2288 

Duty of in selecting hall for session 2289 

Authorized to issue certificates in lieu of Withdrawal-Cards, 

when 2290 

Supreme Representative. 

Any Past Chancellor eligible to office of, when 2291 

New certificate for ordered 2292 

Koll of to be called 2293 

Office not forfeited, when 2294 

Must be ejected, when 2295 

Appointment of 2296 

Denied admission when not legally elected 2297 

Term of 2298 

Admitted without credential, when 2299 

Jewel for 2300 

Status of on changing from annual to biennial sessions 2301 

Authority of Grand Lodge to declare vacancy in office of de- 
nied, when 2302 

Contesting for Seat 2303 

A G. C, or P. G. C, not eligible to office of, when 2304 

Entitled to a fair trial before seat can be declared vacant. .. .2305 

Must be a member of the Jurisdiction he represents 2306 

Taking Withdrawal-Card does not vacate seat in Supreme 

Lodge, when 2307 

Taking Withdrawal-Card does vacate office instanter 2308 

Eight of to seat in Supreme Lodge 2309 

Suspension of from Subordinate Lodge vacates office. 2310 

S. K. of R. and S. 

Duty of in respect to committees 2311 

Duty of in respect to Eegalia 2312 

Duty of as to supplies furnished 2313 

Duty of in respect to approval of Grand Lodge Constitution. 2314 

Expenses of how paid 2315 

Board of Auditors on accounts of, unconstitutional 2316 

Instructions to relative to Supreme Lodge library 2317 

Shall furnish standing committee with Digest and Journals. 2318 
Shall furnish committee on returns and credentials informa- 
tion 2319 

Duty of in respect to inviting bids for printing 2320 

Shall transmit funds to Supreme Master of Exchequer, when,2321 



840 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

S. K. of R. and S. — Continued. sec. 

To furnish Supreme Chancellor with list of business firms, 

when 2322 

Shall issue permit to members desiring to procure jewel of 

smaller size, when 2323 

Duties of in respect to Grand Lodge Journals 2324 

Shall furnish annual statement of supplies ordered, and re- 
ceived 2325 

Duty of in respect to appeals filed 2326 

Amount and custody of bond of 2327 

Shall procure insurance on Supreme Lodge property 2328 

Supreme Master ot Exchequer. 

Amount, and custody of bond of 2329 

Salary of. Amount, and apportionment of 2330 

Supreme Lecturer. 

Refusal of Supreme Lodge to create 2331 

Supreme Pythian Knighthood. * 

Order of ; 2332 

Order of repudiated 2333 

Suspension. 

Extending time 2334 

Of Subordinate Lodge, Cause of 2335 

Eight and duty of Subordinate Lodges concerning 2336 

Of Subordinate Lodge. May be required to comply with 

prescribed conditions on reinstatement 2337 

Of Subordinate Lodge. Not liable for benefits accrued during.2338 

Of Grand Jurisdiction. Eights of members to relief 2339 

Of a state Grand Lodge. Authority of Supreme Chancellor.2340 

Of members must be twelve months in arrears 2341 

Of members. Status of 2342 

Eight of Lodge over member under 2343 

The effect of: Manner of reinstatement, local legislation 2344 

For non-payment of dues. No vote required 2345 

Brother admitted in good faith cannot be suspended, when. .2346 
There must be evidence to warrant, or appeal will not be 

sustained 2347 

Conditional. Not sanctioned by the Law 2348 

Member under not entitled to admission, when 2349 

Not stayed by charges, when 2350 

Member under may be cited for trial, when 2351 

Indefinitely. Manner of reinstatement .• . 2352 

For cause. Advanced dues not returned in case of 2353 

For definite time does not require ballot for reinstatement. .2354 

For definite period. No action necessary to reinstate 2355 

For definite period is reinstated without action 2356 

For cause. At expiration of term, reinstatement takes place 

without action 2357 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 841 

Suspension — Continued. sec. 

Status of members pending appeal 2358 

Cannot be declared on last meeting in term 2359 

Cannot be declared while member is entitled to benefits — 2360 

Eight of member during 2361 

Brother restored to membership without action, when 2362 

For fines and assessments 2363 

From office, charge will effect, when 2364 

Ballot for, how taken 2365 

May be prevented by payment of portion of arrears 2366 

Should be declared, when 2367 

For non-payment of dues ; what action required .2368 

For non-payment of dues ; declaration of necessary 2369 

Declaration of necessary 2370, 2377, 2380 

Until declaration of dues may be paid 2371 

Until declaration of brother may pay his arrearages 2372 

Declaration of after notification 2373 

Declaration of 2374 

Declaration of a local matter 2375 

Act of declaration essential 2376 

Declaration of, Chancellor Commander has no alternative, 

when 2378 

Declaration of necessary. Construction of law 2379 

A member liable to should be so reported 2381 

Notice to member necessary, when 2382 

Member must be notified of indebtedness before 2383 

For non-payment of dues without vote 2384 

For non-payment of dues of member while sick, not permit 

ted, when .23S5 

For non-payment of dues, cannot occur when brother has 

claim for benefits 2386 

For non-payment of assessments 2387 

Vote on irregular, when 2388 

Sentence of may be reviewed and terminated by the Lodge 

imposing it 2389 

Cannot occur when the Lodge is indebted to the member in 

arrears 2390 

Of members operates as suspension from the Order, when. .2391 

Effect of 2392 

For dues forfeits membership 2393 

Of Subordinate Lodge by D. D. G. C 2394 

Does not effect members rank 2395 

Bights of member under to benefits 2396 

For contempt cannot be effected by mere motion 2397 

Members under may be cited as witnesses, when 2398 

From Subordinate Lodge vacates Grand Lodge office 2399 

Of JPages and Esquires. Power of Lodge in respect to 2400 

Of Pages and Esquires 2401 



842 iindsx to digest. 

Suspension — Continued. sec. 

Member under charges not liable to, nor for dues after act of 

suspension 2402 

Want of criminal intent will not warrant, when 2403 

For non-payment of dues. Requisites of reinstatement 2404 

Members not liable to for non-payment of dues charged in 

advance 2405 

Of members of Endowment Rank holding clearance cards. .2406 

From Lodge, effect of in Endowment Rank 2407 

From Endowment Rank. Declaration of not necessary 2408 

In Endowment Rank occurs on the day expiration of notice of. 2409 

From Lodge severs membership in division 2410 

May be effected by fines and assessments, when 2411 

Suspended Members. 

Status of, in respect to Maryland , 2412 

Not entitled to visit, although having pass word , 2413 

Semi-Annual Pass Word. 

Cannot be communicated by President of Section 2414 

Right of Supreme Chancellor to rescind 2415 

Brother cannot remain in Lodge room without 2416 

Member must be in possession of to sit in Lodge room 2417 

Essential to admission to, or remaining in the Lodge room. .2418 

Possession of essential to gaining admission 2419 

Possession of essential, when 2420 

Cannot be given to member of suspended jurisdiction 2421 

Member entitled to, when 2422 

Chancellor Commander cannot communicate to member 

holding card 2423 

Duty of Master at Arms in respect to 2424 

Should not be given through the wicket 2425 

Can be communicated only through the Chancellor Com- 
mander, when ; authority of Lodge in respect to 2426 

A Chancellor Commander cannot authorize a member to 

communicate 2427 

Cannot be communicated by the M. at A 2428, 2430 

Cannot be communicated by the M. at A. on the order of the 

Chancellor Commander 2429 

Member entitled to order for, when 2431 

Chancellor Commander the only officer authorized to com- 
municate 2432 

A brother under suspension not entitled to, when 2433 

A Chancellor Commander 'can communicate the semi-an- 
nual Pass Word on an order, when 2434 

Order for retained by the Lodge on communication of the 

Pass Word 2435 

Grand Lodge authorized to legislate concerning 2436 

Orders for, how signed and attested 2437 

May be denied to a member, when 2438 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 843 

Semi-Annual Pass Word— Continued. sec. 

Member entitled to, when 2439, 2441 

Order for; member entitled to, when 2440 

Cannot be withheld for non-payment of dues'in advance — 2442 
Member cannot be deprived of for failing to pay dues in ad- 
vance 2443 

Member entitled to without payment of dues in advance 2444 

Member not entitled to, when 2445 

Withheld for arrears, when 2446 

Brother not entitled to, when 2447 

C. 0. may communicate outside of Lodge room 2448 

May be communicated outside of Lodge room, when 2449 

G. C. nor Deputy can communicate, when 2450 

Communicated to Knights only 2451 

Used only in Knights rank 2452 

Brother entitled to, when 2453 

Brother holding card cannot visit without 2454 

Brother holding card entitled to, when 2455 

Sessions. 

Oi the Grand Lodge. Bight of Grand Lodge determine. .2456 

. Oi G. L. Change of to semi-annual, local legislation 2457 

Grand Lodges may change time of annual session without 

affecting term or honors of officers .2458 

Of Supreme Lodge. Leave of absence from obtained, how.. 2459 
Of Supreme Lodge. Place of holding. Duty of Supreme 

Chancellor in respect to 2460 

Semi-Annual Session. 

Of Grand Lodge. "What business may be transacted at, con- 
struction of Constitution .' 2461 

Special Meetings. 

A Subordinate Lodge cannot ballot for applicant at 2462 

A Lodge may hold 2463 

Banks may be conferred at, when 2464 

Application may be received at, when 2465 

May be called to install appointive officers 2466 

Special Tax. 

By a Subordinate Lodge upon its members illegal, when 2467 

Special Committee. 

Payment of expenses of 2468 

Standing Committee. 
To be furnished with Digest and Journal 2469 

Secret Session. 

Lodge cannot resolve itself into, when 2470 

Lodge may exclude visitors from 2471 

Lodge may hold, and may exclude visitors from 2472 



844 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Secret Work. sec. 

Instructions in may be given outside the Lodge room, 

when , , 2473, 2474 

Duty of Lodge to adhere to strictly 2475 

Lodges cannot decide questions relating thereto 2476 

Shall not be incorporated in the By-Laws , . .2477 

Soliciting Membership. 

Should be exercised with caution .2478 

Prohibited 2479 

Offering inducements illegal, when 2480 

Soliciting Votes. 

For positions in Supreme Lodge prohibited 2481 

Supplies. 

To Grand Lodges furnished for cash only 2482 

To be furnished by S. K. of E. and S. Exception in respect to. 2483 

To be furnished through Grand Lodges only 2484 

Jewels are considered as 2485 

Furnished to Ontario at reduced prices 2486 

Right of Grand Lodge to prescribe terms of furnishing 2487 

Must be furnished by the Supreme or Grand Lodges. Para- 
phernalia may be improvised, or manufactured 2488 

Subordinate Lodge. 

Right of to complain to Supreme Lodge recognized 2489 

May be directed to reinstate members, when 2490 

Visiting in body, how admitted 2491 

Not liable for benefits during suspension , 2492 

Should not grant card to Past Chancellor, when 2493 

May make donations, when 2494 

Consolidation of authorized 2495 

Illegal action of. Brother not responsible for 2496 

Brother admitted to membership cannot be expelled, when. 2497 
Failure to meet. Right of Grand Lodge to prescribe the 

number of times which will incur penalty 2498 

Business of must be transacted by an officer in the chair 2499 

Lodges under control of S. L. must meet, when 2500 

Not liable for money advanced to aid a member of another 

Lodge, when 2501 

May elect whom it pleases to office of C. C 2502 

Not restricted to those who served in appointive office 2503 

May be placed temporarily under the jurisdiction of a Grand 

Lodge, when 2504 

Must not be named after living person " 2505 

On reinstatement after suspension for cause, may be required 

to exclude certain members, when 2506 

May be required to comply with conditions on reinstate- 
ment 2507 

May receive applications, and perform work, when 2508 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 845 

Subordinate Lodge — Continued. sec 
Committee of have no authority to pass upon conduct of Su- 
preme Lodge, or its officers 2509 

Cannot change qualification for membership, when 2510 

Name cannot be changed, when 2511 

Has no authority to change its name 2512 

Changing name of. mere resolution not sufficient 2513 

Cannot refuse to obey orders of Grand Chancellor for want 

of Grand Lodge seal attached 2514 

•Cannot sell its paraphernalia 2515 

Keinstated. Duty of issuing cards to old members 2516 

Has no right to refuse members admission to ante-room, 

when 2517 

Disposition of funds of 2518 

May use its funds for any purpose, when 2519 

Cannot hold an adjourned meeting 2520 

May manufacture paraphernalia, but not supplies 2521 

Jurisdiction in respect to applicants 2522 

May prescribe qualification for applicants, when 2523 

When at ease is in charge of C. C. Duty of Inner Guard 2524 

May be declared at ease at other times than after conferring 

ranks 2525 

May instruct ^Representatives, but cannot compel them to 
vote 2526 

Speaking. 

In the Supreme Lodge, when Representative and Past Grand 
Chancellor not allowed the right of 2527 

Seats. 
In Supreme Lodge ; drawing for 2528 

Shield. 

Traveling; adoption of 2529 

Office of; not a visiting card 2530, 2531 

Not essential to gaining admission 2532 

Member holding card not entitled to 2533 

Price of 2534 

Price of, conflict in laws f 2535 

For wives of members in good standing 2536 

Member holding must have semi-annual pass word to be en- 
titled to relief 2537 

Application for and granting of incurs a fee, which may be 
charged up 2538 

Shield Word. 
Abolished 2539 

Sitting Past Chancellor. 

Withdrawalof , right as to rank 2540 

Is an officer of the Lodge 2541 

Authority of Lodge to remove 2642 



846 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Side Degree. sec. 

For ladies deemed inexpedient 2543 

Section. 

Of Endowment Eank. Documents relative to requiring leg- 
islation forwarded to Supreme Lodge, when 2544 

Of Endowment Eank. Manner of reinstatement of 2545 

Schools. 
Establishing of. Local legislation . 2546 

Sir Knight. 

Title of "Sir" should not be used 2547 

Sinking Fund. 

Eight of Grand Lodge to provide for purpose of building 
hall 2548 

South Carolina. 

Extension of Order into. Eefusal of Supreme Lodge to ap- 
propriate funds for 2549 

Suicide. 

Benefits in case of 2550 

Widow of entitled to 2551 

Of wife of a member. Funeral benefits payable 2552 

Sunday. 

Meetings of Lodge held on illegal 2553 

Meetings on illegal 2554 

Demonstration on illegal 2555 

Instituting Lodge on illegal 2556 

Unlawful to initiate members on 2557 

Meeting on for instruction in the secret work improper 2558 

Dispensation will not issue to hold meeting on 2559 

Sickness. 

Eight of Lodge to demand proof of 2560 

Meaning of term in respect to paying arrearages during 2561 

Summons. 
Form and service of 2562 

Seniority. 
How determined 2563 

Scrutiny. 

Past Chancellor cannot preside at, when 2564 

Salary. 

Of Supreme Master of Exchequer. Amount and apportion- 
ment of 2565 

Of officers. Lodge cannot increase or reduce during term. .2566 

Of Subordinate Lodge officers, cannot be reduced during 
term 2567 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 847 

Suits. SEC - 

Brought by Subordinate Lodge. Question as to power, how 
determined 2568 

■ 

T. 

Trustees. 

Exceeding authority of. Liability of Lodge 2569 

Are not considered officers of Lodge 2570 

Not being elective officers, can hold other offices 2571 

Are not officers of the Lodge &c 2572 

May not act as auditing committee, when 2573 

Traveling Cards. 

Kef usal of Supreme Lodge to recognize 2574 

Tactics. 
Adoption of 2575 

Tax. 

Duty of Lodge to levy, to enable it to pay benefits 2576 

Grand Lodge cannot levy on P. C's., when 2577 

Cannot be levied for purposes not connected with the Order.2578 

Levied to pay Lodge physician cannot be enforced 2579 

For relief of widow illegal, when 2580 

Right of Subordinate Lodge to levy 2581 

'Authority of S. L. to authorize G. L., to levy 2582 

Right of G. L. to levy for building purposes, sustained 2583 

Term. 

Of Subordinate Lodge, what constitutes 2584 

Definition of 2585 

Of officers of Subordinate Lodge. Local legislation 2586 

Trial. 

Of Grand Lodge officers; testimony of outside persons ad- 
missible, when 2587, 2588 

Admission of witnesses in not members 2589 

Cannot be re-opened, when 2590 

Change of venue of; law construed 2591 

Apppointment of committee on, where Chancellor Comman- 
der prefers the charges 2592 

Fair and impartial guaranteed to all members, when 2593 

Form of procedure for Grand Lodge officers 2594 

Notice of ; failure to appear ; contempt 2595 

Irregularities in, ground for remanding cause 2596 

Of a suspended member may be had, when 2597, 2598 

Suspended members may be cited as witnesses in, when. 2599, 2600 

Committee on ; right of members to object to 2601 

Grand Lodge officers cannot be subpoenaed on, when 2602 

Notice of to counsel is notice to accused 2603 

Should take place, where 2604 



848 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Trial — Continued. sec. 

Of Grand officers by Subordinate Lodges 2605 

May proceed in absence of accused, when 2606, 2607, 2608 

Duty of member to attend as witness, when 2609 

Counsel for prosecution may charge fee in 2610 

May be reviewed and sentence terminated, when 2611 

Judgment in, may be set aside for irregularities 2612 

Duty of C. C. to declare mode of punishment, when 2613 

For conduct unbecoming a Knight may be had for crime, 

when 2614 

Eight of accused to remain in Lodge pending discussion 

and vote 2615 

Member on card may be cited for, when 2616 

Cannot be had a second time for same offense 2617, 2620 

Right of member to argue the question and propound inter- 
rogatories 2618 

In German Lodge. Bight of accused to counsel who does not . 

speak German 2619 

Pending action on report of committee on, counsel may ar- 
gue case 2621 

Committee on; duties and province of 2622 

Form of procedure in case of a conviction by a court of jus- 
tice 2623 

Mode of determining punishment after 2624 

Two-third vote in. Law construed 2625 

Title. 

Of members must be affixed, when 2626 

Of officers, takes precedence of rank title, when 2627 

Past official, should be used, when 2628 

U. 

Uniform. 

Adoption of 2629 

Declared to be permanent 2630 

Wearing or procuring of not compulsory 2631 

Cannot be worn, when 2632 

G. C. may wear when instituting Lodges 2633 

Lodge may assist members to purchase 2634 

Of council cannot be worn in public 2635 

Cannot be loaned to persons not members 2636 

C. C cannot compel members to wear, when 2637 

Essential before instituting Division 2638 

Of Uniform Eank cannot be worn, when 2639 

Members of the U. R. may wear at their Lodges, when 2640 

Does not entitle members to admittance or recognition 2641 

Uniform Rank. 

Ritual of submitted 2642 

Discharge from ; effect of 2643 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 849 

Uniform Rank — Continued. sec. 

Disposition of properties on disorganization , 2644 

Helmet for;exchange of black fornickle plate recommended. 2645 
Divisions of may draft By-Laws and provide revenue,when.2646 
To organize Division, does not require consent of other Di- 
visions 2647 

Organization of Division illegal, when 2648 

Members of must not wear uniform, when 2649 

Member of must wear insignia of rank, when 2650 

Holding different offices in, at same time prohibited 2651 

Membership in, no restriction as to residence 2652 

Keinstatement in 2653 

Beports and dues must be furnished, when . 2654 

Arrears in deprives member of privileges, when 2655 

Withdrawal from Lodge severs membership in, when 2656 

Past official rank in, not recognized 2657 

Uniforming. 

Lodge has no right to make compulsory 2658 

Unfinished Business. 

Of Supreme Lodge ; Committee on ; Leave to act in vacation.2659 
Minutes must show the matter to be unfinished 2660 

Unwritten Work. 

Designation of, cannot be altered, when 2661 

Duty of Lodges to adhere to strictly 2662 

V. 

Vice Chancellor. 

Eligibility to office of 2663 

May sign orders on M. E., when 2664 

Not eligible to office of Chancellor Commander, when. .2665, 2666 
Cannot be elected to office of Chancellor Commander, when. 2667 

Not eligible to C. C.'s chair during his term 2668 

Not entitled to honors of Chancellor Commander, when 2669 

Must preside, when 2670, 2671 

Cannot assume station of Chancellor Commander, when 2672 

Entitled to rank of Past Chancellor, when 2673 

Is the proper officer to fill the chair of C. C, when 2674 

Vote. 

By Lodges ; term "full vote" defined 2675 

Reconsideration of illegal, when 2676 

Right of members to change before announcement of 2677 

Members neglecting to, legality of 2678 

Rising; manner of taking .2679 

By Lodges ; construction of Constitution 2680 

Blanks east are not votes, and are not to be counted 2681 

54 



850 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Voting. sec. 

Eight of Chancellor to compel, when 2682 

Duty of member in respect to 2683 

Members compelled to exercise right of, when 2684, 2685 

Grand officers' right of 2686 

In Supreme Lodge, [Representatives and P. G. C's. refused 

right of, when 2687 

"Two- third vote ;" meaning of explained 2688 

Of members present. Construction of law 2689 

Member should not disclose manner of, when 2690 

Beasons for cannot be demanded 2691 

Member cannot be called upon to explain his reason for, 

when 2692 

Bights of Chancellor Commander in respect 2693, 2694 

Illegal when member is in arrears 2695 

Members right of cannot be denied, when 2696 

Bight of newly charged Knight in respect to 2697 

Lodge cannot change manner of 2698 

Visitors. 

Objection against, made how 2699 

May be required to exhibit receipt for dues 2700 

Lodge cannot exclude, when 2701 

May be admitted, when 2702 

Examination and introduction of 2703 

Should be examined, when 2704 

Improper to admit, when 2705 

Lodge has no right to pass a resolution discriminating 

against 2706 

Entitled to admission, having the S. A. P. W 2707 

Bights of in respect to speaking 2708 

To G. L. ; admission of without Pass Word improper 2709 

Visiting Lodge. 
Manner of gaining admission by 2710 

Vouching. 
Not allowed in the Order 2711,2912,2713 

Vacancy. 

In Subordinate Lodge office cannot be declared, when 2714 

Mere absence of Chancellor Commander from state does not 

create 2715 

In office of Past Chancellor, how filled 2716 

In office of Chancellor Commander, how filled 2717 

Does not follow removal from state 2718 

In office ; cannot be declared, when 2719, 2720 

In office; right of Chancellor Commander to declare, in 

certain cases 2721 

In office ; effected by suspension 2722 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 851 

W. 

Withdrawal- Card. sec. 

Good until revoked or deposited 2723 

Good until revoked. Declaration of issuance severs connec- 
tion 2724, 2725 

Is not a visiting card 2726 

Deposit of, membership dates from election 2727 

Deposit of, rejection, new application 2728 

Deposit of, requires an application, same as for initiation. .2729 

Lodge cannot refuse to grant, when 2730 

May be retained until paid for 2731 

Member holding may be charged and tried . .2732 

Deposit of, what ballot on required 2733 

Granted without ballot, when 2734 

No vote required in granting 2735, 2736 

Must be signed by holder 2737, 2738 

Applicant for cannot be charged dues, when 2739 

Brother holding not subject to dues 2740 

Is the only method of severing connection with Lodge 2741 

Admission by. Consent of sister Lodge not necessary 2742 

Issued to member of defunct Lodge, when 2743 

For members of defunct Lodges ; form of authorized. 2744 

May be revoked before deposited 2745 

May be withheld until assessments are paid 2746 

Certificate of Past Bank essential, when 2747 

Cannot include, or be issued to more than one member 2748 

Deposit and rejection of. Law as to new application 2749 

Proper for Lodge to charge for 2750 

Bights of member to ; price of 2751 

Price of regulated by the Lodges 2752 

Status of members holding » 2753 

Duplicate may be granted, when 2754 

Deposit of in Lodge issuingit 2755, 2756 

Chancellor Commander may grant, when 2757 

Cannot be granted to members suspended, when 2758 

Cannot be revoked after deposit of 2759 

May be recalled and annulled when granted by mistake 2760 

May be annulled and recalled for cause 2761 

What action necessary to recall 2762 

Cannot be revoked except for cause 2763 

Cannot be recalled by simple motion 2764 

May be revoked and holder disciplined 2765 

Can only be annuled for purposes of trial 2766 

May be granted to member suspended, when 2767 

Condition essential to granting of 2768 

Member entitled to, when 2769 

Granting of severs connection with Lodge 2770 

Taking of from Lodge severs connection with U. B 2771, 2773 

Granting of; effect on membership. .' 2772 



852 INDEX TO DIGEST. 

Withdrawal-Card— Continued. sec. 

Effect of when taken by Grand Lodge officer 2774 

Cannot be granted while charges are pending 2775 

A Grand Lodge or Grand Chancellor cannot issue, when 2776 

Necessary when member desires to join another Lodge 2777 

To be issued to members of defunct Lodges in Louisiana 2778 

Certificate of membership issued in lieu of, when 2779 

Clearance certificate cannot issue in lieu of 2780 

Brother holding cannot lose honors obtained 2781 

Vote granted cannot be reconsidered .2782 

A member holding is not entitled to benefits 2783 

A vote granting cannot be reconsidered 2784, 2787 

A motion granting cannot be reconsidered 2785 

Once granted a motion to rescind is not in order 2786 

Order granting cannot be rescinded, when 2788 

Deposit of, date of membership.. 2789 

Affiliating on ; annulling proceedings 2790 

Duty of reinstated Lodge to issue to old members, when 2791 

Member of defunct Lodge right to on re -organization 2792 

Deposit of in foreign Jurisdiction. Consent to 2793 

How granted 2794 

Member must pay fee for 2795 

Issued by Grand Chancellor to Pages and Esquires, when. .2796 

Officers holding entitled to sit in Supreme Lodge, when 2797 

Holder not eligible to office in Grand Lodge 2798 

Rights of Grand Lodge officers holding; local legislation.. . .2799 
Officers and Representatives of Supreme Lodge taking do 

not vacate office, when , 2800 

Certificate in lieu of; status of brother holding 2801 

Authority of Grand Lodge to compel renewal of 2802 

Holder of cannot plead it in bar of proceedings, when 2803 

Rights of brother holding; in respect to Pass Word 2804 

Rule established as to S. A. P. W 2805 

Should not be granted a Past Chancellor, when 2806 

Rights of Sitting P. C. with 2807 

Rank of holder placed in, authority of G. L. to order 2808 

Shall show rank of holder 2809 

Deposit of by Page, or Esquire, a fee required 2810 

To Pages and Esquires , 2811 

Issued by Grand Lodge to members suspended after consol- 
idation of Subordinate Lodge 2812 

Granted by Supreme officers, when 2813 

Member holding may preserve membership in E. R. for six 
months 2814 

Wyoming. 

Jurisdiction of 2815 

Subordinate Lodges in restored to Grand Lodge of 2816 



INDEX TO DIGEST. 853 

Washington Territory. sec 

Subordinate Lodges in restored to Grand'Lodge of 2817 

Writ of Error. 

From decision of Grand Chancellor's to Supreme Lodge will 
not lie 2818 

May be considered in from without the attestation of the 
Grand Chancellor, when 2819 

Written Work. 
Designation of may be changed, how 2820 

Widow. 

Of deceased member ceases to be such upon re -marrying. 2821 

Widow and Orphan Fund. 
No general law for creating 2822 

Witness. 

Duty of member to attend trial as 2823 

May be cited, although under suspension 2824 

Not a member of the Order may be admitted, when 2825 

Failing to appear, may be punished for contempt 2826 

Y. 

Yeas and Nays. 

Grand Lodge may prescribe how to be taken 2827 




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